Benzyl Chloride

Synonyms: α‑Chlorotoluene, (Chloromethyl)benzene CAS‑No: 100‑44‑7 EC‑No: 202‑853‑6 ICSC Card: 0016 UN No: 1738 Molecular Formula: \(\boldsymbol{C_7H_7Cl}\) (\(\boldsymbol{C_6H_5CH_2Cl}\)) Molecular Weight: 126.6

Physical‑Chemical Properties

Benzyl chloride is a colourless liquid with a pungent odour.

• Boiling point: 179 °C
• Melting point: approx. −43 °C
• Relative density (water=1): 1.1
• Water solubility: <0.1 g/100 mL (practically insoluble)
• Vapour pressure (20 °C): 120 Pa
• Vapour density (air=1): 4.4
• Flash point (closed‑cup): 67 °C
• Auto‑ignition temperature: 585 °C
• Explosion limits in air: 1.1‑14.0 % (v/v)

It is combustible. Above 67 °C, explosive vapour‑air mixtures may form. It may polymerize in contact with common metals (except nickel and lead), releasing corrosive hydrogen chloride fumes. It reacts violently with strong oxidants and attacks many metals in the presence of water. Toxic corrosive hydrogen chloride fumes are generated upon combustion.

Hazard & Health Effects

This substance can be absorbed into the human body via inhalation, skin contact and ingestion.

• Inhalation: Causes burning sensation, cough, nausea, headache, shortness of breath and dizziness; pulmonary oedema may occur with delayed onset.
• Skin contact: May be absorbed through skin; causes redness and pain.
• Eye contact: Severe corrosive injury, lacrimation, redness, pain, blurred vision and deep eye burns.
• Ingestion: Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and burning feeling.

Long‑term exposure may damage liver and kidneys. It is suspected human carcinogen and may have reproductive‑development toxicity. It is toxic to aquatic organisms.