Educational content for trained professionals. Not a Safety Data Sheet, not medical advice. In an emergency, call your local poison control or emergency services immediately. Terms of use.
Toluene
Also known as: toluene · methylbenzene · toluol · 108-88-3
- CAS No.
- 108-88-3
- Formula
- C7H8
- Molar mass
- 92.14 g/mol
- PubChem CID
- 1140
Flammable
Harmful / Irritant
Health hazard
Summary
Toluene (C7H8), CAS 108-88-3. Common in labs and industry. Read on for hazards, storage, PPE and mixing rules.
Background
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Physical properties
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Hazards
Ignites easily when exposed to a flame or spark.
May cause skin, eye or respiratory irritation.
Serious long-term health effects (CMR, respiratory sensitizer).
Hazard statements
- H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]
- H304: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Danger Aspiration hazard]
- H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]
- H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure
- H361d
- H373
- H412
- H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]
- H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]
- H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure
- H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]
- H362: May cause harm to breast-fed children [Reproductive toxicity, effects on or via lactation]
- H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]
- H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]
- H401: Toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]
Storage
Keep at room temperature, below 30 °C, out of direct heat.
Store somewhere well-ventilated and away from any ignition source.
Metal drums or tinted glass, tightly sealed.
Strong acids, strong bases and powerful oxidizers.
Personal protective equipment
Nitrile or butyl, at least 0.4 mm thick.
Safety goggles with side shields.
A2 organic-vapor cartridge if the room isn't well ventilated.
Occupational exposure limits (HSE)
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EU harmonised classification (ECHA C&L)
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Transport
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FDA recalls & enforcement
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Compatibilities
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Open comparator with ToluenePractical safety notes
- Flammable. Keep away from open flames, hot surfaces and sparks. Ground containers when transferring.
- Irritant / harmful. Ventilate the workspace and avoid skin contact.
- Serious health hazard (carcinogen, mutagen, reprotoxic, respiratory sensitizer). Substitute if possible; otherwise closed systems and medical surveillance.
Derived from the GHS classification shown above. These notes are generic guidance and do not replace the manufacturer's SDS or your local risk assessment.
FAQ
Is Toluene flammable?+
Yes. Toluene (CAS 108-88-3) carries the GHS02 flame pictogram. Keep it away from ignition sources, use non-sparking tools, and ground metal containers when transferring liquid.
What PPE should I wear when handling Toluene?+
Safety glasses with side shields and nitrile gloves are the baseline. Work inside a fume hood or use a suitable respirator. Check SDS section 8 for material-specific breakthrough times.
How should Toluene be stored?+
Store Toluene (CAS 108-88-3) in tightly closed original containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials. Use a flammable-liquid cabinet and keep away from oxidizers and heat.
Is Toluene dangerous for the environment?+
No specific environmental pictogram (GHS09) is listed in our records for Toluene, but any chemical waste should be handled through your site's hazardous-waste procedure, not poured down the drain.
Where can I find the official Safety Data Sheet for Toluene?+
Official, up-to-date SDS documents are published by each manufacturer (Sigma-Aldrich, Merck, Thermo Fisher, VWR, Carl Roth, etc.) and by regulators such as ECHA and NIOSH. This page is an educational summary and does not replace the manufacturer's SDS.
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