METHYLSTYRENE

Chemical properties

Colourless liquid with a strong and unpleasant odour. Very slightly soluble in water; soluble in methanol, ether. Combustible.

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.

The Uses of METHYLSTYRENE

Solvent, intermediate.

The Uses of METHYLSTYRENE

As a reactive monomer in the production of polymers and coatings.

The Uses of METHYLSTYRENE

Vinyltoluene Monomer (m- and p- mixture) (stabilized with TBC) can be used to treat inflammation.

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.

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.