Musk xylene

Chemical Properties

Pale Yellow Solid

Occurrence

Has apparently not been reported to occur in nature.

Uses

Musk Xylene is a synthetic nitro musk. Musk Xylene is used in fragrances and soap to mimic natural musk. Studies suggest that formation of Xylene Musk adducts of rainbow trout Hb can be potentially used as biomarker of exposure.

Uses

Musk xylene is used as fragrance and fixative in after shave lotions, performs etc.; musk compound of choice for soap and detergent fragrances; some perfumery uses (soap; Norell; oriental; chypre; herbal).

Preparation

By nitration of the corresponding benzene derivative (Bedoukian, 1967).

Definition

ChEBI: A C-nitro compound that is m-xylene bearing three nitro substituents at positions 2, 4 and 6 as well as a tert-butyl group at position 5.

Application

Musk xylene is used very widely in all types of low-cost and ordinary fragrances for household products, for industrial purposes, inexpensive cosmetic products, etc. and it is very often accompanied by Amylsalicylate and Cournarin, Lavandin oil or Citrus oils, or it is the main fixative in a Pine fragrance, etc.

General Description

Musk xylene is a white to light-colored crystalline solid. Musk xylene is insoluble in water and denser than water. Hence sinks in water. Contact may irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. May be toxic by ingestion. Used to make other chemicals.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

Self-decomposition or self-ignition may be triggered by heat, chemical reaction, friction or impact.

Health Hazard

Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. May produce irritating, toxic and/or corrosive gases. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

Self-decomposition or self-ignition may be triggered by heat, chemical reaction, friction or impact. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May burn violently. Decomposition may be self-accelerating and produce large amounts of gases. Vapors or dust may form explosive mixtures with air.

Safety Profile

Low oral toxicity. A human skin irritant. A flammable solid. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx. See also NITRO COMPOUNDS of AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS.