Butylbenzene

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 2.7% (5 of 185) of reports.

H226 (91.4%): Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]

H304 (56.2%): May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Danger Aspiration hazard]

H315 (27.6%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H319 (28.1%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H400 (94.1%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H410 (67%): Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P264, P264+P265, P273, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P305+P351+P338, P321, P331, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P391, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 185 reports by companies from 11 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 5 of 185 reports by companies.

There are 9 notifications provided by 180 of 185 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H226: Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P280, P303+P361+P353, P370+P378, P403+P235, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]:

Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: Wash skin with soap and water. In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to skin. (ERG, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]:

CAUTION: The majority of these products have a very low flash point. Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient. CAUTION: For mixtures containing alcohol or polar solvent, alcohol-resistant foam may be more effective.

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam. If regular foam is ineffective or unavailable, use alcohol-resistant foam.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If regular foam is ineffective or unavailable, use alcohol-resistant foam. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. For petroleum crude oil, do not spray water directly into a breached tank car. This can lead to a dangerous boil over. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)

Personnel protection: ... Wear positive pressure self-container breathing apparatus when fighting fires involving this material. ... /Butyl benzenes/

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources. /Butyl benzenes/

Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Personnel protection: Avoid breathing vapors. Keep upwind. Avoid bodily contact with the material. ... Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Wash away any material which may have contacted the body with copious amounts of water or soap and water. ... If contact with the material anticipated, wear appropriate chemical protective clothing. /Butyl benzenes/

If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary. Attempt to stop leak if without undue personnel hazard. Use water spray to knock-down vapors. /Butyl benzenes/

Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.

LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces. (ERG, 2024)

10.0 [ppm]

160 [ppm]

370 [ppm]

2,200 [ppm]

Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]:

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2024)

Personnel protection: ... Wear appropriate chemical protective gloves, boots and goggles. ... /Butyl benzenes/

N-butylbenzene appears as a colorless liquid. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Used to make plastics and as a solvent.

Colorless liquid; [Hawley]

Colorless liquid

183.3 °C

183.31 °C @760 [mm Hg]

-87.9 °C

-87.85 °C

160 °F (NFPA, 2010)

160 °F (71 °C) (open cup)

Miscible with alcohol, ether, benzene

In water, 11.8 mg/L @ 25 °C

0.8601 g/cu cm @ 20 °C

0.8601 @ 20°C

4.6 (Air=1)

1.06 [mmHg]

1.06 mm Hg @ 25 °C

0.75 [mm Hg] @21 °C

log Kow = 4.38

Henry's Law constant = 0.016 atm-cu m/mol @ 25 °C /Estimated/

770 °F (410 °C)

0.950 mPa-s @ 25 °C; 0.683 mPa-s @ 50 °C; 0.515 mPa-s @ 75 °C

-5872.50 kJ/mol @ 25 °C

51.36 kJ/mol @ 25 °C; 38.87 kJ/mol @ 183.31 °C

0.02923 N/m @ 20 °C; 0.02822 N/m @ 30 °C

Index of refraction = 1.4898 @ 20 °C

Standard enthalpy of formation (liquid): -63.2 kJ/mol; molar heat capacity: 243.4 J/K-mol

Enthalpy of fusion: 11.22 kJ/mol

Relative permitivity: 2.359 @ 293.2 K (20 °C)

Wt/vol conversion: 5.49 mg/cu m = 1 ppm @ 1 atm

Hydroxyl radical reaction rate constant = 8.7X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec @ 25 °C /Estimated/

Schoenflies notation

Angular frequency

Boiling point

Chemical bond

Composition

Diamagnetic susceptibility

Dielectric constant

Excess enthalpy

External quantum efficiency

Fusion temperature

Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.

