Tetralin

1Identification

Name

Tetralin

IUPAC name

1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene

CAS number

119-64-2

EC number

204-340-2

Molecular formula

C10H12

Molecular weight

132.2 g/mol

InChIKey

CXWXQJXEFPUFDZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C1CCC2=CC=CC=C2C1

PubChem CID

8404

Synonyms

1,2,3,4-Tetrahydronaphthalene, Tetrahydronaphthalene, Benzocyclohexane, Tetranap, Tetraline, Naphthalene, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-, Tetralina, Naphthalene 1,2,3,4-tetrahydride, delta(sup 5,7,9)-naphthantriene, RefChem:188750, tetralene, Naphthalene, tetrahydro-, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalene, Tetralina [Polish]

Recommended uses

• Used in the solvent, paint, varnish, and rubber industries; tetralin is used in shoe polish and floor wax; [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• SOLVENT FOR CAMPHOR, SULFUR & IODINE; IN PAINT THINNERS; AS PAINT REMOVER WHEN MIXED WITH DECALIN OR WHITE SPIRIT; AS INSECTICIDE FOR CLOTHES MOTH; AS SUBSTITUTE FOR TURPENTINE & PETROL IN GERMANY.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Description

• Tetrahydronaphthalene appears as a light colored liquid. May be irritating to skin, eyes and mucous membranes.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Tetralin is an ortho-fused bicyclic hydrocarbon that is 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro derivative of naphthalene. It is an ortho-fused bicyclic hydrocarbon and a member of tetralins. It derives from a hydride of a naphthalene.
  ChEBI
• structure given in first source
  Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07, GHS09

Classification source

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

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

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

NFPA 704 rating

• 1 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause significant irritation.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 2 - Materials that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur. Materials would not under normal conditions form hazardous atmospheres with air, but under high ambient temperatures or under moderate heating could release vapor in sufficient quantities to produce hazardous atmospheres with air.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Liquid may cause nervous disturbance, green coloration of urine, and skin and eye irritation (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: 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. Substance may be transported hot.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Above 77 °C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Listed in table of Methemoglobinemia-inducing agents: industrial, environmental, and pharmaceutical; [Sullivan, p. 729]; Tetralin is a skin and mucous membrane irritant. When used in poorly ventilated areas, tetralin may cause central nervous system depression. Ingestion of tetralin has caused green urine and laboratory evidence of liver and kidney injury. [HSDB] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations may cause CNS effects; May cause kidney injury; [ICSC]
  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

• INGESTION: induce vomiting; call a doctor; medical treatment should be aimed at conservation of liver and kidney function. EYES: flush with water for at least 15 min; call a doctor. SKIN: wipe off, wash with soap and water. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Dizziness. Headache. Nausea. Vomiting. Weakness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Pain. Redness. Blurred vision.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• WATER MAY BE INEFFECTIVE ON FIRE. COOL EXPOSED CONTAINERS WITH WATER.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• 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)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: chemical protection suit. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Ventilation. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in covered containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from strong oxidants. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Well closed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• IN GENERAL MATERIALS ... TOXIC AS STORED OR WHICH CAN DECOMP INTO TOXIC COMPONENTS ... SHOULD BE STORED IN COOL ... VENTILATED PLACE, OUT OF ... SUN, AWAY FROM ... FIRE HAZARD ... BE PERIODICALLY INSPECTED & MONITORED. INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS SHOULD BE ISOLATED.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• Air-supplied mask in closed tanks; goggles or face shield; rubber gloves. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• TETRAHYDRONAPHTHALENE may react vigorously with strong oxidizing agents. May react exothermically with reducing agents to release hydrogen gas. Oxidizes readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick 1979 p.151-154].
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Flammable.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Prolonged, close contact with air may cause an explosion.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• PROLONGED, INTIMATE CONTACT WITH AIR MAY CAUSE THE FORMATION OF TETRALIN PEROXIDE; VOLATILE WITH STEAM
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis.
  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 kidneys.
  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

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 13 of the supplier's SDS.

14Transport information

DOT label

• Combustible Liquid
  CAMEO Chemicals

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

No specific US regulatory listings found in our sources. Check Section 15 of your supplier's SDS for TSCA, SARA 313, CERCLA, Prop 65 and state listings.

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

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 8404 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.