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InventoryRef 3983002/03/2011

ETHYLBENZENE

Ethylbenzene

ETHYLBENZENE is listed in the EU CosIng inventory, but no direct annex records are linked on this page yet.

Regulatory evidence by market

No rule for this ingredient has been imported for any of the 13 markets tracked here.

That describes this inventory, not the law. No imported rule is not evidence that an ingredient is permitted: a rule may exist under another name or identifier, or in a dataset not yet imported here.

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 100-41-4
CAS 100-41-4PubChem CID 7500

Ethylbenzene

Ethylbenzene is an alkylbenzene carrying an ethyl substituent. It is a constituent of coal tar and petroleum. ChEBI

IUPAC name
ethylbenzene
Molecular formula
C8H10
Molecular weight
106.16 g/mol
Exact mass
106.078250319 Da
XLogP3
3.1
Topological polar surface area
0.0 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
0
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

PhenylethaneEthylbenzolBenzene, ethyl-Ethyl benzeneEthylenzeneAethylbenzolEthylbenzeenEtilbenzene
16 more reported names
Etylobenzenalpha-MethyltolueneNCI-C56393L5I45M5G0ONSC-406903CHEBI:16101RefChem:6429202-849-41-ethylbenzeneNSC 406903.alpha.-MethyltolueneETHYL-BENZENENSC 406903; PhenylethaneEthylbenzeen [Dutch]Etylobenzen [Polish]Aethylbenzol [German]
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

EMBL-EBI ChEBI
Exact identifier matchCHEBI:16101

ethylbenzene

An alkylbenzene carrying an ethyl substituent. It is a constituent of coal tar and petroleum.

Formula
C8H10
Average mass
106.168 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass
106.07825 Da
Formal charge
0
  • alkylbenzene — is a (CHEBI:38976)
  • plastic filler — has role (CHEBI:747333)
  • plastic filler — has role (CHEBI:747333)
  • alkylbenzene — is a (CHEBI:38976)
Additional curated names
ethylbenzeneAethylbenzolEthylbenzeneEthylbenzolEthylenzenePhenylethanePHENYLETHANEalpha-methyltoluene
Cross-references from this source
  • CAS: 100-41-4 — KEGG COMPOUND
  • CAS: 100-41-4 — NIST Chemistry WebBook
  • REGISTRY_NUMBER: 1901871 — Reaxys
  • REGISTRY_NUMBER: 2990 — Gmelin
  • MANUAL_X_REF: c0116 — UM-BBD
  • MANUAL_X_REF: C07111 — KEGG COMPOUND
  • MANUAL_X_REF: DB01722 — DrugBank
  • MANUAL_X_REF: Ethylbenzene — Wikipedia
  • MANUAL_X_REF: ETHYLBENZENE — MetaCyc
  • MANUAL_X_REF: HMDB0059905 — HMDB

Mapped by: Exact CAS cross-reference in the ChEBI compound record. Source updated: 2017-11-13. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match7500

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 (Ethylbenzene): 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: Water flush promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water promptly. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water promptly. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention.; 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]; H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; 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: P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P271, P280, P301+P316, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P317, P319, P331, P370+P378, 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% (2 of 7017) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H225 (> 99.9%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]; H304 (17.3%): May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Danger Aspiration hazard]; H332 (99.9%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H373 (17.2%): 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: P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P271, P280, P301+P316, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P317, P319, P331, P370+P378, 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 7017 reports by companies from 72 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 2 of 7017 reports by companies.; There are 71 notifications provided by 7015 of 7017 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)
  • Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]; H304: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Danger Aspiration hazard]; H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]; H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]; H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]; H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P316, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P317, P318, P319, P331, P337+P317, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]; H304: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Danger Aspiration hazard]; H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]; H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]; H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]; H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]; H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Health Effects: Chronic exposure to etylbenzene can lead to an increase in the mean number of lymphocytes and a decrease in hemoglobin levels. Acute duration and intermediate duration studies suggest that the auditory system is a sensitive target of ethylbenzene toxicity. Exposure ethylbenzene can lead to functional and organic disturbances (nervous system disturbances, toxic hepatitis and upper respiratory tract complaints). Metabolites of ethylbenzene have been shown to produce oxidative damage to DNA. (L311, T52) 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)
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Ethylbenzene is a colorless liquid with aromatic odor. It is used as an intermediate for the manufacture of the styrene monomer and as a resin solvent. It is also used as a component of automotive and aviation fuels. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Human exposure to ethylbenzene occurs mainly by inhalation. Ethylbenzene has low acute and chronic toxicity for humans. It is toxic to the central nervous system and is an irritant of mucous membranes and the eyes. Ethylbenzene vapor has a transient irritant effect on human eyes at 200 ppm in air. At 1000 ppm on the first exposure it is very irritating and causes tearing, but tolerance rapidly develops. At 2000 ppm eye irritation and lacrimation are immediate and severe; 5000 ppm causes intolerable irritation of the eyes and nose. Volunteers reported irritation and chest constriction after acute-duration exposures to 2,000 ppm ethylbenzene. These symptoms worsened as the concentration was increased to 5,000 ppm. Human exposures in the range of 2,000-5,000 ppm ethylbenzene were associated with dizziness and vertigo. Complete recovery occurs if exposure is not prolonged. Ethylbenzene exposure might be associated with h Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: Changes in the integrity of the cell membrane after partitioning of ethylbenzene into the lipid bilayer may subsequently affect the function of membrane, particularly as a barrier and in energy transduction, and in the formation of a matrix for proteins and enzymes. Ethybenzene inhibits the activity of the astrocytic membrane ATPases, which helps regulate adequate intercellular levels of ions, nutrients, metabolic intermediates and precursors in the central nervous system. Thus, this may disturb the ability of the cells to maintain homeostasis. (L311, A186) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: A BCF of 15 (log BCF of 1.19) was measured for ethylbenzene in goldfish(1). Ethylbenzene did not bioaccumulate in Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus), BCF approximated as 1, in tests using 0.005 mg/L ethylbenzene(2). According to a classification scheme(2), these BCF values suggest the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. In a shellfish study, the ethylbenzene concentration in clam tissue was 5 times higher than that measured in water after an 8-day continuous-flow exposure to the water-soluble fraction of Cook Inlet crude oil(4). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), measured Koc values of 224 to 257(2-4), indicate that ethylbenzene is expected to have moderate mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of ethylbenzene from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 7.88X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(5). Ethylbenzene is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 9.6 mm Hg at 25 °C(6). Based on results of biodegradation screening studies, ethylbenzene is considered to be inherently biodegradable in soil under aerobic conditions, and not rapidly biodegradable in anaerobic conditions(7). As an example, ethylbenzene, present at 50 mg/L, reached 81% of its theoretical BOD in 14 days during a 28-day BOD test indicating it may be readily biodegradable under the right conditions(7). The kinetics of biodegradation appear to be site specific, and depend upon factors such as the type and population of microbes present, the environmental temperature, the concentration of ethylbenzene, the presence of other compounds that may act as a substrate, and the amount of oxygen and electron acceptors present(3). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), measured Koc values of 224 to 257(2-4, indicate that ethylbenzene is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). One sediment study concluded that the marine sediment compartment is not an important sink for ethylbenzene(5). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(6) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 7.88X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(7). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(5), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3.1 hours and 4.1 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(8), experimental BCF values of 15(9) and 1(10) suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Based on results of biodegradation screening studies, ethylbenzene is considered to be inherently biodegradable in water under aerobic conditions, and not rapidly biodegradable in anaerobic conditions(11). The kinetics of biodegradation appear to be site specific, and depend upon factors such as the type and population of microbes present, the environmental temperature, the concentration of ethylbenzene, the presence of other compounds that may act as a substrate 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), ethylbenzene, which has a vapor pressure of 9.6 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase ethylbenzene 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 2.3 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 7.0X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Vapor-phase ethylbenzene is also degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with night-time nitrate radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 56 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 5.71X10-16 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(4). Ethylbenzene has been detected in rainwater and snow(5,6), and therefore, it may be removed from the air by wet deposition(SRC). Ethylbenzene does not absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(7) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Consumer Uses: Solvent; Dispersing agent; Binder; Other; Processing aids not otherwise specified; Fuel; Fuel agents; Cleaning agent; Filler; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Catalyst; Intermediate; Hardener; Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Surface modifier Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Industry Uses: Sealant (barrier); Diluent; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Catalyst; Cleaning agent; Surface modifier; Laboratory chemicals; Anti-static agent; Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Intermediate; Binder; Other; Solvent; Chemical reaction regulator; Fuel; Fuel agents; Processing aids not otherwise specified Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Uses: Ethylbenzene is used primarily in the production of styrene. It is also used as a solvent, as a constituent of asphalt and naphtha, and in fuels. Source: EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
  • Sources/Uses: Used as a solvent and an intermediate in the production of styrene (90%) and other organic chemicals; The general population may be exposed after contact with gasoline, automobile emissions, domestic products containing solvents, and cigarette smoke. [ACGIH] Used as a solvent for resins and coatings; [HSDB] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]; Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Activities with risk of exposure: Smoking cigarettes [Category: Food & Drugs] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: Essentially all commercial ethylbenzene production is captively consumed for the manufacture of styrene monomer or in the co-production of styrene monomer with propylene oxide. Styrene is used in the production of polystyrene and a wide variety of other plastics. Of the minor uses, the most significant is in the paint industry as a solvent, which accounts for <1% of production capacity. Even smaller volumes go toward the production of acetophenone, diethylbenzene, and ethylanthraquinone. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: ... Component for automotive and aviation fuels. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: As a resin solvent. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Catalytic oxidation of ethylbenzene with air in the presence of heavy-metal oxides yields acetophenone and phenylmethylcarbinol. It also improves the antiknock properties of fuels for Otto engines. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Intermediate in production of styrene, solvent. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Ethylbenzene is used in the petrochemical industry as an intermediate in the production of styrene, which in turn is used for making polystyrene, a commonly used plastic material. Exposure may occur from breathing contaminated air, drinking or eating food prepared with ethylbenzene-contaminated water, and through skin contact with products containing ethylbenzene, such as gasoline. (L311) 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
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.

