Substance profile
α,α,α-trichlorotoluene
α,α,α-trichlorotoluene is a clear, colorless to yellowish liquid with a PENETRATING odor.
01 · Identification
What α,α,α-trichlorotoluene is
α,α,α-trichlorotoluene is a clear, colorless to yellowish liquid with a PENETRATING odor. Its molecular formula is C7H5Cl3 and its molecular weight is 195.5 g/mol. It boils at 221 °C, melts at -5 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Other names for α,α,α-trichlorotoluene
- benzotrichloride
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 |
|---|---|
| H350 | May cause 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,α-trichlorotoluene 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 | 220.8 °C (429.4 °F) | at 760 mmHg | HSDB |
| 220.78 °C (429.4 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 221 °C (429.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | -5 °C (23 °F) | HSDB | |
| Density | 1.4 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 1.3756 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | ... Soluble in ... diethyl ether ... . | HSDB | |
| Solubility in water: reaction | ICSC | ||
| Decomposes (NTP, 1992) | decomposes | CAMEO | |
| Vapor pressure | 10 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 0.15 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| 0.4137 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 126.67 °C (260 °F) | HSDB | |
| 108 °C (226.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 211.11 °C (412 °F) | HSDB | |
| 211 °C (411.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Vapor density | 6.77 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 6.8 (air = 1) | ICSC |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling α,α,α-trichlorotoluene
Storage conditions
Keep containers closed. Store in dry, cool, dark place.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Dangerous; ... on contact with acids or acid fumes, they evolve highly toxic chloride fumes. /Chlorides/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
BENZOTRICHLORIDE hydrolyzes in the presence of moisture. It reacts with water, lime, ammonia, strong alkalis, organic amines, chlorates and acids. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check α,α,α-trichlorotoluene in the storage compatibility matrix →