Substance profile
1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene
1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinctive, aromatic odor.
01 · Identification
What 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene is
1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinctive, aromatic odor. Its molecular formula is C9H12 and its molecular weight is 120.19 g/mol. It boils at 169 °C, melts at -43.8 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as flammable agents - 2nd degree.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H226 | Flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P264, P271, P273, P280, P302, P304, P305, P312, P313, P332, P337, P338, P352, P391, P403, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 168.89 °C (336 °F) | HSDB | |
| 169.44 °C (337 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 168 °C (334.4 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -43.77 °C (-46.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| -60.56 °C (-77 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -44 °C (-47.2 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.88 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.889 g/cm³ | CAMEO | ||
| 0.8758 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Miscible with ethanol, benzene, ethyl ether, acetone, carbon tetrachloride, petroleum ether | HSDB | |
| 0.006% | NIOSH | ||
| In water, 57 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 4.9 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 2.1 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 1 mmHg | at 13.33 °C | NIOSH | |
| Flash point | 44.44 °C (112 °F) | HSDB | |
| 43.89 °C (111 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 500 °C (932 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 0.9 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 6.4 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 4.15 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 4.1 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 376.13 °C (709 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene
Storage conditions
STORAGE TANKS SHOULD BE MOUNDED TO CONFINE ESCAPING LIQUID & ESCAPE FROM PROCESS VESSELS SHOULD BE CONTROLLED IN SIMILAR MANNER BY SILLS @ DOORWAYS, DESIGN OF FLOORS, ETC. /TRIMETHYLBENZENES/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Oxidizers (perchlorates, peroxides, permanganates, chlorates, nitrates), strong oxidizers (chlorine, bromine, fluorine), and nitric acid. /Trimethyl benzenes/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
1,2,4-TRIMETHYLBENZENE is incompatible with the following: Oxidizers, nitric acid (NIOSH, 2024).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene in the storage compatibility matrix →