Hydrocarbons, Aromatic

Highly Flammable

Vigorous reactions, sometimes amounting to explosions, can result from the contact between aromatic hydrocarbons, such as N-BUTYLBENZENE, and strong oxidizing agents. They can react exothermically with bases and with diazo compounds. Substitution at the benzene nucleus occurs by halogenation (acid catalyst), nitration, sulfonation, and the Friedel-Crafts reaction.

n-Butylbenzene

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)

Based on PPRTV

Smith, C.D. and Nowell, L.H., 2024. Health-Based Screening Levels for evaluating water-quality data (3rd ed.). DOI:10.5066/F71C1TWP

No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).

Neurotoxin - Acute solvent syndrome

5 x 10^-2 mg/kg-day

1 x 10^-1 mg/kg-day

PDF Document

Inadequate information to assess carcinogenic potential

PPRTV Current

LD50 Mouse sc 1994.5 mg/kg

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . /Aromatic hydrocarbons and related compounds/

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious or in respiratory arrest. Positive pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... Start an IV with D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid overload. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Aromatic hydrocarbons and related compounds/

EC50 Daphnia magna (Water flea; intoxication, immobilization) 550 ug/L/24 hr (95% confidence interval: 430-710 ug/L); static

EC50 Daphnia magna (Water flea; intoxication, immobilization) 340 ug/L/48 hr (95% confidence interval: 270-440 ug/L); static

3.90e+03

5.80e+04

1.00e+03

8.0E+01(G)

3.20e+00

5.00e-02

Volatile

1.08e+02

1.20e+04

1.80e+05

3.00e+03

8.0E+01 (G)

n-Butylbenzene's production and use in organic synthesis may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 1.06 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates n-butylbenzene will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase n-butylbenzene will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 1.8 days. n-Butylbenzene does not absorb light with wavelengths >290 nm, and is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, n-butylbenzene is expected to have slight mobility based upon Koc values ranging from 2,450-2,510. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 0.016 atm-cu m/mole. n-Butylbenzene may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. However, adsorption to soil is expected to attenuate volatilization. A persistence of 3 months to 1 year in unadapted soils indicates that biodegradation in soil is may not be an important environmental fate process. If released into water, n-butylbenzene is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the Koc values. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon n-butylbenzene's estimated Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3.5 and 110 hours, respectively. However, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in the water column. An estimated BCF of 470 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to n-butylbenzene may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where n-butylbenzene is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to n-butylbenzene via inhalation of ambient air and ingestion of food and drinking water. (SRC)

n-Butylbenzene's production and use in organic synthesis(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values ranging from 2,450-2,510(2-6), indicate that n-butylbenzene is expected to have slight mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of n-butylbenzene from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 0.016 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 1.06 mm Hg(7), and water solubility, 11.8 mg/L(8). The potential for volatilization of n-butylbenzene from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(7). However, adsorption to soil is expected to attenuate volatilization(SRC). n-Butylbenzene was categorized as difficult to degrade; having a persistence of 3 months to 1 year in unadapted soils(9).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values ranging from 2,450-2,510(2-6), indicate that n-butylbenzene is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(7) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 0.016 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 1.06 mm Hg(8), and water solubility, 11.8 mg/L(9). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(7), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3.5 and 110 hours, respectively(SRC). However, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in the water column(SRC). The estimated volatilization half-life from a model pond is 16 days if adsorption is considered (10). According to a classification scheme(10), an estimated BCF of 470(SRC), from its log Kow of 4.38(12) and a regression-derived equation(13), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high(SRC). n-Butylbenzene is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(14). Biodegradation data in water were not located(SRC). n-Butylbenzene biodegradation in aquatic systems may be slow based on it being difficult to degrade in unadapted soils(15).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), n-butylbenzene, which has a vapor pressure of 1.06 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase n-butylbenzene is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 1.8 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 8.7X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). n-Butylbenzene does not absorb light with wavelengths >290 nm(4), and is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

