Benzyl chloride
Agent Name
Benzyl chloride
CAS Number
100-44-7
Formula
C7-H7-Cl
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
Benzene, (chloromethyl)-; Benzile (cloruro di) [Italian]; Benzyl chloride; Benzylchlorid [German]; Benzylchloride; Benzyle (chlorure de) [French]; Chloromethylbenzene; Chlorophenylmethane; Chlorure de benzyle [French]; Toluene, alpha-chloro-; Tolyl chloride; alpha-Chlorotoluene; alpha-Chlortoluol [German; [ChemIDplus] UN1738
Category
Halogenated Monoaromatics
Description
Colorless to slightly yellow liquid with a pungent, aromatic odor; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used in the manufacture of dyes, plasticizers, lubricants, pharmaceuticals, and other organic chemicals; [ACGIH]
Comments
A mucous membrane and respiratory irritant; [ACGIH] A lachrymator; [CHEMINFO] Corrosive to the eyes; Irritating to the respiratory tract and may cause pulmonary edema; May damage the liver and kidneys and cause CNS depression; [ICSC]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
1 ppm
PEL (OSHA)
1 ppm
IDLH (NIOSH)
10 ppm
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
Human data: It has been reported that an exposure to 16 ppm for 1 minute is intolerable [Flury and Zernik 1931]. It has also been reported that 10 to 19 ppm immediately causes weeping and twitching of the eyelids [ILO 1971].
Vapor Pressure
1.23 mm Hg
Odor Threshold Low
0.04 ppm
Odor Threshold High
0.04 ppm
RD50
17 ppm
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 150 ppm/2H
Explanatory Notes
Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 0.041 ppm); Flash point = 153 deg F; VP from HSDB;
Half Life
Whole body (animal studies): 2-3 days; [TDR, p. 177]
NFPA
high ambient temp required
ERPG-1
1 ppm
ERPG-2
10 ppm
ERPG-3
50 ppm
Adverse Effects
Lachrymator
Yes
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Neurotoxin
Other CNS neurotoxin
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
IARC Carcinogen
Probable (2a)
ACGIH Carcinogen
Confirmed Animal
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.