Cumene

  • (1-Methylethyl)benzene
  • Methyl ethyl benzene
  • Isopropylbenzene
  • Cumol
Formula C9H12
Structure
Description Colorless liquid with a sharp, penetrating, aromatic odor like gasoline.
Uses Used as a thinner for paints, enamels, and lacquers and as a solvent for fats and resins and as such has been suggested as a replacement for benzene.

Registry Numbers and Inventories.
CAS 98-82-8
EC (EINECS/ELINCS) 202-704-5
EC Index Number 601-024-00-X
EC Class Flammable; Harmful; Irritant; Dangerous for the Environment
EC Risk Phrase R 10 37 51/53 65
EC Safety Phrase S 24 37 61 62
RTECS GR8575000
RTECS class Tumorigen; Mutagen; Human Data; Primary Irritant
UN (DOT) 1918
Merck 13,2644
Beilstein/Gmelin 1236613
Beilstein Reference 4-05-00-00985
RCRA U055
Swiss Giftliste 1 G-1714
Canada DSL/NDSL DSL
US TSCA Listed
Austrailia AICS Listed
New Zealand Listed
Japan ENCS (MITI) Listed
Korea ECL Listed

Odor Threshold Odor threshold 0.012 ppm
Properties.
Formula C9H12
Formula mass 120.20
Melting point, °C -96
Boiling point, °C 151
Vapor pressure, mmHg 3.5 (20 C)
Vapor density (air=1) 4.1
Saturation Concentration 1.32% at 38.3 C
Critical temperature 358
Critical pressure 31.7
Density 0.8624 g/cm3 (20 C)
Solubility in water Insoluble
Viscosity 0.79 cp (20 C)
Surface tension 27.69 g/s2 @ 25 C
Refractive index 1.4914 (20 C)
Dipole moment 0.65 D
Dielectric constant 2.4 (20 C)
Partition coefficient, pKow 3.66
Heat of vaporization 45.1 kJ/mol
Heat of combustion -4513 kJ/mol

Hazards and Protection.
Storage Keep away from heat, sparks, and flame. Keep away from sources of ignition. Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Flammables-area.
WHMIS B2
Handling Use only in a well ventilated area. Ground and bond containers when transferring material. Use spark-proof tools and explosion proof equipment. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Do not breathe dust, vapor, mist, or gas. Empty containers retain product residue, (liquid and/or vapor), and can be dangerous. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid contact with heat, sparks and flame. Do not ingest or inhale. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill, grind, or expose empty containers to heat, sparks or open flames.
Protection Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Use polyvinyl alcohol or fluorocarbon rubber (viton) gloves. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant a respirator's use.
Small spills/leaks Absorb spill with inert material, (e.g., dry sand or earth), then place into a chemical waste container. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Remove all sources of ignition. Use a spark-proof tool. Provide ventilation. A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.
Disposal code 1
Stability Stable under normal temperatures and pressures. Polymerization may occur upon heating.
Incompatibilities Strong oxidizers, nitric acid and sulfur acid. Forms cumene hydroperoxide upon long exposure to air.
Decomposition Carbon monoxide, irritating and toxic fumes and gases, carbon dioxide.

Fire.
Flash Point,°C 31
Autoignition, °C 420
Upper exp. limit, % 6.0
Lower exp. limit, % 0.8
Fire fighting Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may spread fire. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources.
Fire potential HIGHLY FLAMMABLE.
Hazards Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. May polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.
Combustion products Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
NFPA Health 2
  Flammability 3  
  Reactivity 1  

Health.
Exposure limit(s) TLV: 50 ppm; 246 mg/m3 (skin) (ACGIH 1993). OSHA PEL: TWA 50 ppm (245 mg/m3) skin NIOSH REL: TWA 50 ppm (245 mg/m3) skin NIOSH IDLH: 900 ppm LEL
Poison_Class 4
Exposure effects Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. Chronic inhalation may cause effects similar to those of acute inhalation. Repeated exposure may cause damage to the spleen. Prolonged exposure can injure liver, kidneys and lungs. The use of alcoholic beverages enhances the toxic effects.
   Ingestion Aspiration hazard. Causes gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Aspiration of material into the lungs may cause chemical pneumonitis, which may be fatal. May be harmful if swallowed.
   Inhalation Inhalation of high concentrations may cause central nervous system effects characterized by headache, dizziness, unconsciousness and coma. May cause narcotic effects in high concentration. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Causes irritation of the mucous membrane and upper respiratory tract.
   Skin Causes skin irritation. Exposure may cause irritation characterized by redness, dryness, and inflammation.
   Eyes Causes eye irritation. May cause conjunctivitis.

First aid
 
   Ingestion Do NOT induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately.
   Inhalation Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. DO NOT use mouth-to-mouth respiration. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag and a mask.
   Skin Get medical aid. Immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse.
   Eyes Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid.

Transport.
UN number 1918
Response guide 130
Hazard class 3
Packing Group III  
USCG CHRIS Code CUM  
USCG Compatatibility Group 32 Aromatic hydrocarbons
HS Code 2902 70 00  
Std. Transport # 4909211  
IMO Pollution Category A
IMO Hazard code P