ORCINOL [CH₃C₆H₃(OH)₂.H₂O]

SYNONYMS
3,5­dihydroxytoluene, orcine monohydrate.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid eye contact.
Avoid ingestion.
Keep away from naked flames.
Store in the dark.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Cream coloured crystalline powder.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This is a combustible substance and readily ignites when exposed to a naked flame. It is an eye irritant and moderately toxic if ingested. There is insufficient data available on the effects of inhalation of the powder on humans. It may irritate the skin of sensitive individuals.
TREATMENTS
Skin ­ immediately wash the affected area with soap or mild detergent and large amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists seek medical attention.
Eyes ­ immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists seek medical attention.
Inhalation ­ remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If irritation persists or signs of toxicity develop seek medical attention.
Ingestion ­ wash the mouth with water and give water to drink, then seek medical advice.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of carbon. Orcinol may react with oxidising materials.
STORAGE
Store in the dark in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat or naked flames.
HANDLING
Wear protective clothing to avoid skin or eye contact. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum standard.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Butyl rubber gloves, laboratory coat and self contained breathing apparatus.
SPILLS:
On skin and clothing: wash skin with strong soap solution immediately. Rinse thoroughly. Contaminated clothing should be removed, dried and washed with strong soap solution or destroyed. It may be necessary to destroy shoes by burning.
Small spills: absorb liquid on paper towels. Brush solids on to paper. Place in an iron pan and allow evaporation in a fume hood. Add crumpled paper and burn. Wash spill site with a strong soap solution.
Large spills: cover with sand and soda ash mixture (90/10). Mix and shovel into a cardboard box. Pack with a large excess of crumpled paper. Burn in an open pit or incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.
PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1 Pour or sift on to a thick layer of sand and soda ash mixture (90/10). Mix, and shovel into a heavy paper box with much paper packaging. Burn in an incinerator. The fire may be augmented with scrap wood. Stay on the upwind side.
OR
2 Dissolve in a flammable solvent and spray into the firebox of an incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.
ENVIRONMENT:

BACK to the top of the Glossary Contents List
BACK to the top of the Chemical Contents List

REFERENCES