| Chemical Properties | Benzotrichloride is a combustible, colorless to
yellow-brown, oily liquid that fumes on contact with air. It
has a penetrating odor. |
| Uses | α,α,α-Trichlorotoluene was used in determination of chlorinated toluenes in effluents of wastewater treatment plants and textile industries by closed loop stripping analysis. |
| Uses | In dye chemistry. In organic syntheses (source of benzenyl group). |
| Uses | Chemical intermediate primarily in
benzoyl chloride production; dye intermediate |
| Definition | ChEBI: (trichloromethyl)benzene is an organochlorine compound that is toluene in which all three hydrogens of the methyl group have been replaced by chlorines. It is used as an intermediate in organic synthesis and dye chemistry. It has a role as a carcinogenic agent. It is a member of benzenes, a volatile organic compound and an organochlorine compound. |
| General Description | Benzotrichloride appears as a clear colorless to yellowish colored liquid with a penetrating odor. Denser than water and vapors are heavier than air. May be toxic by inhalation or ingestion. Burns skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Insoluble in water. Used to make dyes and other chemicals. |
| Air & Water Reactions | Hydrolyzes in the presence of moisture. The reaction is rather slow due to low solubility in water. |
| Reactivity Profile | Benzotrichloride hydrolyzes in the presence of moisture. Benzotrichloride reacts with water, lime, ammonia, strong alkalis, organic amines, chlorates and acids. |
| Hazard | Highly toxic by inhalation, fumes highly
irritant. Eye, skin, and upper respiratory tract irri-
tant. Probable carcinogen.
|
| Health Hazard | Toxic by inhalation; fumes are highly irritating to skin and mucous membranes. May cause death or permanent injury after very short exposure to small quantities. A suspected carcinogen. |
| Fire Hazard | Benzotrichloride may react violently with water. Fire may produce irritating or poisonous gases. Flammable/poisonous gases may accumulate in tanks and hopper cars. Materials may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.). Produces toxic and corrosive fumes when Benzotrichloride reacts with water or steam. Similar to hydrochloric acid; material will react with water or steam to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. Hydrolyzes in presence of water forming benzoic and hydrochloric acids. |
| Potential Exposure | Benzotrichloride is used as a chemical
and dye intermediate; extensively used in the dye industry
for the production of Malachite green, Rosamine,
Quinoline red, and Alizarin yellow A. It can also be used
to produce ethyl benzoate. Commercial grades may contain
hydrochloric acid, benzylidene chloride, or benzyl chloride. |
| Carcinogenicity | Benzotrichloride is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in experimental animals. |
| Shipping | UN2226 Benzotrichloride, Hazard class: 8;
Labels: 8—Corrosive material. |
| Incompatibilities | Benzotrichloride decomposes on heating,
on contact with acids and/or water, producing toxic and
corrosive hydrogen chloride and benzoic acid. Reacts violently
with strong oxidizers, iron and other metals, alkali
and earth alkali metals; bases and organic substances, and
may cause fire and explosions. On contact with air it emits
toxic and corrosive hydrogen chloride. Attacks many
metals in presence of water. Attacks many plastics. |
| Waste Disposal | Incineration with flammable
solvent added in incinerator with afterburner and alkaline
scrubber. |
