Substance profile
α,α-dichlorotoluene
α,α-dichlorotoluene is a colorless oily liquid with a pungent odor.
01 · Identification
What α,α-dichlorotoluene is
α,α-dichlorotoluene is a colorless oily liquid with a pungent odor. Its molecular formula is C7H6Cl2 and its molecular weight is 161.03 g/mol. It boils at 205 °C, melts at -16.4 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as carcinogens.
Other names for α,α-dichlorotoluene
- benzylidene chloride
- benzal chloride
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 |
|---|---|
| H351 | Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H318 | Causes serious eye damage. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P260, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301, P302, P304, P305, P308, P310, P312, P313, P330, P332, P338, P352
03 · Physical and chemical properties
α,α-dichlorotoluene 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 | 205 °C (401 °F) | HSDB | |
| 205 °C (401 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -16.4 °C (2.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| -17 °C (1.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 1.26 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| Solubility | INSOL IN WATER | HSDB | |
| SOL IN DILUTE ALKALI | HSDB | ||
| > 10% in ethanol | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0.75 mmHg | at 31 °C | DOE PAC |
| 1 mmHg | at 35.4 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 92.22 °C (198 °F) | CAMEO | |
| 93 °C (199.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 525 °C (977 °F) | ICSC | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.1 % by volume | ICSC | |
| This material may burn but will not ignite easily. (EPA, 1998) | CAMEO | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 11 % by volume | ICSC | |
| This material may burn but will not ignite easily. (EPA, 1998) | CAMEO | ||
| Vapor density | 5.6 (air = 1) | technical grade | CAMEO |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling α,α-dichlorotoluene
Incompatible materials
... REACTS WITH WATER TO RELEASE HYDROCHLORIC ACID.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
BENZYLIDENE CHLORIDE is incompatible with strong oxidizers and strong bases. It readily hydrolyzes under acid or alkaline conditions. It reacts with metals (except nickel and lead). (NTP, 1992).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check α,α-dichlorotoluene in the storage compatibility matrix →