Chemical Name: Mesitaldehyde
Common Names: 2,4,6-Trimethylbenzaldehyde
Chemical Formula: C10H12O
Molecular Weight: 148.21 g/mol
Appearance: Pale yellow to colorless liquid
Odor: Aromatic, aldehydic
Relevant Uses: Specialty chemicals, fragrance synthesis, organic synthesis
CAS Number: 487-68-3
GHS Classification: Eye irritant, skin irritant
Hazard Class: Irritant to mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract
Label Elements: Warning, exclamation mark
Main Risks: Eye and skin contact may lead to irritation; inhalation of vapors could produce respiratory discomfort
Symptoms: Redness, watering of eyes, burning sensation on skin, coughing if vapors are inhaled
Chemical Identity: Mesitaldehyde (2,4,6-Trimethylbenzaldehyde)
Purity: Usually above 98% for lab and industrial use
Inhalation: Move to fresh air right away if vapors get in the nose; try to relax breathing and seek a healthcare provider if coughing or irritation lingers
Skin Contact: Wash the affected area well with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of fresh, gently running water for at least ten minutes; check for ongoing pain or redness and get medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with clean water; do not induce vomiting; immediate medical assessment can be important
Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide for small fires; use water spray with caution
Specific Dangers: Combustible liquid—burns producing toxic vapors such as carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide
Advice for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear; keep containers cool using water spray
Special Hazards: Vapors can travel and ignite at a distance; closed containers could rupture if exposed to heat for extended periods
Personal Protection: Use gloves, goggles, and appropriate respiratory gear
Spill Response: Ventilate surrounding area; avoid breathing vapor and prevent skin or eye contact
Cleaning Up: Use absorbent material like earth, sand, or vermiculite; collect in sealed, labeled containers for proper disposal
Environmental Precaution: Prevent entry into drains or waterways; even small spills present local hazard if not handled promptly
Safe Handling: Work with good ventilation; reduce risk of spills and avoid direct contact
Storage Recommendations: Keep in tightly sealed containers stored in a cool, well-ventilated place; avoid sources of heat or ignition
General Hygiene: Wash hands well before breaks and after handling; keep containers away from incompatible substances
Engineering Controls: Use chemical fume hoods or local exhaust in small spaces
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses or goggles, lab coat
Respiratory Protection: Wear a mask with organic vapor cartridge if ventilation falls short
Monitoring: No established occupational exposure limits; use good judgment to keep vapor and skin contact as low as practical
State: Liquid
Color: Colorless to pale yellow
Boiling Point: Near 235°C
Melting Point: Close to 45°C
Flash Point: Shifts near 110°C (closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Solubility in Water: Poor, mixes better with organic solvents
Density: Near 1.0 g/cm³ at room temperature
Odor Threshold: Aromatic; not especially strong unless concentrated
Chemical Stability: Usually stable under normal ambient and storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Open flames, high heat, strong oxidizers
Hazardous Reactions: Can react strongly with oxidizing agents; may form peroxides if left exposed to air for long stretches
Decomposition Products: Produces carbon oxides during incomplete combustion
Acute Toxicity: Data on lethal doses in animals remains limited but shows mild to moderate irritation
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Short-Term Exposure: Eye and skin irritation, headache or drowsiness if inhaled in confined spaces
Long-Term Exposure: No data suggests carcinogenicity or reproductive toxicity, but data remains limited
Sensitization: Little evidence for skin sensitization, though personal sensitivity can vary
Aquatic Toxicity: Mesitaldehyde poses a moderate hazard to aquatic organisms; even small releases enter waterways and can harm fish or daphnia
Environmental Persistence: Not rapidly biodegradable; may persist in soil or water if released in significant quantity
Bioaccumulation: Data not conclusive; avoid unnecessary environmental release
Mobility: Low solubility limits movement in groundwater, but spills on soil can linger
Disposal Methods: Send waste to authorized chemical disposal facility
Do Not Dispose: Do not pour down the drain or into the environment
Container Handling: Empty drums and containers demand the same caution as full ones; rinse and triple-wash before recycling or discarding according to local laws
UN Number: Not typically classified with a UN number for small scale transport, but larger volumes need careful review
Proper Shipping Name: Consign as “Combustible liquid, n.o.s. (Mesitaldehyde)” for most jurisdictions
Packing Group: May fall under Packing Group III for moderate hazard
Transport Hazards: Combustible liquid; secure containers to prevent leak or accidental breakage; keep away from food and feedstuffs during transport
Global Classification: Not included in the main hazardous substance lists in many regions yet falls under general chemical safety regulation
US EPA: No specific listing under the Toxic Substances Control Act
EU REACH: Not labeled as a substance of very high concern, still needs handling under chemical safety rules
DOT/IMDG/IATA: Standards for flammable liquid transport apply for larger shipments; always follow the most current national or international rules
Workplace Safety: General hazard communication standards apply; clear training and safety documentation required wherever stored or used
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