CAS Number: 100-44-7. A colorless liquid with a pungent odor.
Used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of dyes,
pharmaceuticals, perfumes and flavor products. Also used as a
photographic developer, and as a gumming inhibitor in gasoline.
Chemical formula = C7H7Cl. Molecular weight = 126.59 g/mol.
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Benzyl chloride is used as a chemical intermediate in the
manufacture of certain dyes and pharmaceutical products and as a
photographic developer. The acute (short-term) effects of benzyl
chloride from inhalation exposure in humans consist of severe
irritation of the upper respiratory tract, skin, eyes, and mucous
membranes, and lung damage along with pulmonary edema (fluid in
lungs). Exposure to high concentrations also causes effects on
the central nervous system (CNS). Animal data indicate that
long-term exposure to benzyl chloride by gavage (placing it
experimentally in the stomachs of mice) increased the incidence
of benign and malignant tumors at multiple sites and resulted in
a significant increase in thyroid tumors in female rats. EPA has
classified benzyl chloride as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.