Cumene

1Identification

Name

Cumene

IUPAC name

cumene

CAS number

98-82-8

EC number

202-704-5

Molecular formula

C9H12

Molecular weight

120.19 g/mol

InChIKey

RWGFKTVRMDUZSP-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CC(C)C1=CC=CC=C1

PubChem CID

7406

Synonyms

CUMENE, Isopropylbenzene, 2-Phenylpropane, (1-Methylethyl)benzene, Cumol, Benzene, (1-methylethyl)-, Isopropylbenzol, Cumeen, Isopropilbenzene, Isopropylbenzeen, 2-Fenilpropano, 2-Fenyl-propaan, (propan-2-yl)benzene, Isopropyl-benzol

Recommended uses

• Cumene is used as a thinner for paints, lacquers, and enamels and as a component of high octane fuels. Cumene is also used in the manufacture of phenol, acetone, acetophenone, and methylstyrene.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
• In occupational settings, the main route of exposure to cumene is via inhalation during cumene manufacturing, processing, and use, primarily in the manufacture of phenol and acetone. [ACGIH]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Solvent Other Lubricating agent Fuel Fuel agents Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Intermediate
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Intermediate Other Lubricating agent Fuel Fuel agents
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Description

• Cumene can cause cancer according to The National Toxicology Program.
  California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
• Cumene appears as a clear colorless liquid with an aromatic odor. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air. May be moderately toxic by inhalation, ingestion and skin absorption.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Cumene is an alkylbenzene that is benzene carrying an isopropyl group.
  ChEBI

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS02, GHS07, GHS08, GHS09

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

6 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 3 - Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. Materials produce hazardous atmospheres with air under almost all ambient temperatures or, though unaffected by ambient temperatures, are readily ignited under almost all conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable but that can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Narcotic action with long-lasting effects; depressant to central nervous system. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin. · Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. · Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. · Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. · Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 130 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible / Noxious)]: 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 the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.). 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 will float on water. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · 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 the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.). · 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 will float on water.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Flammable. Above 31 °C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Cumene is used in a variety of petroleum products. Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure to cumene may cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, slight incoordination, and unconsciousness in humans. Cumene has a potent central nervous system (CNS) depressant action characterized by a slow induction period and long duration of narcotic effects in animals. Cumene is a skin and eye irritant. No information is available on the chronic (long-term), reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of cumene in humans. Animal studies have reported increased liver, kidney, and adrenal weights from inhalation exposure to cumene.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
• Liver toxicity occurs in mice inhaling 500-1000 ppm daily for 17 days. TLV Basis is upper respiratory tract adenoma and neurological effects. [ACGIH] Inhalation of high concentrations may cause CNS effects; A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; [ICSC] Fatty liver changes are noted in animals exposed to lethal doses; [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Cumene: Eye: IRRIGATE IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: WATER FLUSH PROMPTLY - If this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water promptly. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water promptly. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention. Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Water flush promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water promptly. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water promptly. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention. Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Dizziness. Incoordination. Drowsiness. Headache.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Dry skin.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• To fight fire, use foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 130 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible / Noxious)]: 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)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• 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.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: chemical protection suit and filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapors adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Remove all ignition sources; ventilate /the/ area of spill or leak. For small quantities absorb on paper towels /and/ evaporate in a safe place (such as a fume hood). Allow sufficient time for evaporating vapors to completely clear the hood ductwork.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants and acids. Cool. Keep in the dark. Store only if stabilized. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• ... Precautions ... such as mounds around storage tanks, sills at doorways or especially designed floors /are needed/ to limit spread of escaping liquid. Open flames & other sources of ignition should be excluded where cumene is stored.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Outside or detached storage is preferred. Inside storage should be in a standard flammable liquids storage warehouse, room, or cabinet. Separate from oxidizing materials, nitric acid, sulfuric acid.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Storage temperature: Ambient.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Cumene: Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. Remove: WHEN WET (FLAMMABLE) - Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100 °F). Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift. (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Wear appropriate clothing to prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact. Wear eye protection to prevent any reasonable probability of eye contact. ... Remove nonimpervious clothing promptly if contaminated or wet.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• ... Enclosure, local ventilation or general ventilation should be arranged to maintain atmospheric concn below safe limits.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• If concentration in air is greater than 1000 ppm, use self-contained breathing apparatus.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• NIOSH/OSHA Up to 500 ppm: (APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)* (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator* Up to 900 ppm: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode* (APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)* (APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s) (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister (APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece (APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece Emergency or planned…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• Mixing CUMENE in equal molar portions with any of the following substances in a closed container caused the temperature and pressure to increase: chlorosulfonic acid, nitric acid, oleum, NFPA 1991.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Reacts with oxidizing materials. Reacts with nitric acid and sulfuric acid with release of energy.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Incompatible with oxidizers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Oxidizers, nitric acid, sulfuric acid [Note: Forms cumene hydroperoxide upon long exposure to air.]
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Volatile
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Endocrine Urinary
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
• Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Short-term exposure effects

• If swallowed the substance easily enters the airways and could result in aspiration pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure far above the OEL could cause unconsciousness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the liver and upper respiratory tract. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U055, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Cumene is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• A good candidate for liquid injection incineration at a temperature range of 650 to 1,600 °C and a residence time of 0.1 to 2 seconds. A good candidate for rotary kiln incineration at a temperature range of 820 to 1,600 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and hours for solids. A good candidate for fluidized bed incineration at a temperature range of 450 to 980 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and longer for solids.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 1918

Shipping name

• UN 1918; Isopropylbenzene
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 3.3; Isopropylbenzene
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Isopropylbenzene
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN1918
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Class 3 Flammable and combustible liquid (49 eCFR § 173.120)
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Flammable Liquid
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: III
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 1918 130
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Cumene is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 5000 lb or 2270 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Cumene is included on this list. Effective date: 12/28/84; Sunset date: 12/28/94.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• U055; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when cumene, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 7406 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.