Chemical Properties
Vinyl toluene is a colorless liquid. Strong disagreeable
odor. It consists of mixed meta-and para-isomers.
The odor threshold is 50 ppm.
Chemical Properties
Colourless liquid with a strong and unpleasant odour. Very slightly soluble in water; soluble in methanol, ether. Combustible.
Uses
Solvent, intermediate.
Uses
Vinyltoluene Monomer (m- and p- mixture) (stabilized with TBC) can be used to treat inflammation.
Uses
As a reactive monomer in the production
of polymers and coatings.
General Description
A clear colorless liquid with an aromatic odor. Flash point 130°F. Density 7.5 lb /gal. Insoluble in water. May polymerize exothermically if heated or contaminated. If polymerization takes place inside a container, the container may rupture violently. Inhibitor is usually tert-butyl catechol. Vapors heavier than air. Used as a solvent and to make other chemicals.
Air & Water Reactions
Flammable. Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
METHYLSTYRENE polymerizes readily and exothermically [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 961].
Health Hazard
LIQUID: Irritating to skin and eyes. Harmful if swallowed.
Flammability and Explosibility
Not classified
Chemical Reactivity
Reactivity with Water No reaction; Reactivity with Common Materials: No reactions; Stability During Transport: Stable; Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Not pertinent; Polymerization: Slow at ordinary temperatures but when hot may rupture container. Also polymerized by metal salts such as those of iron or aluminum; Inhibitor of Polymerization: Tertiary Butylcatechol (typically 10 to 50 ppm).
Safety Profile
Moderately toxic by
ingestion and inhalation. An experimental
teratogen. Human systemic effects by
inhalation: eye and olfactory effects.
Experimental reproductive effects. Mutation
data reported. A skin and eye irritant.
Flammable when exposed to heat or flame;
can react vigorously with oxidrzing
materials. When heated to decomposition it
emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Potential Exposure
(mixed isomers): Vinyl toluene is
used in copolymers and as specialty monomer for paint,
varnish, and polyester preparations; as a solvent and an
organic intermediate.
Carcinogenicity
The IARC has determined that there is
evidence suggesting the lack of carcinogenicity of vinyltoluene in experimental animals and
inadequate evidence in humans.
Shipping
UN2618 Vinyltoluenes, stabilized, Hazard Class:
3; Labels: 3-Flammable liquid.
Incompatibilities
Vapors may form explosive mixture
with air. Violent reaction with oxidizers (chlorates,
nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine,
bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or
explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong
bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides, catalysts for vinyl
polymerization, such as peroxides, strong acids; iron or
aluminum salts. Usually inhibited with tert-butylcatechol
to prevent polymerization.
Toxics Screening Level
The Initial Threshold Screening Level (ITSL) for methylstyrene (also known as vinyl toluene) is 5 μg/m3 with annual averaging time.
Waste Disposal
Dissolve or mix the material
with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator
equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. All federal,
state, and local environmental regulations must be
observed.
