General Description
Colorless liquid with an aromatic odor. Denser than water and poorly soluble in water. Hence sinks in water .
Reactivity Profile
O-CHLOROTOLUENE(95-49-8) may be incompatible with strong oxidizing and reducing agents. Also may be incompatible with amines, nitrides, azo/diazo compounds, alkali metals, and epoxides. Reacts violently with dimethyl sulfoxide .
Air & Water Reactions
Slightly water soluble.
Hazard
Toxic by inhalation. Eye, skin, and upper
respiratory tract irritant.
Health Hazard
Inhalation of vapor may cause respiratory irrtation. Prolonged and repeated vapor exposures may produce systemic toxic effects.
Potential Exposure
o-Chlorotoluene is widely used as a solvent and intermediate in the synthesis of dyes, synthetic rubber; pharmaceuticals; and other organic chemicals. Used as an insecticide, bactericide.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek Medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
Shipping
UN2238 Chlorotoluenes, Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3-Flammable liquid.
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with acids, alkalis, oxidizers, reducing materials; water
Description
2-Chlorotoluene can be mineralized completely by Rhodococcus, strain OCT 10 DSM 45596(T). It is used in the preparation of 3-chloro-4-methylcatechol and 4-chloro-3-methylcatechol. The oxidation of 2-chlorotoluene is very well catalyzed by the enzymes: toluene dioxygenase of P. putida F1 and chlorobenzene dioxygenase from Burkholderia, strain PS12.
Chemical Properties
o-Chlorotoluene is a flammable, colorless liquid with an aromatic odor.
Waste Disposal
In accordance with 40CFR165 recommendations for the disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers. Must be disposed properly by following package label directions or by contacting your local or federal environmental control agency, or by contacting your regional EPA office.
Preparation
The solution of cuprous chloride is cooled in an ice bath 0-5° C temperature. In this cold solution, the 2-methylbenzenediazonium is poured with constant shaking and allowing the mixture to come to room temperature. After about 10 minutes, the mixture gradually warmed with a good shaking.As the temperature rises the brown addition product begins to decompose with the evolution of nitrogen and with the formation of an oily layer of 2-chlorotoluene. When the decomposition reaction is at an end, the mixture is steam distilled, continuing the process only as long as oily droplets are present in the distillate, for the product is not appreciably soluble in water. The layer of 2-chlorotoluene is carefully separated and washed twice with an equal volume of concentrated sulfuric acid, which removes both the 2-cresol and the azo compound. Then 2-chlorotoluene is washed with water in order to remove the inorganic acid. Finally, 2-chlorotoluene is dried over calcium chloride, distilled, using an air condenser and collecting the product boiling at 153-158° C. Pure 2-chlorotoluene boils at 157° C. The yield is 25-30 g.
Experiments in Organic Chemistry, L. F. Fieser, 216, 1941
Highly Selective Oxidative Monochlorination To Synthesize Organic Intermediates: 2-Chlorotoluene, 2-Chloroaniline, 2-Chlorophenol, and 2-Chloro-4-methylphenol
Synthesis Reference(s)
Journal of the American Chemical Society, 101, p. 768, 1979
DOI: 10.1021/ja00497a063Organic Syntheses, Coll. Vol. 1, p. 170, 1941
Flammability and Explosibility
Flammable
storage
Color Code—Red: Flammability Hazard: Store ina flammable liquid storage area or approved cabinet awayfrom ignition sources and corrosive and reactive materials.Prior to working with o-chlorotoluene you should be trainedon its proper handling and storage. Store in tightly closedcontainers in a cool, well-ventilated area. Metal containersinvolving the transfer of this chemical should be groundedand bonded. Drums must be equipped with self-closingvalves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Useonly nonsparking tools and equipment, especially whenopening and closing containers of this chemical. Sources ofignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibitedwhere this chemical is used, handled, or stored in a mannerthat could create a potential fire or explosion hazard.
Purification Methods
Dry 2-chlorotoluene for several days with CaCl2, then distil it from Na using a glass helices-packed column. [Beilstein 5 IV 805.]