Product Name: Cumene
Chemical Name: Isopropylbenzene
CAS Number: 98-82-8
Synonyms: Isopropylbenzene, 2-Phenylpropane
Recommended Use: Intermediate in organic synthesis, primarily in the production of phenol and acetone
Restrictions on Use: Avoid use outside industrial and laboratory applications
Supplier: Contact chemical distributor or manufacturer details as per shipment documents
Emergency Contact: Refer to local regulations or the shipping label for regional toxicology center numbers
UN Number: 1918 (for transport)
GHS Classification: Flammable Liquid (Category 2), Skin Irritant (Category 2), Eye Irritant (Category 2), Acute Toxicity (Inhalation, Category 4), Carcinogenicity (Category 2), Specific Target Organ Toxicity - Single Exposure (Category 3, Narcotic effects)
Label Elements: Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation mark, Health hazard
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor; causes skin and eye irritation; may cause drowsiness or dizziness; harmful if inhaled; suspected of causing cancer
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from sources of ignition; avoid breathing vapors; wear protective gloves and eye/face protection; wash hands after handling
Other Hazards: May accumulate static charge; vapors may cause headache, nausea, and central nervous system depression
Cumene: 99% (by weight), CAS Number 98-82-8
Impurities: May contain aromatic hydrocarbons in trace amounts, including benzene and toluene, less than 1% combined
Stabilizers or Additives: None included in the general composition
Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air. Consult a physician if symptoms persist, such as coughing, difficulty breathing, headache, or drowsiness. Rescue personnel should use self-contained breathing apparatus in confined or poorly ventilated areas.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash affected skin thoroughly with soap and water. If irritation continues, seek medical attention. Wash clothing before reuse.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Seek medical attention for persistent irritation or pain.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth and call a poison center or physician immediately. Aspiration hazard if swallowed; material may enter lungs and cause chemical pneumonitis.
Most Important Symptoms/Effects: Breathing difficulty, dizziness, headache, skin dryness, eye redness, risk of unconsciousness if exposed to large quantities
Note to Physicians: Possible aspiration risk; treat symptomatically and provide supportive care as indicated
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, water spray (not jet)
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Do not use direct water jet, which may spread fire
Specific Hazards: Vapors form explosive mixtures with air; containers can explode if heated; combustion may produce toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and irritating smoke
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Procedures: Cool fire-exposed tanks and containers with water spray; keep unauthorized personnel away; prevent run-off from fire fighting from entering drains or watercourses
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area if necessary; eliminate all ignition sources; provide adequate ventilation; wear suitable protective equipment (respirator, chemical resistant gloves, goggles)
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, waterways, or soil; contain the spill with sand or earth
Methods for Cleanup: Soak up with inert absorbent such as sand or diatomaceous earth; collect residue in non-sparking containers labeled for disposal; ventilate area thoroughly after cleanup; wash spill site with water and detergent
Notification Procedures: Report releases as required by local regulations; inform environmental authorities if the chemical enters water systems
Handling: Ground and bond containers and receiving equipment to prevent static discharge; use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment; avoid breathing vapors, skin or eye contact; wash hands after handling
Technical Protective Measures: Adequate local exhaust ventilation; do not eat, drink, or smoke during use
Storage: Store in tightly closed original containers, in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, oxidizing agents, acids, and foodstuffs; keep away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers
Special Requirements: Keep in labeled containers; prevent unauthorized access
Occupational Exposure Limit: OSHA PEL: 50 ppm (245 mg/m³), ACGIH TLV: 50 ppm (246 mg/m³) as TWA
Engineering Controls: General and local exhaust ventilation to minimize vapor concentrations; use closed systems if possible
Personal Protective Equipment: Splash goggles or face shield, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile recommended), flame-resistant clothing, antistatic footwear
