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CAS 1 record

CAS 108-88-3

CAS 108-88-3 matches 1 EU annex record across Annex II–VI of Regulation 1223/2009.

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Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 108-88-3
CAS 108-88-3PubChem CID 1140

Toluene

Toluene is the simplest member of the class toluenes consisting of a benzene core which bears a single methyl substituent. It has a role as a non-polar solvent, a cholinergic antagonist, a neurotoxin and a fuel additive. It is a volatile organic compound, a member of toluenes and a methylbenzene. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
toluene
Molecular formula
C7H8
Molecular weight
92.14 g/mol
Exact mass
92.062600255 Da
XLogP3
2.7
Topological polar surface area
0.0 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
0
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

methylbenzenetoluolPhenylmethanemethacidemethylbenzolantisal 1aBenzene, methyl-Toluen
16 more reported names
tolu-solmonomethyl benzeneMethane, phenyl-TolueenToluolophenyl methane1-MethylbenzeneRCRA waste number U220Toluenomethyl benzeneCaswell No. 859NCI-C07272CP 25NSC 406333EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 080601NSC-406333
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match1140

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

  • First Aid: 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. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shou Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • ERG2024, Guide 130 (Toluene): 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 promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, promptly wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and wash the skin with soap and water. 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: H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]; H304: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Danger Aspiration hazard]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]; H361d ***: Suspected of damaging the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]; 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, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P271, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P318, P319, P321, P331, P332+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, 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
  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (8 of 9036) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H225 (98.5%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]; H304 (99.8%): May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Danger Aspiration hazard]; H315 (98.5%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H336 (98.3%): May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]; H361 (95.3%): Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]; H373 (98.4%): May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]; H412 (16.5%): Harmful 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, P260, P261, P264, P271, P273, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P318, P319, P321, P331, P332+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, 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 9036 reports by companies from 197 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 8 of 9036 reports by companies.; There are 195 notifications provided by 9028 of 9036 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; 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)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H225 (100%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]; H304 (100%): May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Danger Aspiration hazard]; H315 (100%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H336 (100%): May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]; H361 (100%): Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]; H373 (100%): 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, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P271, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P318, P319, P321, P331, P332+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: The GHS information provided by 1 company from 1 notification to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
  • Health Effects: Acute exposure to cholinesterase inhibitors can cause a cholinergic crisis characterized by severe nausea/vomiting, salivation, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, collapse, and convulsions. Increasing muscle weakness is a possibility and may result in death if respiratory muscles are involved. Accumulation of ACh at motor nerves causes overstimulation of nicotinic expression at the neuromuscular junction. When this occurs symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, fasciculation, and paralysis can be seen. When there is an accumulation of ACh at autonomic ganglia this causes overstimulation of nicotinic expression in the sympathetic system. Symptoms associated with this are hypertension, and hypoglycemia. Overstimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system, due to accumulation of ACh, results in anxiety, headache, convulsions, ataxia, depression of respiration and circulation, tremor, general weakness, and potentially coma. When there is expression of muscarinic overstimulation due to excess acetylcholine at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors symptoms of visual disturbances, tightness in chest, wheezing due to bronchoconstriction, incre Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • NFPA Health Rating: 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Fire Rating: 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. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Instability Rating: 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Finding(s): Safe in the present practices of use and concentration. Ingredient, concentration, and use information are available in documents discoverable at https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Toluene is a colorless liquid. It is not registered for current pesticide 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. Toluene is a component of gasoline, paints, inks, lacquers, paint thinners, adhesives, fingernail polish, cleaning agents, and rubber. BTX (a mixture of benzene, toluene, and xylene) is added to gasoline to improve octane ratings. Toluene is used to produce benzene, trinitrotoluene (TNT), nylon, plastics, and polyurethanes. It is also used in production of drugs of abuse. Toluene is a favorite of solvent abusers, who intentionally inhale high concentrations to achieve a euphoric effect. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Eye and upper airway irritation occurred after a 6.5 hr exposure to an air level of 100 ppm (377 mg/cu m) toluene, and lacrymation was seen at 500 mg/cu m. Volunteers exposed to 100 ppm (377 mg/cu m) toluene for 6 hr/day for four days suffered from subjective complaints of headache, dizziness and a sensation of intoxication. In subjects exposed to 750 mg/cu m for 8 hr, fatigue, muscular weakness, confusion, impaired c Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: Toluene is a cholinesterase or acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor. A cholinesterase inhibitor (or 'anticholinesterase') suppresses the action of acetylcholinesterase. Because of its essential function, chemicals that interfere with the action of acetylcholinesterase are potent neurotoxins, causing excessive salivation and eye-watering in low doses, followed by muscle spasms and ultimately death. Nerve gases and many substances used in insecticides have been shown to act by binding a serine in the active site of acetylcholine esterase, inhibiting the enzyme completely. Acetylcholine esterase breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is