Product Name: Vinylethylbenzene
Chemical Family: Aromatic Hydrocarbon
Synonyms: 1-Ethenyl-4-ethylbenzene, 4-Ethylstyrene
CAS Number: 2816-96-4
Recommended Use: Monomer in polymer manufacturing, research
Supplier Information: Manufacturer’s name, address, and phone number, emergency contact number supplied separately
Product Code: Dependent on supplier
Emergency Overview: Colorless liquid, strong aromatic odor
Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 3), Skin Irritant (Category 2), Acute Toxin-Oral (Category 4), Eye Irritant (Category 2B)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor, causes skin and eye irritation, may be harmful if swallowed or inhaled
Pictograms: Flame, exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces—no smoking. Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, and eye/face protection. Use in a well-ventilated area.
Chemical Name: Vinylethylbenzene
CAS Number: 2816-96-4
Concentration: 98-100%
Impurities: Minor amounts of related aromatic hydrocarbons, less than 2% (details available upon request)
Additives: None added intentionally
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air promptly. If breathing becomes difficult, oxygen or artificial respiration may be necessary. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, flush skin thoroughly with soap and water. If irritation develops, consult a physician.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for 15 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do—continue rinsing. Medical attention suggested for persistent redness or pain.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Call poison control or seek medical advice quickly.
Most Important Symptoms/Effects: Eye irritation, skin irritation, cough, dizziness, headache; prolonged exposure can lead to narcosis
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water spray for larger fires
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet (may spread product)
Specific Hazards: Vapor may travel considerable distance to ignition source; may form explosive mixtures with air
Special Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Firefighting Instructions: Cool containers exposed to fire with water spray. Move containers away from fire area if possible without risk. Substance may produce irritating, toxic fumes (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, various hydrocarbons).
Personal Precautions: Avoid inhalation, eye and skin contact. Eliminate ignition sources. Evacuate unnecessary personnel.
Protective Equipment: Gloves, goggles or face shield, chemical-resistant clothing, NIOSH-approved respirator for large spills
Environmental Precautions: Prevent run-off into drains, sewers, and water bodies. Notify authorities if larger spill threatens waterway.
Cleanup Methods: Contain leakage with sand, earth, or inert absorbent. Shovel into suitable container for disposal. Ventilate area well, wash spill site after cleanup.
Handling: Bond and ground containers when transferring. Use explosion-proof equipment. Avoid breathing vapors. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling.
Storage: Store in tightly closed original container, in a cool, well-ventilated, dry place, away from incompatible materials and ignition sources. Sensitive to heat, light, and air; use under inert gas if possible.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, halogens, nitrating agents
Special Requirements: Keep away from direct sunlight. Do not reuse empty containers; disposal must follow regulatory procedures.
Occupational Exposure Limit: No specific limit set for vinylethylbenzene. For similar aromatics, keep airborne concentrations below 50 ppm (as a guideline).
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, fume hood
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles or faceshield, flame-resistant clothing, NIOSH-approved respirator in confined or poorly ventilated areas
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse, ensure eyewash stations and emergency showers are accessible
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Aromatic, sweet
Odor Threshold: Low, similar to styrene or ethylbenzene
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point/Freezing Point: -48°C
Boiling Point: 189°C (approximate)
Flash Point: 62°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Slower than ether
Flammability: Flammable liquid (vapors form flammable mixtures with air)
Upper/Lower Flammability or Explosive Limits: 1.0% (LEL), 6.0% (UEL, approximate)
Vapor Pressure: 0.4 mm Hg at 25°C
Vapor Density: Heavier than air (approx. 4.3)
Relative Density: 0.88 g/cm³ at 25°C
Solubility in Water: Negligible (<0.1 g/L)
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): High (>3, estimated)
Autoignition Temperature: 460°C (approximate)
Decomposition Temperature: Not established
Viscosity: Low (mobile liquid at room temperature)
Chemical Stability: Stable under standard conditions of storage and use, but turns yellowish on prolonged storage or exposure to air
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Can polymerize under influence of light, heat or initiators (peroxides, acids), producing heat and pressure
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sunlight, high temperature, static discharge
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, peroxides, acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phenolic compounds, smoke; toxic fumes possible in fire
Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion rarely
Acute Toxicity: Oral rat LD50 around 2000 mg/kg (estimated based on similar compounds); inhalation LC50 (rat, 4h) not firmly established
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Moderate irritant, may cause dryness, cracking
Eye Damage/Irritation: Moderate eye irritant, redness, tearing
Respiratory Sensitization: Not classified as a sensitizer
Carcinogenicity: Not classified by IARC, OSHA, NTP; structurally related compounds under scrutiny, so precautions warranted
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: No data available for vinylethylbenzene, but avoid chronic exposure as best practice
Symptoms upon Overexposure: Headache, dizziness, nausea, central nervous system depression
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms, especially over longer periods
Persistence and Degradability: Slow biodegradation in soil and water environments
Bioaccumulative Potential: High, due to lipophilicity (partition coefficient above 3)
Mobility in Soil: Low; adheres to soil and organic matter
Other Adverse Effects: Volatile organic compound contributing to air pollution through photoreactive processes
Waste Disposal Methods: Incinerate under controlled conditions at permitted facility. Follow local, regional, national, and international regulations.
Contaminated Packaging: Empty packaging should be rinsed and disposed of as hazardous waste. Do not reuse containers.
Special Precautions: Do not allow into sewers, storm drains, or bodies of water.
UN Number: 1993
DOT Proper Shipping Name: Flammable liquid, n.o.s. (vinylethylbenzene)
Transport Hazard Class: Class 3 (Flammable liquids)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Environmental Hazards: Harmful to aquatic life (mark as required by regulation)
Special Transport Precautions: Keep container upright and tightly closed. Ensure no leaks, use secure secondary containment for shipments.
TSCA Status: Listed in United States TSCA inventory
REACH Registration (EU): Pre-registered or registered if sourced from Europe
SARA Title III (Sections 311/312): Fire hazard, acute health hazard
California Proposition 65: Not listed as a known carcinogen or reproductive toxin
Canadian WHMIS Classification: B2 combustible liquid, D2B toxic
Other Regulations: Chemical requires reporting under hazardous chemical inventories; always consult up-to-date state, local, and federal lists before shipping, storage, or use