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved air-purifying respirator for organic vapors when ventilation is inadequate; use self-contained breathing apparatus for major spills or confined spaces
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands, forearms, and face thoroughly after handling chemical; do not wear contaminated clothing outside the workplace
Appearance: Colorless liquid with aromatic odor
Odor Threshold: Approximately 0.1 ppm (distinct odor at low concentration)
pH: Not applicable (non-aqueous organic compound)
Melting Point/Range: -96°C
Boiling Point: About 152°C at 1 atmosphere
Flash Point: 31°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: 0.21 (compared to butyl acetate=1)
Flammability: Flammable
Explosive Limits: Lower: 0.9% Upper: 6.5% (by volume in air)
Vapor Pressure: 4 mmHg at 25°C
Vapor Density: 3.7 (air=1)
Relative Density: 0.86 (water=1)
Solubility: Negligible in water; soluble in organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (Log Kow): 3.55
Autoignition Temperature: 464°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not determined
Viscosity: 0.68 mPa·s at 25°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage
Reactivity: May react violently with strong oxidizing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, sparks, static discharge, sunlight, incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents (such as perchlorates, nitrates, peroxides), acids, halogens
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possibly phenolic compounds
Hazardous Polymerization: Does not occur
Acute Toxicity: Oral (rat) LD50: 1400 mg/kg; Dermal (rabbit) LD50: 12300 mg/kg; Inhalation (rat) LC50: 8000 mg/m³, 4 hours
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes moderate skin irritation; prolonged contact may cause redness or dryness
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes eye irritation, redness, discomfort
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Not classified as a sensitizer
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: Not classified as mutagenic based on available data
Carcinogenicity: IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans); NTP: Not listed as a human carcinogen by US NTP
Reproductive Toxicity: Not expected to cause reproductive harm
Specific Target Organ Toxicity: May cause drowsiness, dizziness; high-level exposure can depress the central nervous system
Aspiration Hazard: Aspiration into lungs may cause chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema
Symptoms Related to Exposure: Headache, nausea, dizziness, CNS depression, skin dryness
Ecotoxicity: Fish (bluegill) LC50: 4.8 mg/L/96hr; daphnia EC50: 2.6 mg/L/48hr; algae EC50: 2.6 mg/L/72hr
Persistence & Degradability: Moderately biodegradable in aquatic environments but may persist if released in soil
Bioaccumulative Potential: Bioconcentration factor (BCF): 35–120; potential to bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Limited mobility based on low water solubility; may migrate through soil to groundwater
Ozone Depletion Potential: Not expected to contribute to ozone depletion
Other Adverse Effects: Harmful to aquatic life; spillage can cause long-term effects on aquatic environments
Disposal Methods: Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; incineration in an approved facility preferred over landfill; avoid release to the environment
Container Handling: Completely empty containers before disposal; containers may retain product residue and vapors; follow hazard precautions even when containers appear empty
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose of contaminated packaging as hazardous waste; do not reuse containers for other purposes
Additional Considerations: Prevent product from reaching waterways, drains, or sewers; consult local environmental authorities before disposal
UN Number: 1918
UN Proper Shipping Name: Cumene
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: III
Hazard Labels: Flammable liquid pictogram
Special Precautions: Keep containers upright and tightly closed; prevent shifting during transportation; protect from physical damage and sources of ignition
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Regulatory Transportation Information: Follow applicable regulations for road, rail, air, and sea transport as prescribed by national and international authorities
US Regulations: Listed in TSCA Inventory; subject to SARA Title III Sections 302/313 reporting; regulated under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
EU Regulations: EC Classification: F, Xn, N; Risk Phrases: R10, R37, R51/53, R65, R67; listed in EINECS (202-704-5); subject to REACH regulation requirements
Canada: Listed on DSL inventory, regulated under WHMIS as a flammable, toxic material
Other International Regulations: Subject to chemical safety rules in countries with GHS adoption, including Australia (AICS), Japan (ENCS), South Korea (KECI), and China (IECSC)
Specific Limitations: Workplace and environmental exposure may be subject to state, federal, and international control
