P-Cymene

1Identification

Name

P-Cymene

IUPAC name

1-methyl-4-propan-2-ylbenzene

CAS number

99-87-6

EC number

202-796-7

Molecular formula

C10H14

Molecular weight

134.22 g/mol

InChIKey

HFPZCAJZSCWRBC-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CC1=CC=C(C=C1)C(C)C

PubChem CID

7463

Synonyms

4-Isopropyltoluene, p-Isopropyltoluene, Dolcymene, 1-Isopropyl-4-methylbenzene, p-Cymol, Para-cymene, Camphogen, Paracymene, p-Methylcumene, 4-Cymene, 2-p-Tolylpropane, Cymol, p-Cimene, 1-Methyl-4-isopropylbenzene

Recommended uses

• Occurs in essential oils; [Merck Index] Used in heat-exchange media, metal polishes, and thinners for lacquers/varnishes; Also used to make para-cresol, carvacrol, and synthetic resins; [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• For p-cymene (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 122103) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Odor agents Fragrance Intermediates
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Odor agents Fragrance
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Fragrance Ingredients · Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENT -> JECFA Functional Classes · Flavoring Agents -> JECFA Flavorings Index · Cosmetics -> Masking

Description

• P-cymene is a colorless liquid with a mild pleasant odor. Floats on water. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• P-cymene is a monoterpene that is toluene substituted by an isopropyl group at position 4. It has a role as a volatile oil component, a plant metabolite and a human urinary metabolite. It is a member of toluenes and a monoterpene.
  ChEBI
• p-cymene has been reported in Camellia sinensis, Angelica gigas, and other organisms with data available.
  LOTUS - the natural products occurrence database

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS02, GHS06, GHS08, GHS09

Classification source

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

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

5 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

• Inhalation causes impairment of coordination, headache. Contact with liquid causes mild irritation of eyes and skin. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

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
• Flammable. Above 47 °C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• A skin and eye irritant; Defats the skin; [ICSC]; A mild skin and eye irritant; [CAMEO] A skin and eye irritant; [eChemPortal: ERMA] An irritant; [MSDSonline]
  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

• INHALATION: remove victim from contaminated area; administer artificial respiration if necessary; call physician. EYES: flush with water for 15 min.; call a physician. SKIN: wipe off liquid; wash well with soap and water. INGESTION: induce vomiting; get medical attention. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

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

5Fire-fighting measures

• If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped or safely confined. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may spread fire. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. /Cymenes/
  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

Spill cleanup

• 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. Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Environmental considerations: Air spill: Apply water spray or mist to knock down vapors. /Cymenes/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Environmental considerations: Water spill: use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill travel. Remove trapped material with suction hoses. /Cymenes/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Environmental considerations: Land spill: dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash, cement powder, or commercial sorbents. /Cymenes/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Fireproof.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Safe storage: Fireproof.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• Self-contained or air-line breathing apparatus; solvent- resistant rubber gloves; chemical splash goggles. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Protective gloves.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear safety spectacles.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Use ventilation.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• Vigorous reactions, sometimes amounting to explosions, can result from the contact between aromatic hydrocarbons, such as P-CYMENE, and strong oxidizing agents. They can react exothermically with bases and with diazo compounds. Substitution at the benzene nucleus occurs by halogenation (acid catalyst), nitration, sulfonation, and the Friedel-Crafts reaction.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Insoluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Reacts with oxidants. Attacks rubber.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the eyes and skin. 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

• The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking.
  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: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. 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 soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 2046

Shipping name

• UN 2046; Cymenes
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 3; Cymenes
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT label

• Flammable Liquid
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

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

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• p-Cymene is a food additive permitted for direct addition to food for human consumption as a synthetic flavoring substance and adjuvant in accordance with the following conditions: a) they are used in the minimum quantity required to produce their intended effect, and otherwise in accordance with all the principles of good manufacturing practice, and 2) they consist of one or more of the following, used alone or in combination with flavoring substances and adjuvants generally recognized as safe in food, prior-sanctioned for such use, or regulated by an appropriate section in this part.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

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

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 7463 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.