Cumene

Synonyms & Trade Names
Cumol, Isopropyl benzene, 2-Phenyl propane
CAS No.
98-82-8
RTECS No.
DOT ID & Guide
1918 130
Formula
C₆H₅CH(CH₃)₂
Conversion
1 ppm = 4.92 mg/m3
IDLH
900 ppm [10%LEL]
See: 98828
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 50 ppm (245 mg/m3) [skin]
OSHA PEL
TWA 50 ppm (245 mg/m3) [skin]
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 1501
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a sharp, penetrating, aromatic odor.
Molecular Weight
120.2
Boiling Point
306°F
Freezing Point
-141°F
Solubility
Insoluble
Vapor Pressure
8 mmHg
Ionization Potential
8.75 eV
Specific Gravity
0.86
Flash Point
96°F
Upper Explosive Limit
6.5%
Lower Explosive Limit
0.9%
Class IC Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 73°F and below 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Oxidizers, nitric acid, sulfur acid [Note: Forms cumene hydroperoxide upon long exposure to air.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin, mucous membrane; dermatitis; headache, narcosis, coma
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water flush promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 500 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)*
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*

Up to 900 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode*
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)*
(APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s)
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0170   MEDICAL TESTS: 0060
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019