released at nerve and muscle junctions, in order to allow the muscle or organ to relax. The result of acetylcholine esterase inhibition is that acetylcholine builds up and continues to act so that any nerve impulses are continually transmitted and muscle contractions do not stop. Among the most common acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are phosphorus-based compounds, which are designed to bind to the active site of the enzyme. The structural requirements are a phosphorus atom bearing two lipophilic groups, a leaving group (such as a halide Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: The BCF of toluene in eels (Anguilla japonica) was reported as 13(1) and the BCF in golden ide (Leuciscus idus melanotus) was reported as 90(2). According to a classification scheme(3), these BCF values suggest the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low to moderate(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values of 37-178 measured in soil(2,3) indicate that toluene is expected to have high to moderate mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of toluene from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 6.64X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(4). Toluene is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 28.4 mm Hg at 25 °C(5). Complete biodegradation of toluene was observed in lab microcosm tests during a 40 hour incubation period using soils previously exposed to toluene(6). The biodegradation half-life in various soils was reported as several hours to 71 days(7). These tests suggest that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), a Koc value of 166 measured in lake sediment(2) indicates that toluene is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 6.64X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 1 hour and 4 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), BCF values of 13(6) and 90(7) measured in fish suggest the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low to moderate(SRC). The half-life of toluene in aerobic and anaerobic water was reported as 4 and 56 days(8), respectively, suggesting that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in water(SRC). 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), toluene, which has a vapor pressure of 28.4 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase toluene is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals, nitrate radicals and ozone molecules(SRC). The half-life for the reaction with hydroxyl radicals is estimated to be 2 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 5.93X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). The half-life for the nighttime reaction with nitrate radicals is estimated as 491 days(SRC) calculated from its rate constant of 6.8X10-17 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(4). The half-life for the reaction with ozone is estimated as 27,950 days(SRC) calculated from its rate constant of 4.1X10-22 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(4). Toluene does not absorb light at wavelengths >290 nm(5) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Consumer Uses: Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Intermediate; Sealant (barrier); Catalyst; Corrosion inhibitor; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Plasticizer; Fuel agents; Fuel; Fuels and fuel additives; Monomers; Other; Lubricating agent; Solvent; Dispersing agent Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Industry Uses: Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Diluent; Waterproofing agent; Catalyst; Reducing agent; Sealant (barrier); Plasticizer; Laboratory chemicals; Anti-scaling agent; Intermediate; Processing aids, specific to petroleum production; Pigment; Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Lubricating agent; CBI; Other; Binder; Dispersing agent; Solvent; Fuel; Fuel agents; Chemical reaction regulator; Monomers; Fuels and fuel additives; Processing aids not otherwise specified Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link: CIR ingredient: Toluene Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Uses: The major use of toluene is as a mixture added to gasoline to improve octane ratings. Toluene is also used to produce benzene and as a solvent in paints, coatings, synthetic fragrances, adhesives, inks, and cleaning agents. Source: EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
  • Sources/Uses: Derived from petroleum, toluene is used as a solvent and chemical intermediate. Purified toluene contains about 0.01% benzene, but crude toluene may contain as much as 25% benzene. Rotogravure printers were exposed to high concentrations of toluene (decreasing from about 1710 ppm in 1969 to about 43-157 ppm in 1980). [ACGIH] Used in photography (color retouching); [www.ci.tucson.az.us/arthazards/medium.html] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Semiconductor Manufacturing [Category: Industry]; Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]; Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other]; Leather Tanning and Processing [Category: Industry]; Photographic Processing [Category: Other]; Silk-Screen Printing [Category: Other] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Activities with risk of exposure: Painting [Category: Hobbies]; Woodworking [Category: Hobbies]; Preparing and mounting animal skins (taxidermy) [Category: Hobbies] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: For toluene (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 080601) 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./ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Toluene is a component of gasoline, paints, inks, lacquers, paint thinners, adhesives, fingernail polish, cleaning agents, and rubber. BTX (a mixture of benzene, toluene, and xylene) is added to gasoline to improve octane ratings. Toluene is used to produce benzene, trinitrotoluene (TNT), nylon, plastics, and polyurethanes. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Aviation gasoline and high-octane blending stock; benzene, phenol, and caprolactam; solvent for paints and coatings, gums, resins, most oils, rubber, vinyl organosols; diluent and thinner in nitrocellulose lacquers; adhesive solvent in plastic toys and model airplanes; chemicals (benzoic acid, benzyl and benzoyl derivatives, saccharin, medicines, dyes, perfumes); source of toluenediisocyanates (polyurethane resins); explosives (TNT); toluene sulfonates (detergents); scintillation counters. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: In manufacture benzoic acid, benzaldehyde, explosives, dyes, and many other organic compounds; as a solvent for paints, lacquers, gums, resins; thinner for inks, perfumes, dyes; in the extraction of various principles from plants; as gasoline additive. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for TOLUENE (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Toluene is used in paints, paint thinners, fingernail polish, lacquers, adhesives, and rubber and in some printing and leather tanning processes. Gasoline, which contains 5 to 7 perfect toluene by weight, is the largest source of atmospheric emissions and exposure of the general populace. (T10, L174) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

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
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.

Records for CAS 108-88-3

1 total
Annex
III
Entry
185

TOLUENE

Toluene

Keep out of reach of children. To be used by adults only

EC
203-625-9
Max concentration CMR

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CAS 108-88-3 is the Chemical Abstracts Service identifier used to pin this page to a specific substance. In the current dataset, 1 EU annex record shares this identifier, which helps you cross-check whether the same substance appears under one regulatory context or several.

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