BENZYL CHLOROFORMATE

A colorless liquid with an acrid odor. Vapors irritate eyes and mucous membranes. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Long-term inhalation of low concentrations or short-term inhalation of high concentrations can result in adverse health effects.

• Water-Reactive

Decomposes in moist air. Decomposes slowly in water to give corrosive hydrochloric acid and organic acids.

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic phosgene, hydrogen chloride, and benzyl chloride vapors may form.

Behavior in Fire: Containers may explode. (USCG, 1999)

Inhalation causes mucous membrane irritation. Eyes are irritated by excessive exposure to vapor. Liquid causes severe irritation of eyes and irritates skin. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach. (USCG, 1999)

BENZYL CHLOROFORMATE decomposes slowly in water forming benzyl alcohol, HCl, and CO2. Gives off HCl fumes in moist air. Reacts with bases, both organic and inorganic. Attacks many metals especially in humid atmosphere [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 476]. Catalytic impurity incidents involving the iron catalyzed decomposition of benzoyl chloroformate have caused several explosions. The iron presumably comes from corrosion of steel storage tanks [Loss Prev. Bull., 1975, (003), 2]. May react vigorously or explosively if mixed with diisopropyl ether or other ethers in the presence of trace amounts of metal salts [J. Haz. Mat., 1981, 4, 291].

• Acyl Halides, Sulfonyl Halides, and Chloroformates

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents
• Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
• Dirt/Earth

Excerpt from 137 [Substances - Water-Reactive - Corrosive]:

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 car or tank truck 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, 2020)

Excerpt from 137 [Substances - Water-Reactive - Corrosive]:

When material is not involved in fire, do not use water on material itself.

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical or CO2. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

LARGE FIRE: Flood fire area with large quantities of water, while knocking down vapors with water fog. If insufficient water supply, responders should withdraw.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Do not get water inside containers. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 137 [Substances - Water-Reactive - Corrosive]:

Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors; do not put water directly on leak, spill area or inside container. Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2020)

Self-contained breathing apparatus or acid-type canister mask; goggles or face shield; rubber gloves; protective clothing. (USCG, 1999)

Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)

Chemical	CAS Number	State	QS	QC	SL	C3	TF	TP	RC	TK	RF
Benzyl chloro formate	501-53-1	Liquid				>480

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

(DuPont, 2023)

INHALATION: remove from exposure; support respiration; call physician.

EYES: irrigate with copious amounts of water for 15 min.

SKIN: flush with large quantities of water; wash with soap and water.

INGESTION: give large amounts of water; do NOT induce vomiting. (USCG, 1999)

• BENZYL CARBONOCHLORIDATE
• BENZYL CHLOROCARBONATE
• BENZYL CHLOROFORMATE
• BENZYLCARBONYL CHLORIDE
• (BENZYLOXY)CARBONYL CHLORIDE
• CARBOBENZOXY CHLORIDE
• CARBOBENZYLOXY CHLORIDE
• CHLOROFORMIC ACID BENZYL ESTER
• CHLOROFORMIC ACID, BENZYL ESTER
• FORMIC ACID, CHLORO-, BENZYL ESTER
• PHENYLMETHYL CHLOROFORMATE