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Annex II Entry 650 CMR21/10/2010

alpha-Chlorotoluene (Benzyl chloride)

alpha-Chlorotoluene (Benzyl chloride) is listed in Annex II as a prohibited substance for cosmetic products placed on the EU market.

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Prohibited substance— Annex II, EU Regulation 1223/2009
Entry: 650
CMR

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 100-44-7
CAS 100-44-7PubChem CID 7503

Benzyl Chloride

Benzyl chloride is a member of the class of benzyl chlorides that is toluene substituted on the alpha-carbon with chlorine. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
chloromethylbenzene
Molecular formula
C7H7Cl
Molecular weight
126.58 g/mol
Exact mass
126.0236279 Da
XLogP3
2.3
Topological polar surface area
0.0 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
0
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

(Chloromethyl)benzenealpha-ChlorotolueneBenzylchlorideBenzylchloridChlorophenylmethaneTolyl chlorideChlorure de benzylealpha-Chlortoluol
16 more reported names
omega-ChlorotolueneBenzene, (chloromethyl)-RCRA waste number P028Toluene, alpha-chloro-NCI-C06360Benzile (cloruro di)Benzyle (chlorure de)Phenylmethyl chlorideAI3-1551883H19HW7K6NSC-8043CHEBI:615597RefChem:6392CHEBI:23156202-853-6905-236-6
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

EMBL-EBI ChEBI
Exact identifier matchCHEBI:615597

benzyl chloride

A member of the class of benzyl chlorides that is toluene substituted on the α-carbon with chlorine.

Formula
C7H7Cl
Average mass
126.586 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass
126.02363 Da
Formal charge
0
  • benzyl chlorides — is a (CHEBI:59852)
  • benzyl chlorides — is a (CHEBI:59852)
Additional curated names
(chloromethyl)benzenealpha-Chlorotoluenealpha-ChlortoluolBenzylchloridChlorure de benzyleomega-Chlorotoluene
Cross-references from this source
  • CAS: 100-44-7 — ChemIDplus
  • CAS: 100-44-7 — KEGG COMPOUND
  • CAS: 100-44-7 — NIST Chemistry WebBook
  • MANUAL_X_REF: 1644 — PPDB
  • MANUAL_X_REF: Benzyl_chloride — Wikipedia
  • MANUAL_X_REF: C19167 — KEGG COMPOUND
  • MANUAL_X_REF: HMDB0059882 — HMDB
  • REGISTRY_NUMBER: 471308 — Reaxys

Mapped by: Exact CAS cross-reference in the ChEBI compound record. Source updated: 2014-07-28. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match7503

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • First Aid: Signs and Symptoms of Acute Benzyl Chloride Exposure: Benzyl chloride may be very irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Eye irritation may be severe, and permanent eye damage may result. Lacrimation (tearing) is common. Other signs and symptoms of acute exposure may include headache, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, irritability, itching of the skin, profuse sweating, insomnia, tremors, unsteadiness, and central nervous system depression. Gastrointestinal effects may include nausea, vomiting, cramps, anorexia, and diarrhea. Pulmonary edema and disturbance of liver function may also occur.; Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to benzyl chloride may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.; Inhalation Exposure:; 1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to benzyl chloride.; 2. Evalu Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • ERG2024, Guide 156 (Benzyl chloride): 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).; -- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.; · Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.; · For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.; · In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.; · For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.; · Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, Source: Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
  • First Aid: (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: Soap wash immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.; Breathing: Respiratory support; Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • Signal: Danger Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H331: Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]; H373 **: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302 (100%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H315 (100%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317 (19.6%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H318 (100%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H331 (99.9%): Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H335 (99.9%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H350 (99.9%): May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]; H373 (99.9%): May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P272, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P333+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 899 reports by companies from 23 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Warning Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H226 (50%): Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]; H317 (50%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H332 (100%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H361 (50%): Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]; H411 (100%): Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P271, P272, P273, P280, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P317, P318, P321, P333+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P391, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 2 reports by companies from 2 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
  • NFPA Health Rating: 3 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause serious or permanent injury. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Fire Rating: 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. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Instability Rating: 1 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable but that can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: Toxic by all routes (ie, oral, dermal, inhalation), exposure to benzyl chloride may occur occupationally at sites where the substance is used as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of a wide range of commercial products (eg, dyes, perfumes, resins, plasticizers, and pesticides), or environmentally, from air contaminated by industrial sources, incinerators, and certain floor tiles. This colorless to slightly yellow liquid is an extreme irritant to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Symptomatology may include severe irritation of the upper respiratory tract (with coughing), conjuctivitis, dizziness, weakness, headache, tremors in eyelids and fingers, increased bilirubin in blood, and decrease in number of leukocytes. Lung damage, pulmonary edema, permanent eye damage, and CNS depression are all possible from severe exposure. While listed in one source as an example of primary carcinogen, IARC reports that inadequate evidence in humans, and only limited evidence in animals prevents benzyl chloride from being classified as to its carcinogenicity to humans. Acute oral dosing of rats led to severe gastritis, hyperkeratosis and hyperplasia of the squamouns stomach, and progressive les Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 20 was calculated in fish for benzyl chloride(SRC), using a log Kow of 2.30(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 100(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 2.30(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that benzyl chloride is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of benzyl chloride from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 4.1X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 1.23 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 525 mg/L(5). Benzyl chloride is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(4). Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 70.9% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 2 weeks(6) indicating that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process(SRC). However, because of its rapid reaction in water, the percent biodegradation may be that of the hydrolysis product, benzyl alcohol(6). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 100(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 2.30(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that benzyl chloride is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(4) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 4.1X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 1.23 mm Hg(5), and water solubility, 525 mg/L(6). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(4), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 6 hrs and 5 days, respectively(SRC). Benzyl chloride hydrolyzes in water with a reported half-life of 15 hours reported(7). According to a classification scheme(8), an estimated BCF of 20(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 70.9% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 2 weeks(9) indicating that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process(SRC). However, because of its rapid reaction in water, the percent biodegradation may be that of the hydrolysis pro Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), benzyl chloride, which has a vapor pressure of 1.23 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase benzyl chloride is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 7 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.90X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Benzyl chloride does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Benzyl chloride is used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of certain dyes and pharmaceutical, perfume and flavor products. It is also used as a photographic developer. Benzyl chloride has been used as an irritant gas in chemical warfare. Source: EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
  • Sources/Uses: Used in the manufacture of dyes, plasticizers, lubricants, pharmaceuticals, and other organic chemicals; [ACGIH] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: ... Used mainly to produce plasticizers (e.g., benzyl butyl phthalate), benzyl alcohol, and phenylacetic acid via benzyl cyanide (used in the production of synthetic penicillin). On a smaller scale, it is used to produce quaternary ammonium salts (for disinfectants and phase-transfer catalysts), benzyl esters (benzyl benzoate and benzyl acetate for the flavors and perfumes industry), dyes of the triphenylmethane series, dibenzyl disulfide (antioxidant for lubricants), benzylphenol, and benzylamines. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Manufacture of benzyl compounds, perfumes, pharmaceutical products, dyes, synthetic tannins, and artificial resins Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: As an irritant gas in chemical warfare (former use) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Manufacture of photographic developer; penicillin precursors; gasoline gum inhibitors; quarternary compounds; intermediates Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for BENZYL CHLORIDE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
EMBL-EBI ChEBIExact match2026-08-31
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Record details