AEROBIC: n-Butylbenzene (100 mg/L) was found to degrade 72-80% after 5 days when incubated at 25 °C with activated sludge from a wastewater treatment plant receiving predominately domestic sludge(1). n-Butylbenzene reached 12.6 and 13.9% of its theoretical BOD after 5 days at 20 °C, using sewage and acclimated sludge, respectively(2). In a Warburg test, n-butylbenzene (500 ppm) reached 1.5-47.5% of its theoretical BOD in 6-192 hours at 20 °C and pH 7, using activated sludge that was acclimated to benzene(3). n-Butylbenzene (500 mg/L) was found to be toxic to organisms in 2 sludges from municipal plants in Ohio during Warburg tests(4). In refinery wastewater with only natural microbial flora, n-butylbenzene did not degrade after 23 days (concentrations were not provided)(5).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of n-butylbenzene with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 8.7X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 1.8 days at an atmospheric concn of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). n-Butylbenzene is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(2). n-Butylbenzene does not absorb light with wavelengths >290 nm(3), and is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

An estimated BCF of 470 was calculated for n-butylbenzene(SRC), using a log Kow of 4.38(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high(SRC).

An average of the log of the sediment to water partition coefficient (average log Kp) for n-butylbenzene of 2.00 was determined from 16 measurements(1); from this value a log Koc of 3.40 (Koc=2,510) was calculated(2). A measured log Koc of 3.39 (Koc=2,450) was reported for n-butylbenzene(3). A Koc of 2,460 was reported for n-butylbenzene(4), calculated from a measured partition coefficient of 3.69 for natural aquifer material and water(5). According to a classification scheme(6), these Koc values suggest that n-butylbenzene is expected to have slight mobility in soil.

The Henry's Law constant for n-butylbenzene is estimated as 0.016 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) derived from its vapor pressure, 1.06 mm Hg(1), and water solubility, 11.8 mg/L(2). This Henry's Law constant indicates that n-butylbenzene is expected to volatilize rapidly from water surfaces(3). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(3) is estimated as 3.5 hours(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(3) is estimated as 4.6 days(SRC). However, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in the water column(SRC). The estimated volatilization half-life from a model pond is 16 days if adsorption is considered(4). n-Butylbenzene's estimated Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). The potential for volatilization of n-butylbenzene from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 1.06 mm Hg(1). However, volatilization is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to soil(SRC).

GROUNDWATER: n-Butylbenzene was detected with a frequency of approximately 10% with a maximum concn of 6 ug/L in shallow groundwater beneath Denver, CO in 1993(1). n-Butylbenzene was identified in the leachate plume from a closed, unlined municipal landfill located near Norman OK; groundwater was collected in November 1995 and April 1996 along a NE/SW transect extending approximately 200 m from the downgradient edge of the landfill in the general direction of groundwater flow(2). Nine urban studies of shallow groundwater carried out as part of the US Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment Program; n-butylbenzene was detected in fewer than 5% of the wells(3). Groundwater samples from existing wells at 30 industrial sites in Taiwan (8 chemical and petrochemical industrial districts, 2 technology industrial parks, 11 general industrial districts, 2 metal processing areas, 2 oil refinery plants, 1 pesticide manufacturing plant, and 4 landfills) were monitored for 60 volatile organic chemicals; n-butylbenzene was detected, along with 7 other organic chemicals, with a frequency of approximately 2.5% of 214 samples(4). Ambient groundwater samples were collected as part of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program of the US Geological Service from 2,948 well from around the US in 1985-1995; n-butylbenzene was detected in wells in urban areas (n=406) and rural areas (n=2,542) with a frequency and range of 1.7% and approximately 1-8 ug/L, and 0.1% and approximately 0.3-5 ug/L, respectively(5). Three groundwater samples collected near 2 underground coal gasification sites in northeastern Wyoming were analyzed for dissolved organic contaminates; n-butylbenzene concns ranged from 27-51 ppb(6). n-Butylbenzene was detected at 0.59 ug/L in 1 groundwater sample from the Orange County Landfill in Orlando, FL collected in 1992-1993; it was not detected in 3 other samples at this site(7). n-Butylbenzene was detected at 0.015 mg/L in groundwater samples (15.5 ft below land surface) in 1990 from a site in Galloway Township, NJ where an underground gasoline storage tank leaked(8). Concns of various organic compounds were measured in groundwater at three creosote contaminated sites in Denmark(9). At a former asphalt factory in Ringe, Denmark that operated from 1915 to 1954, n-butylbenzene concns in groundwater were not detected, 12, and 1 ug/L at 0, 25, and 25 meters from the source(9). At Holte Sollerod Gasworks (1907-1963) in Denmark, n-butylbenzene concns were 324, 259, 10 ug/L at 0, 5, and 10 meters from the source(9). At Frederica Gasworks (1866-1966) in Denmark, n-butylbenzene was not detected at the limit of detection 1 ug/L(9).

DRINKING WATER: n-Butylbenzene has been identified in various tap water samples in the US(1,2), concns were not provided.

EC50 Daphnia magna (Water flea; intoxication, immobilization) 550 ug/L/24 hr (95% confidence interval: 430-710 ug/L); static

EC50 Daphnia magna (Water flea; intoxication, immobilization) 340 ug/L/48 hr (95% confidence interval: 270-440 ug/L); static

3.90e+03

5.80e+04

1.00e+03

8.0E+01(G)

3.20e+00

5.00e-02

Volatile

1.08e+02

1.20e+04

1.80e+05

3.00e+03

8.0E+01 (G)

n-Butylbenzene's production and use in organic synthesis may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 1.06 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates n-butylbenzene will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase n-butylbenzene will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 1.8 days. n-Butylbenzene does not absorb light with wavelengths >290 nm, and is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, n-butylbenzene is expected to have slight mobility based upon Koc values ranging from 2,450-2,510. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 0.016 atm-cu m/mole. n-Butylbenzene may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. However, adsorption to soil is expected to attenuate volatilization. A persistence of 3 months to 1 year in unadapted soils indicates that biodegradation in soil is may not be an important environmental fate process. If released into water, n-butylbenzene is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the Koc values. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon n-butylbenzene's estimated Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3.5 and 110 hours, respectively. However, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in the water column. An estimated BCF of 470 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to n-butylbenzene may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where n-butylbenzene is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to n-butylbenzene via inhalation of ambient air and ingestion of food and drinking water. (SRC)

n-Butylbenzene's production and use in organic synthesis(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values ranging from 2,450-2,510(2-6), indicate that n-butylbenzene is expected to have slight mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of n-butylbenzene from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 0.016 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 1.06 mm Hg(7), and water solubility, 11.8 mg/L(8). The potential for volatilization of n-butylbenzene from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(7). However, adsorption to soil is expected to attenuate volatilization(SRC). n-Butylbenzene was categorized as difficult to degrade; having a persistence of 3 months to 1 year in unadapted soils(9).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values ranging from 2,450-2,510(2-6), indicate that n-butylbenzene is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(7) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 0.016 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 1.06 mm Hg(8), and water solubility, 11.8 mg/L(9). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(7), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3.5 and 110 hours, respectively(SRC). However, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in the water column(SRC). The estimated volatilization half-life from a model pond is 16 days if adsorption is considered (10). According to a classification scheme(10), an estimated BCF of 470(SRC), from its log Kow of 4.38(12) and a regression-derived equation(13), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high(SRC). n-Butylbenzene is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(14). Biodegradation data in water were not located(SRC). n-Butylbenzene biodegradation in aquatic systems may be slow based on it being difficult to degrade in unadapted soils(15).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), n-butylbenzene, which has a vapor pressure of 1.06 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase n-butylbenzene is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 1.8 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 8.7X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). n-Butylbenzene does not absorb light with wavelengths >290 nm(4), and is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

AEROBIC: n-Butylbenzene (100 mg/L) was found to degrade 72-80% after 5 days when incubated at 25 °C with activated sludge from a wastewater treatment plant receiving predominately domestic sludge(1). n-Butylbenzene reached 12.6 and 13.9% of its theoretical BOD after 5 days at 20 °C, using sewage and acclimated sludge, respectively(2). In a Warburg test, n-butylbenzene (500 ppm) reached 1.5-47.5% of its theoretical BOD in 6-192 hours at 20 °C and pH 7, using activated sludge that was acclimated to benzene(3). n-Butylbenzene (500 mg/L) was found to be toxic to organisms in 2 sludges from municipal plants in Ohio during Warburg tests(4). In refinery wastewater with only natural microbial flora, n-butylbenzene did not degrade after 23 days (concentrations were not provided)(5).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of n-butylbenzene with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 8.7X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 1.8 days at an atmospheric concn of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). n-Butylbenzene is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(2). n-Butylbenzene does not absorb light with wavelengths >290 nm(3), and is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

An estimated BCF of 470 was calculated for n-butylbenzene(SRC), using a log Kow of 4.38(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high(SRC).

An average of the log of the sediment to water partition coefficient (average log Kp) for n-butylbenzene of 2.00 was determined from 16 measurements(1); from this value a log Koc of 3.40 (Koc=2,510) was calculated(2). A measured log Koc of 3.39 (Koc=2,450) was reported for n-butylbenzene(3). A Koc of 2,460 was reported for n-butylbenzene(4), calculated from a measured partition coefficient of 3.69 for natural aquifer material and water(5). According to a classification scheme(6), these Koc values suggest that n-butylbenzene is expected to have slight mobility in soil.

The Henry's Law constant for n-butylbenzene is estimated as 0.016 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) derived from its vapor pressure, 1.06 mm Hg(1), and water solubility, 11.8 mg/L(2). This Henry's Law constant indicates that n-butylbenzene is expected to volatilize rapidly from water surfaces(3). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(3) is estimated as 3.5 hours(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(3) is estimated as 4.6 days(SRC). However, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in the water column(SRC). The estimated volatilization half-life from a model pond is 16 days if adsorption is considered(4). n-Butylbenzene's estimated Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). The potential for volatilization of n-butylbenzene from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 1.06 mm Hg(1). However, volatilization is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to soil(SRC).

GROUNDWATER: n-Butylbenzene was detected with a frequency of approximately 10% with a maximum concn of 6 ug/L in shallow groundwater beneath Denver, CO in 1993(1). n-Butylbenzene was identified in the leachate plume from a closed, unlined municipal landfill located near Norman OK; groundwater was collected in November 1995 and April 1996 along a NE/SW transect extending approximately 200 m from the downgradient edge of the landfill in the general direction of groundwater flow(2). Nine urban studies of shallow groundwater carried out as part of the US Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment Program; n-butylbenzene was detected in fewer than 5% of the wells(3). Groundwater samples from existing wells at 30 industrial sites in Taiwan (8 chemical and petrochemical industrial districts, 2 technology industrial parks, 11 general industrial districts, 2 metal processing areas, 2 oil refinery plants, 1 pesticide manufacturing plant, and 4 landfills) were monitored for 60 volatile organic chemicals; n-butylbenzene was detected, along with 7 other organic chemicals, with a frequency of approximately 2.5% of 214 samples(4). Ambient groundwater samples were collected as part of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program of the US Geological Service from 2,948 well from around the US in 1985-1995; n-butylbenzene was detected in wells in urban areas (n=406) and rural areas (n=2,542) with a frequency and range of 1.7% and approximately 1-8 ug/L, and 0.1% and approximately 0.3-5 ug/L, respectively(5). Three groundwater samples collected near 2 underground coal gasification sites in northeastern Wyoming were analyzed for dissolved organic contaminates; n-butylbenzene concns ranged from 27-51 ppb(6). n-Butylbenzene was detected at 0.59 ug/L in 1 groundwater sample from the Orange County Landfill in Orlando, FL collected in 1992-1993; it was not detected in 3 other samples at this site(7). n-Butylbenzene was detected at 0.015 mg/L in groundwater samples (15.5 ft below land surface) in 1990 from a site in Galloway Township, NJ where an underground gasoline storage tank leaked(8). Concns of various organic compounds were measured in groundwater at three creosote contaminated sites in Denmark(9). At a former asphalt factory in Ringe, Denmark that operated from 1915 to 1954, n-butylbenzene concns in groundwater were not detected, 12, and 1 ug/L at 0, 25, and 25 meters from the source(9). At Holte Sollerod Gasworks (1907-1963) in Denmark, n-butylbenzene concns were 324, 259, 10 ug/L at 0, 5, and 10 meters from the source(9). At Frederica Gasworks (1866-1966) in Denmark, n-butylbenzene was not detected at the limit of detection 1 ug/L(9).

DRINKING WATER: n-Butylbenzene has been identified in various tap water samples in the US(1,2), concns were not provided.

SURFACE WATER: n-Butylbenzene was not detected in the Rickenbach River, a weakly polluted river that flows into Lake Constance in southwest Germany(1). The concn of 55 volatile organic compounds were determined in water samples from 30 sites from urban rivers and estuaries in Osaka, Japan, a populated industrialized city; n-butylbenzene was detected (detection limit=0.38 ug/L) in 5 of 136 samples at a range of approximately 0.4-1.2 ug/L(2). n-Butylbenzene was not detected in surface water collected in 1992-1993 from water samples obtained from a swamp near the Orange County Landfill in Orlando, FL(3). concns of n-butylbenzene in the Brazos River at the site of industrial outfall from a large petrochemical complex that is 13 km upstream from the coast and at the river's mouth at the Gulf of Mexico near Freeport, TX ranged from not detected to 0.04 ug/L and not detected to 0.001 ug/L, respectively(4).

RAIN/SNOW/FOG: n-Butylbenzene was found at 15 ng/L in surface snow samples collected in 1990/91 at Carezza Lake in Antarctic; n-butylbenzene were below the detection limit of 5 ng/L at the other sites sampled in 1987/88 or 1988/98(1).

n-Butylbenzene was observed only at minor concns in the volatile organic compounds introduced into the water by boats with combustion engines(1). n-Butylbenzene was detected in industry average gasoline, EPA certification gasoline and M-85 (85% methanol, 15% gasoline), but was not detected in either exhaust or evaporative auto emissions(2). n-Butylbenzene was identified in the volatile organic compounds releases from textile floor coverings(3). n-Butylbenzene was one of the volatile organic compounds emitted into the water by a four-stroke outboard motor(4). n-Butylbenzene was one of the compounds found in the vapor and on particles emitted during the combustion of coal at the Ames power plant in Iowa(5). n-Butylbenzene was detected at a concn of 8 ng/g in the neutral fraction of wastewater from a Class B refinery after dissolved air floatation treatment(6). The average concn of n-butylbenzene in trade effluents in England and Wales in 1995 was 3.31 ug/L, with a 24% frequency of detection(7).

SOIL: Soil samples were collected from 30 industrial sites in Taiwan (8 chemical and petrochemical industrial districts, 2 technology industrial parks, 11 general industrial districts, 2 metal processing areas, 2 oil refinery plants, 1 pesticide manufacturing plant, and 4 landfills) were monitored for 60 volatile organic chemicals; n-butylbenzene was detected with a frequency of approximately 1% in 705 soil samples(1).

URBAN/SUBURBAN: n-Butylbenzene was 1 of the 19 chemicals detected at concns between 0.1 and 0.15 ppbC in air samples collected during August-September 1992 in Atlanta, GA; it was detected with an occurrence of 12%(1). n-Butylbenzene concns in the air from the exhaust ventilation system of the Elbtunnel, a major highway tunnel in Hamburg, Germany at 4 sites were 2.5, 1.5, 1.5, and 2.2 ug/cu m(2). concns of n-butylbenzene ranged from 0-2 ppb volume in morning air from Los Angeles, CA samples from September-November 1981(3). n-Butylbenzene was detected in the atmosphere if 6 large cities, Baku, Kemerovo, Leningrad, Murmansk, Tashkent, and Tbilisi located in different geographic and climatic zones in the former USSR(4). Emissions from light-duty vehicle traffic were measured at the Caldecott Tunnel in the San Francisco Bay area during August and October 1994, between these 2 periods the average oxygen content of gasoline sold in this area increased from 0.3 to 2.0% by weight; n-butylbenzene composed 0.66 and 0.55% of the total volatile organic compounds measured during August (low oxygenate) and October (high oxygenate), respectively(5). n-Butylbenzene concns ranged from 0.004 to 0.024 ppb volume in ambient air in the Los Angeles basin(6). According to a national survey of ambient air, which included five site types (remote, rural, suburban, urban, and source dominated) the average daily atmospheric concns of n-butylbenzene was 0.051 ppb volume for 52 samples(7).

INDOOR: Based on a survey of the literature, n-butylbenzene was determined to have a weighted average geometric mean of <1 ug/cu-m for indoor air in established dwellings(1). Mean n-butylbenzene concns were 0.27 and 0.34 ug/cu m in nonsmoking (n=24) and smoking (n=25) homes, respectively(2). n-Butylbenzene was detected with an occurrence of 54% in the indoor air of 26 homes in Finland(3). In a survey of 300 Dutch homes in two cities between 1981 and 1983, the maximum indoor concn of n-butylbenzene reported was 40 ug/cu m(4).

RURAL/REMOTE: n-Butylbenzene was identified in forest air collected in the center of the Southern Black Forest (Kaelbelescheuer, Germany) in November 1984 and January 1985(1).

SOURCE DOMINATED: n-Butylbenzene was identified in the ambient air during 2 of 10 sample collections from the Kanawha Valley, WV, a heavily industrialized area with a wide variety of chemical industries(1). A survey of 8 different composting facilities found average n-butylbenzene air concn of ranging from 1 to 47 ug/cu m in 8 of the 10 areas sampled(2).

n-Butylbenzene was identified as one of the volatile compounds in headspace samples of peanut oil heated to 150 and 200 °C(1). n-Butylbenzene was detected in 28 foods of the 234 table-ready food items of the FDA Total Diet Study; the average concn was 15.9 ppb (range: 7.26-93.7 ppb), with the highest levels found in cake doughunts(2). n-Butylbenzene was identified in the noncondensable volatile fraction extracted from raw beef with supercritical carbon dioxide(3). n-Butylbenzene was identified during the headspace analysis of the uncondensed volatile compounds emitted during atmospheric pressure steam distillation of roasted filberts(4). n-Butylbenzene was found in volatiles of cooked mutton, cooked chicken, and roast beef(5).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 42 workers are potentially exposed to n-butylbenzene in the US(1). Occupational exposure to n-butylbenzene may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where n-butylbenzene is produced or used(SRC). Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to n-butylbenzene via inhalation of ambient air and ingestion of food and drinking water(SRC).

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

/GUIDE 128: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (NON-POLAR/WATER-IMMISCIBLE)/ Fire or Explosion: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a "P" may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water. Substances may be transported hot. /Butylbenzenes/

/GUIDE 128: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (NON-POLAR/WATER-IMMISCIBLE)/ Health: Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution. /Butylbenzenes/

/GUIDE 128: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (NON-POLAR/WATER-IMMISCIBLE)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... . As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering. /Butylbenzenes/

/GUIDE 128: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (NON-POLAR/WATER-IMMISCIBLE)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection. /Butylbenzenes/

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for n-BUTYLBENZENE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 2709; Butylbenzenes

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Flammable Liquid