Todd DunningMAUnited States
Optical Materials for Laser SystemsPublished
Dec 24, 2025
Toluene (C₇H₈)
Chemical Properties
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
108-88-3
Formula
C₇H₈
Molecular Weight
92.14 g/mol
Exposure Limits Comparison
OSHA PEL
200 ppm
NIOSH REL
100 ppm
ACGIH TLV
20 ppm
Health Effects
Neurological Effects
Yes
Liver Damage
Yes
Kidney Damage
Yes
Narcotic Effects
Yes
Hearing Loss
Yes
Toluene (C₇H₈) safety information
Comprehensive safety and handling requirements
Detection Monitoring
- Photoionization detector (PID)
- Flame ionization detector (FID)
- Infrared
- Dräger Toluene 5/a
- Gastec 122
- Kitagawa 118
| Sensor Types | ||||||||||
| Detection Range | 0-500 ppm typical | |||||||||
| Alarm Setpoints |
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| Colorimetric Tubes | ||||||||||
| Analytical Methods |
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| Odor Threshold | 0.16-40 ppm - provides early warning but wide range. Olfactory adaptation occurs. |
Environmental Impact
| Aquatic Toxicity | Toxic to aquatic life. LC50 (fish, 96h): 5.5-40 mg/L depending on species. | ||||
| Biodegradability | Readily biodegradable (>60% in 28 days). | ||||
| Bioaccumulation | Moderate bioaccumulation potential. BCF: 13-90. Log Kow: 2.69. | ||||
| Soil Mobility | Moderate to high mobility. Volatilizes from soil surface. Adsorbs to organic matter. | ||||
| Atmospheric Fate | Photolyzes via hydroxyl radicals. Atmospheric half-life: 13 hours to 3 days. Contributes to ozone formation. | ||||
| Ozone Depletion | false | ||||
| Reportable Releases |
|
Ppe Requirements
| Respiratory | Organic vapor respirator for <50 ppm. SCBA for >50 ppm or unknown concentrations. |
| Eye Protection | Chemical safety goggles, face shield for splash hazard. |
| Skin Protection | Nitrile or butyl rubber gloves. Chemical-resistant clothing. Toluene absorbs through skin. |
Reactivity
- Strong oxidizers
- Nitric acid
- Sulfuric acid
- Chromic acid
- Halogens (chlorine, fluorine)
- Perchloric acid
- Aluminum chloride
- Carbon monoxide
- Carbon dioxide
- Toxic fumes
- Irritating vapors
- Heat
- Ignition sources
- Sparks
- Flames
- Strong oxidizers
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions. |
| Polymerization | Will not polymerize |
| Incompatible Materials | |
| Hazardous Decomposition | |
| Conditions To Avoid | |
| Reactivity Hazard | Reacts violently with strong oxidizers. May react explosively with dinitrogen tetroxide. Attacks some plastics, rubber, and coatings. |
Regulatory Classification
- Flammability
- Acute toxicity
- Neurotoxicity
- Reproductive toxicity
- Aquatic toxicity
| Un Number | UN1294 | ||||||
| Dot Hazard Class | 3 (Flammable liquid) | ||||||
| Dot Label | Flammable Liquid | ||||||
| Nfpa Codes |
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| Epa Hazard Categories | |||||||
| Sara Title Iii | true | ||||||
| Cercla Rq | 1000 pounds (454 kg) | ||||||
| Rcra Code | U220 |
Storage Requirements
- Strong oxidizers
- Nitric acid
- Sulfuric acid
- Chromic acid
- Halogens
| Temperature Range | Store below 25°C. Keep away from heat. |
| Ventilation | Local exhaust ventilation. Mechanical ventilation for large quantities. |
| Incompatibilities | |
| Container Material | Stainless steel or aluminum. Attacks some plastics and rubber. |
| Segregation | Separate from oxidizers by 20 feet. Flammable liquid storage cabinet. |
| Quantity Limits | Follow NFPA 30. Minimize quantities in work areas. |
| Special Requirements | Post "FLAMMABLE LIQUID" signs. Secondary containment. Bonding and grounding for transfers. Emergency eyewash/shower within 25 feet. |
Produced From Contaminants
Produced From Materials
Exposure Limits
Regulatory exposure thresholds and safe concentration levels
- Osha Pel Ppm
- 200
- Osha Pel Mg M3
- 754
- Niosh Rel Ppm
- 100
- Niosh Rel Mg M3
- 375
- Acgih Tlv Ppm
- 20
- Acgih Tlv Mg M3
- 75
- Workplace Exposure
- Osha Peltwa_8hr: 200 ppm (750 mg/m³)stel_15min: 300 ppm (1130 mg/m³)ceiling: 500 ppm (peak)Niosh Reltwa_8hr: 100 ppm (375 mg/m³)stel_15min: 150 ppm (560 mg/m³)ceiling: nullidlh: 500 ppmAcgih Tlvtwa_8hr: 20 ppmstel_15min: nullceiling: nullBiological Exposure Indices0: [object Object]1: [object Object]2: [object Object]
Physical Properties
Physical characteristics and state information
- Boiling Point
- 110.6°C (231°F)
- Melting Point
- -95°C (-139°F)
- Vapor Pressure
- 22 mmHg @ 20°C
- Vapor Density
- 3.1 (Air=1)
- Specific Gravity
- 0.867
- Flash Point
- 4°C (39°F) closed cup
- Autoignition Temp
- 480°C (896°F)
- Explosive Limits
- LEL: 1.1%, UEL: 7.1%
- Appearance
- Colorless liquid
- Odor
- Sweet, pungent, benzene-like odor @ 0.16-40 ppm
Reactivity
Chemical reactivity and compatibility with other substances
- Stability
- Stable under normal conditions.
- Polymerization
- Will not polymerize
- Incompatible Materials
- Strong oxidizers
- Nitric acid
- Sulfuric acid
- Chromic acid
- Halogens (chlorine, fluorine)
- Perchloric acid
- Aluminum chloride
- Hazardous Decomposition
- Carbon monoxide
- Carbon dioxide
- Toxic fumes
- Irritating vapors
- Conditions To Avoid
- Heat
- Ignition sources
- Sparks
- Flames
- Strong oxidizers
- Reactivity Hazard
- Reacts violently with strong oxidizers. May react explosively with dinitrogen tetroxide. Attacks some plastics, rubber, and coatings.
Synonyms & Identifiers
Alternative names and chemical identifiers (CAS numbers)
- Synonyms
- Methyl benzene
- Toluol
- Phenylmethane
- Methylbenzene
- Common Trade Names
- Other Identifiers
- Rtecs NumberXS5250000Ec Number203-625-9Pubchem Cid1140
