Substance profile
Toluene
Toluene is a colorless liquid with a sweet, pungent, benzene-like odor.
01 · Identification
What Toluene is
Toluene is a colorless liquid with a sweet, pungent, benzene-like odor. Its molecular formula is C7H8 and its molecular weight is 92.14 g/mol. It boils at 111 °C, melts at -94.9 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
02 · Identifiers
Toluene identifiers and molecular data
Toluene CAS number and EC number
Toluene molecular formula and molecular weight
Other names for Toluene
- toluol
- methylbenzene
- C7H8
- Benzene, Methyl-
- Cp 25
- Cp 25 (Solvent)
- Methacide
- Methane, Phenyl-
- Methyl Benzene
- Methyl Benzol
- 1-Methylbenzene
- Methylbenzol
- Phenyl Methane
- Phenylmethane
- Tolu-Sol
- Antisal 1A
03 · GHS classification
Toluene hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
Toluene pictograms and signal word
Toluene hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flammable liquids GHS chapter 2.6 | Category 2 | H225 | GHS02 |
| Skin corrosion/irritation GHS chapter 3.2 | Category 2 | H315 | GHS07 |
| Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure GHS chapter 3.8 | Category 3 narcotic | H336 | GHS07 |
| Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure GHS chapter 3.9 | Category 2 | H373 | GHS08 |
| Aspiration hazard GHS chapter 3.10 | Category 1 | H304 | GHS08 |
Toluene hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H361d | Suspected of damaging the unborn child. |
| H304 | May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways. |
| H336 | May cause drowsiness or dizziness. |
| H373 | May cause damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to Toluene. The full reference lives on the hazard statements hub, the precautionary statements hub and the GHS pictograms hub.
Safety Data Sheet
Getting an SDS for Toluene
Our own Toluene safety data sheet walks through all sixteen sections of the published data. What it is not is the document an inspector asks for: an SDS is issued for a product by its supplier, so the sheet covering the grade actually standing in your store exists only in that supplier’s version. Collecting those and keeping them current as suppliers revise them is a separate job.
04 · Precautionary statements
Toluene precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 14 precautionary statements to Toluene. They are grouped the way a label groups them: what to do before handling, what to do when something has already happened, how to store it and how to dispose of it.
Prevention
What to do before and during handling so the hazard never happens.
Response
What to do once exposure, spillage or fire has already happened.
Reading the notation. … is a blank the supplier fills in — not a truncated sentence.· [square brackets] mark a part printed only when it applies.
05 · Names in the regulation
Toluene name in 23 EU languages
CLP Annex VI Part 3 is published in every language edition of the regulation, and the identification column is written out in each of them. Nothing below is translated by us: each line is the name as that edition prints it. Under Art. 18(2) the substance name from Annex VI is a lawful product identifier, so this is the wording to put on a label going to that market — and where the cell lists several designations, any one of them qualifies.
| Language | Name in CLP Annex VI Part 3 |
|---|---|
| Bulgarian български | толуен |
| Spanish español | Tolueno |
| Czech čeština | toluen |
| Danish dansk | toluen |
| German Deutsch | Toluol |
| Estonian eesti | tolueen |
| Greek ελληνικά | τολουόλιο |
| English English | toluene |
| French français | toluène |
| Croatian hrvatski | toluen |
| Italian italiano | toluene |
| Latvian latviešu | toluols |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | toluenas |
| Hungarian magyar | toluol |
| Maltese Malti | toluwen |
| Dutch Nederlands | tolueen |
| Polish polski | toluen metylobenzen |
| Portuguese português | tolueno |
| Romanian română | toluen |
| Slovak slovenčina | toluén |
| Slovenian slovenščina | toluen |
| Finnish suomi | tolueeni |
| Swedish svenska | toluen |
All 23 language editions of Annex VI carry this entry. Irish is the twenty-fourth official EU language and has no line here for a different reason: no consolidated CLP text has ever been published in Irish, so there is no Irish edition of Annex VI to quote a name from. Source: consolidated CLP, CELEX 02008R1272, language editions. © European Union, https://eur-lex.europa.eu — only the electronic Official Journal of the European Union is authentic.
06 · Label elements
Toluene GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for Toluene, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
Toluene
- Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
- Suspected of damaging the unborn child.
- May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.
- May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
- May cause damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.
- Causes skin irritation.
- Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
- Keep container tightly closed.
- Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment.
- Use only non-sparking tools.
- Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
- Wash … thoroughly after handling.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/…
- IF ON SKIN:
- Get medical advice/attention.
- Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell.
- If skin irritation occurs:
- Wash with plenty of water/…
- Store in a well-ventilated place.
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open Toluene in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
Toluene health hazards and exposure limits
Toluene hazard summary
Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinctive smell. Toluene occurs naturally in crude oil and in the tolu tree. It is also produced in the process of making gasoline and other fuels from crude oil and making coke from coal. Toluene is used in making paints, paint thinners, fingernail polish, lacquers, adhesives, and rubber and in some printing and leather tanning processes.
Source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Toluene carcinogenicity classification
Under the conditions of these 2-year inhalation studies, there was no evidence of carcinogenic activity for male or female F344/N rats exposed to toluene at concentrations of 600 or 1,200 ppm. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity for male or female B6C3F1 mice exposed by inhalation to toluene at concentrations of 120, 600, or 1,200 ppm for 2 years.
Source: US National Toxicology Program · TR-371: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Toluene (CASRN 108-88-3) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Inhalation Studies) (1990 )
Evaluation: There is inadequate evidence for the carcinogenicity of toluene in humans. There is evidence suggesting lack of carcinogenicity of toluene in experimental animals. Overall evaluation: Toluene is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Under the Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment (U.S. EPA, 2005), there is inadequate information to assess the carcinogenic potential of toluene because studies of humans chronically exposed to toluene are inconclusive, toluene was not carcinogenic in adequate inhalation cancer bioassays of rats and mice exposed for life, and increased incidences of mammary cancer and leukemia were reported in a lifetime rat oral bioassay at a dose level of 500 mg/kg-day but not at 800 mg/kg-day.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
An IARC group and a CLP classification answer different questions. IARC judges whether the evidence for cancer in humans is strong enough; CLP Annex VI is the legally binding EU classification. A substance can carry one and not the other.
Toluene occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 200.0 [ppm], Ceiling(OSHA) = 300 ppm(500 ppm for 10-min peak per 8-hr shift) | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| PEL | 200 ppm | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| PEL | 300 ppm; 500 ppm (Peak) [10 min maximum in an 8 hr shift] | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | 100 ppm (375 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | 150 ppm (560 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | TWA 100 ppm (375 mg/m3) ST 150 ppm (560 mg/m3) | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 500 ppm (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 500.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| IDLH | 500 ppm | Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) |
These are United States values. The European Union sets its own indicative and binding limits, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation — not the one shown here.
08 · Physical and chemical properties
Toluene properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
Toluene boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 110.6 °C (231.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| 111.11 °C (232 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 110.61 °C (231.1 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
Toluene melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | -94.9 °C (-138.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| -95 °C (-139 °F) | NIOSH |
Toluene density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 0.87 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.8623 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.867 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO |
Toluene solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Miscible with alcohol, chloroform, ether, acetone, glacial acetic acid, carbon disulfide | HSDB | |
| Soluble in ethanol, benzene, diethyl ether, acetone, chloroform, glacial acetic acid and carbon disulfide | HSDB | ||
| In water, 526 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB |
Toluene vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 21 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 28.4 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 28.5023 mmHg | at 25 °C | ICSC |
Toluene flash point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | 4 °C (39.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 4.44 °C (40 °F) | HSDB |
Toluene autoignition temperature
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoignition temperature | 480 °C (896 °F) | HSDB |
Toluene lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.1 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 1.27 % by volume | CAMEO |
Toluene upper explosive limit (UEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 7.1 % by volume | HSDB |
Toluene vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 3.1 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3.14 (air = 1) | CAMEO |
Toluene odor threshold
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor threshold | 2.14 ppm (8 mg/cu m). Odor recognition level is reported as 1.03 to 140 ug/cu m. | HSDB | |
| Odor in air= 1.30x10+11 mol/cu cm | HSDB | ||
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.16 [ppm] | Haz-Map |
Toluene critical temperature and pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical temperature and pressure | 318.6 °C (605.5 °F) | HSDB |
Toluene corrosivity
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosivity | Noncorrosive liquid. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
Toluene fire and explosion behaviour
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Toluene fire potential
Flammable liquid. A very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
10 · Handling and storage
Toluene storage and handling
Toluene reactive group
CAMEO Chemicals places Toluene in the reactive group Hydrocarbons, Aromatic. Compatibility with other chemicals is worked out from the group, not from the individual substance — which is why two substances you have never seen react can still be flagged as a pair that must be separated.
A reactive group is a CAMEO Chemicals (US NOAA) grouping, not a GHS hazard class: it has no code, no category and no legal force. It is what the storage compatibility matrix on this site computes from.
Toluene safe storage
Well closed. Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Store only in original container.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Toluene storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Handle and store under inert gas.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Toluene incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Toluene reactivity
TOLUENE reacts vigorously with allyl chloride or other alkyl halides even at -70 °C in the presence of ethyl aluminum dichloride or ethyl aluminum sesquichloride. Explosions have been reported [NFPA 491M 1991]. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. When added to a tank of sulfur dichloride, the tank over pressurized and ruptured in a reaction thought to be catalyzed by iron or iron(III) chloride [Chem. Eng. News, 1988, 66(32), 2].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Toluene in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Transport
Toluene UN number and transport classification
Transport classification is a separate system from the GHS classification above. It decides how a package is marked and how a load may be carried; it does not follow from the workplace label, and the workplace label does not follow from it. The entries below are linked by CAS number, never by name.
Toluene under UN 1294 — shipping name, class and packing group
Europe · ADR 2025, Table A
| Proper shipping name (3.1.2) | Class | Classification code | PG | Labels (column 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOLUENE | 3 | F1 | II | |
Source: ADR 2025, Table A of Chapter 3.2 · ECE/TRANS/352 Vol. I (UNECE). Class 3 is “Flammable liquids” (ADR 2.1.1.1).
United States · 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table
| Proper shipping name (column 2) | Class or division | PG | Labels (column 6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toluene | 3 | II | |
Source: 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table · eCFR, revision 2026-08-03. Class 3 is “Flammable and combustible liquid” (49 CFR 173.2).
12 · Questions
Toluene — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of Toluene?
The CAS number of Toluene is 108-88-3. Its EC number is 203-625-9.
What is the chemical formula of Toluene?
The molecular formula of Toluene is C7H8 and its molecular weight is 92.14 g/mol.
What does a Toluene label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for Toluene carries the pictograms Flame, Health hazard and Exclamation mark and the signal word is Danger.
Is Toluene flammable?
Yes. CLP Annex VI assigns Toluene H225 — highly flammable liquid and vapour. The flash point reported for it is 4 °C (39.2 °F) (HSDB).
Is Toluene a carcinogen?
CLP Annex VI records no harmonised carcinogenicity classification for Toluene. Annex VI is a list of agreed classifications, not a list of substances found safe, so this is an absence of a classification rather than a clean bill of health. IARC places it in Group 3: not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.
What is the exposure limit for Toluene?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for Toluene is 200.0 [ppm], Ceiling(OSHA) = 300 ppm(500 ppm for 10-min peak per 8-hr shift) (Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases). Limits differ by country: the EU sets its own indicative and binding values, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation.
What is the boiling point of Toluene?
The boiling point reported for Toluene is 110.6 °C (231.1 °F) (HSDB).
What is the melting point of Toluene?
The melting point reported for Toluene is -94.9 °C (-138.8 °F) (HSDB).
How should Toluene be stored?
CLP Annex VI assigns Toluene the storage statement P403. Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Handle and store under inert gas. (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
Nearby
Substances next to Toluene
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