THYMOL [(CH₃)₂CHC₆H₃(CH₃)OH]

SYNONYMS
None known.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin contact with the solid.
Avoid eye contact with the vapour or the solid.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour.
Avoid ingestion.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from oxidising materials.
Keep well sealed and protect from light.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless crystals with an aromatic odour.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This substance is an irritant to the eyes, skin, respiratory tract an to the gastro­intestinal tract. Prolonged contact with the skin can cause burning.
TREATMENTS
Skin ­ immediately wash the affected area with large amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If contact was prolonged swab the area with glycerol and 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. In severe cases seek medical attention.
Ingestion ­ wash out the mouth with water and give plenty of water or milk to drink. If irritation or discomfort persists seek immediate medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Thymol can react violently with oxidising materials. Heating produces toxic products of carbon.
STORAGE
Store in a tightly sealed container in the dark, in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat and incompatible materials.
HANDLING
Wear protective clothing to any contact with this substance. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum standard.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, face shield and laboratory coat. Have an all purpose canister respirator available.
SPILLS:
A gas leak: keep the concentration of the gas below the explosive mixture range by forced ventilation. Remove the tank to an open area and allow dissipation to the atmosphere. Attempt to cap the valve outlet and return the tank to the supplier.
A liquid: absorb on paper. Evaporate in an iron pan in a flame proof fume hood then burn the paper.
A solid: sweep on to paper and place in an iron pan in a fume hood. Burn the paper and compound.
PACKAGE LOTS:
A gas leak: pipe the gas into an incinerator or lower into a pit and allow to burn.
A liquid: atomise into an incinerator. Combustion may be improved by mixing with a more flammable solvent.
A solid: make up packages in paper or other flammable material. Burn in the incinerator. Or the solid may be dissolved in a flammable solvent and sprayed into a fire chamber.
ENVIRONMENT:

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