Chemical name

alpha-Chlorotoluene (Benzyl chloride)

Chemical / IUPAC name

Benzyl chloride

Regulatory information

Regulation

(EC) 2009/1223

See every entry this act set

SCCS opinions

CMR

CategoryCarcinogenicMutagenicReprotoxic
Cat. 1B✓——

Key data

CAS
100-44-7
EC
202-853-6
Annex
II
Entry number
650

Direct matches are limited for this record, so nearby entries from Annex II are shown as well.

Annex II 644
Nearby record in the same annex

2-Bromopropane

CAS: 75-26-3
EC: 200-855-1

What Annex II means for alpha-Chlorotoluene (Benzyl chloride)

alpha-Chlorotoluene (Benzyl chloride) is listed as a prohibited substance under Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and must not be intentionally added. Article 17 separately addresses unintended small quantities that are technically unavoidable under good manufacturing practice and compatible with the Article 3 safety requirement.

Formulators must screen their ingredients and raw materials to ensure none contain this substance. Suppliers should provide documentation confirming absence when requested.

The page also surfaces 12 related annex records with overlapping identifiers, annex logic or naming patterns.

Compliance checklist

  • Verify this substance is absent from all raw materials and finished formulations.
  • Request absence confirmation or CoA from raw material suppliers.
  • Document the screening result in the Product Information File (PIF).
  • This substance has CMR classification. Review the CMR table above and verify current Annex II/III status before use.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. alpha-Chlorotoluene (Benzyl chloride) is listed in Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and is prohibited as an intentionally added cosmetic ingredient. Article 17 provides a narrow exception for unintended small quantities that are technically unavoidable under good manufacturing practice, provided the product remains safe under Article 3.

CAS 100-44-7 is the unique numerical identifier assigned to alpha-Chlorotoluene (Benzyl chloride) by the Chemical Abstracts Service. In cosmetic compliance work, the CAS number is used to cross-reference the substance across regulatory databases, raw material specifications and safety assessment reports. Multiple EU annex entries may share the same CAS number if the same substance appears under different conditions or in different annexes.

alpha-Chlorotoluene (Benzyl chloride) has a CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic) classification under EU CLP Regulation. Under Article 15 of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, CMR substances of category 1A or 1B are prohibited in cosmetics unless specifically permitted. Category 2 CMR substances may be used only if assessed safe by the SCCS. Always verify current annex status and any applicable derogations before use.

Use the INCI Checker tool on this site to paste your full ingredient list (INCI) and scan it against all Annex II–VI entries. The tool highlights any ingredients that match restricted, prohibited or allergen-flagged records. This is useful for rapid compliance screening of finished product formulas or raw material declarations.
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Source note for Annex II record alpha-Chlorotoluene (Benzyl chloride)

This page summarizes one Annex II record for alpha-Chlorotoluene (Benzyl chloride) from public European Commission cosmetic materials and adds linked inventory or identifier matches when available.

Use this record page to review Annex II conditions for alpha-Chlorotoluene (Benzyl chloride), but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.

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