Inventory details for ETHYLBENZENE

INCI name

ETHYLBENZENE

Description

Ethylbenzene

Record provenance

Inventory reference
39830
Imported identity
ETHYLBENZENE
Source update
02/03/2011
European Commission CosIng source notes

Key data

Restriction
Function
PERFUMING
Used for perfume and aromatic raw materials.

Ingredients with overlapping formulation functions

Additional official and scientific sources

11 external databases to check this identity in

How ETHYLBENZENE appears in the CosIng inventory

The CosIng inventory lists ETHYLBENZENE as a cosmetic ingredient and this page links it to 0 annex records. The inventory entry captures names and identifiers, while the annex records show where the substance is prohibited, restricted or positively listed in EU cosmetics law.

ETHYLBENZENE is also tagged with 1 cosmetic function in the official data. Function labels describe intended use, but they do not replace regulatory review of linked annex records before formulation or labelling work.

Frequently asked questions

ETHYLBENZENE is listed in the EU CosIng ingredient inventory with no direct annex restriction records linked at this time. Absence of an annex link does not guarantee unrestricted use — always verify against the current official CosIng database before formulating.

According to the EU CosIng inventory, ETHYLBENZENE carries the following function designation(s):

CAS 100-41-4 may appear across multiple EU annex records. Viewing the CAS lookup page shows all Annex II–VI entries sharing this identifier, which is useful for identifying cross-annex regulatory status of the same chemical substance.

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Source note for ETHYLBENZENE

This page reproduces the CosIng inventory entry for ETHYLBENZENE from public European Commission cosmetic ingredient materials and shows linked identifiers even when no direct annex match is currently attached.

Use this inventory page to research ETHYLBENZENE and compare linked records, but verify restrictions and legal status against the current official source text and law before making regulatory decisions.

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