Page 55 - Handbook of Hazardous Chemical Properties

BENZYLCHLORIDE 45
solution; Polymerization: Polymerizes with evolution of heat and hydrogen bromide when in presence
with all common metals except nickel and lead; Inhibitor ofPolymerization: None.
BENZYL CHLORIDE
Chemical Designations - Synonyms: alpha-Chlorotoluene; omega-Chlorotoluene; Chlorotoluene, alpha;
Chemical Formula: C&I5CH2Cl.
Observable Characteristics - Physical State (as nonnally shipped): Liquid; Color: Colorless to pale
yellow; Odor: Pungent, irritating.
Physical and Chemical Properties - Physical State at I5 'C and I atm. : Liquid; Molecular Weight:
126.6; Boiling Point at I arm.: 354.9, 179.4, 452.6; Freezing Point: -38.6, -39.2, 234.0; Critical
Temperature: 772, 411, 684; Critical Pressure: 567, 38.5, 3.91; SpecGc Gravity: 1.10 at 25°C
(liquid); Vqor (Gas) Density: 4.36; Ratio of Specific Heats of Vapor (Gas): 1.0689; Latent Heat of
Vaporization: 130, 70, 2.9; Heat of Combustion: -12,000, -6,700, -280; Heat ofDecomposition: Not
pertinent.
Health Hazards Information - Recommended Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical safety goggles
or face shield, self-contained breathing apparatus, positive-pressure hose mask, industrial canister-type
gas mask, or chemical cartridge respirator; rubber gloves, protective clothing; Symptoms Following
Exposure: Inhalation causes severe irritation of upper respiratory tract with coughing, burning of the
throat, headache, dizziness, and weakness; lung damage and pulmonary edema may occur after severe
exposure; chronic irritation of the upper respiratory tract may occur after prolonged and repeated
exposure to vapors. Immediate and severe eye irritation may result from contact with the liquid or
vapor; prolonged or permanent eye damage may result. Vapors irritate skin and liquid may cause severe
burns. Ingestion may cause immediate and severe burns of the mouth and throat, and gastrointestinal
tract; nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea may follow; gastrointestinal damage and systemic effects
may result; General Treatment for Exposure: INHALATION: remove victim from contaminated atmo-
sphere; if breathing has ceased, start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; oxygen, if available, should be
administered only by an experienced person when authorized by a physician; keep patient warm and
comfortable; call a physician immediately. EYES: immediately flush with large quantities of running
water for a minimum of 15 min; hold eyelids apart during irrigation to ensure flushing of the entire
surface of the eye and lids with water; do not attempt to neutralize with chemical agents; obtain medical
attention as soon as possible; oils or ointments should not be used unless directed by a physician;
continue irrigation for an additional 15 min, if physician is not available. SKIN: immediately flush
affected area with water; remove contaminated clothing under shower, continue washing with water,
do not attempt to neutralize with chemical agents; obtain medical attention if irritation persists.
INGESTION: give large amounts of water; do not induce vomiting; Toxicity by Inhalation (Threshold
Limit Value): 1 ppm; Short-Tern Exposure Limits: Data not available; Toxicity by Ingestion: Grade 2;
oral rat LD5,= 1,231 mg/kg; Late Toxicity: Data not available; Vqor (Gas) Irritant Characteristics:
Vapors cause severe irritation of eyes and throat and cause eye and lung injury. They cannot be
tolerated even at low concentrations; Liquid or Solid Irritant Characteristics: Severe skin irritant.
Causes second- and third-degree burns on short contact and is very injurious to the eyes; Odor
Threshold: 0.047 ppm.
Fire Hazards - Flash Point (deg. F): 165 OC, 140 CC; Flammable Limits in Air ( W): 1.1 (LEL); Fire
Extinguishing Agents: Water, dry chemical, foam, and carbon dioxide; Fire Extinguishing Agents Not
To Be Used Not pertinent; Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Irritating hydrogen chloride gas
forms; Behavior in Fire: Forms vapor that is a powerful tear gas; Ignition Temperature (deg. F): 1,161 ;
Electrical Hazard: No data; Buming Rate: 4.2 mmlmin.
Chemical Reactivity - Reactivity with Water: Undergoes slow hydrolysis, liberating hydrogen chloride
(hydrochloric acid); Reactivity with Common Materials: Decomposes rapidly in the presence of all
common metals (with the exception of nickel and lead), liberating heat and hydrogen chloride; Stabiliry
During Transport: Stable; Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Rinse with sodium bicarbonate
or lime solution; Polymerization: Polymerizes with evolution of heat and hydrogen chloride when in
contact with all common metals except nickel and lead; Inhibitor of Polymerization: Triethylamine,
propylene oxide or sodium carbonate.