2-Methylnaphthalene

1Identification

Name

2-Methylnaphthalene

IUPAC name

2-methylnaphthalene

CAS number

91-57-6

EC number

202-078-3

Molecular formula

C11H10

Molecular weight

142.2 g/mol

InChIKey

QIMMUPPBPVKWKM-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CC1=CC2=CC=CC=C2C=C1

PubChem CID

7055

Synonyms

beta-Methylnaphthalene, Naphthalene, 2-methyl-, RefChem:476105, .beta.-Methylnaphthalene, Naphthalene, beta-methyl-, 2-methyl-naphthalene, beta-methyl naphthalenes, 2-?Methylnaphthalene, NAPHTALENE,2-METHYL MFC11 H10, 2-Methylnaphthalene, analytical standard, 2-Naphthylmethyl radical, 2-methyInaphthalene, 2-methyl naphthalene, Methyl-2-naphthalene

Recommended uses

• Produced from coal tar and used to make dyes and resins; Used to make vitamin K; Present in asphalt and smoke from burning cigarettes and wood; [ACGIH]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered products ... cancelled." /Methylated naphthalenes/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Organic synthesis; insecticides.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Intermediate Fuel
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Intermediate
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Fragrance Ingredients

Description

• 2-methylnaphthalene is a white crystalline solid. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• 2-methylnaphthalene is a methylnaphthalene carrying a methyl substituent at position 2.
  ChEBI
• 2-methylnaphthalene has been reported in Camellia sinensis, Zea mays, and other organisms with data available.
  LOTUS - the natural products occurrence database

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07, GHS09

Classification source

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

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

Health hazards

• SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of exposure to this compound may include irritation of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. It may also cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, jaundice, euphoria, dermatitis, visual disturbances, convulsions and comatose. ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: This compound may be harmful by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption. It is an irritant of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke, irritating fumes and toxic fumes of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• This chemical is combustible. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Combustible.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• There are no studies of humans exposed to 1-methylnaphthalene or 2-methylnaphthalene. [ATSDR ToxFAQs] Minimal Risk Level (oral chronic) = 0.4 mg/kg/day (Resp.); [ATSDR] 1-Methylnaphthalene (1-MN) and 2-Methylnaphthalene (2-MN) are respiratory tract irritants. [ACGIH] See Naphthalene.
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of 2-methylnaphthalene stem from its toxicologic properties. Toxic by all routes (ie, ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact), exposure to this crystaline substance may occur from its production or use as a chemical intermediate in organic syntheses, in insecticides, or as a dye carrier. Effects from exposure may include facial flushing, fever, headache, skin irritation, corneal damage, nausea, anorexia, hemoglobinuria, hepatocellular injury, convulsions, and coma. Before implementing land disposal of waste 2-methylnaphthalene, consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

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

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Acute exposure to PAHs causes irritation and inflammation of the skin and lung tissue. Some symptoms of hemolytic anemia are fatigue, lack of appetite, restlessness, and pale skin. Exposure to large amounts of 2-methylnapthalene may also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the urine, and a yellow color to the skin. (A10, L12)
  Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Advice for firefighters: Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 171 [Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. 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

• Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Accidental Release Measures. Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Control of environmental exposure: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Safe storage: Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Eye/face protection: Face shield and safety glasses Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Skin protection: Handle with gloves.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Body Protection: Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• 2-METHYLNAPHTHALENE is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. It is also incompatible with peroxides and oxygen. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Insoluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• It... is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Respiratory
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the eyes.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• Repeated or prolonged inhalation may cause effects on the lungs.
  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

• SRP: 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 air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The following wastewater treatment technology has been investigated for naphthalene: Biological treatment. /Naphthalene/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Waste treatment methods. Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

DOT label

• Class 9
  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

• 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. Alkyl naphthalenes is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart. /Alkyl Naphthalenes/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their continued use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines newer health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether the use of the pesticide does not pose unreasonable risk in accordance to newer saftey standards, such as those described in the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

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

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 7055 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.