Chemical Properties
Liquid. Insoluble in water.
Uses
As a raw material in chemical syntheses;
as ultraviolet stabilizers in plastics; found
in solvents and as a constituent of gasoline.
Uses
Raw material for chemical synthesis.
Definition
ChEBI: 1,2,3-trimethylbenzene is a trimethylbenzene carrying methyl groups at positions 1, 2 and 3. It has been found in Centaurium erythraea. It has a role as a neurotoxin and a plant metabolite.
Hazard
Central nervous system impairment,
asthma and hematologic effects.
Health Hazard
Trimethyl benzene is an eye,
nose, and respiratory irritant; at high concentrations it causes central nervous system
depression.
Safety Profile
Mildly toxic by
ingestion. A skin and eye irritant. Flammable
when exposed to heat, flame, and oxidizers.
When heated to decomposition it emits
acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See also
individual trimethyl benzene isomers.
Toxics Screening Level
The acute initial threshold screening level (ITSL) for all trimethylbenzene (TMB) isomers
combined is 1200 μg/m3 with 8-hr averaging time. The chronic ITSL for all TMB isomers
combined is 185 μg/m3 with annual averaging time.
