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Mesitylene, also known as 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene, is an aromatic hydrocarbon belonging to the alkylbenzene family.
Mesitylene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor and is widely used as a solvent, chemical intermediate, and raw material in the production of specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and resins.
Mesitylene is valued for its high chemical stability and excellent solvency properties.
CAS Number: 108-67-8
EC Number: 203-604-4
Chemical Name: Mesitylene
Common Name: Mesitylene
IUPAC Name: 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene
Molecular Formula: C₉H₁₂
Molecular Weight: 120.19 g/mol
Appearance: Colorless, clear liquid
Odor: Sweet, aromatic hydrocarbon odor
Synonyms: 1,3,5-TRIMETHYLBENZENE, 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (mesitylene), Fleet-X, 1.3.5-TriMethy, Trimethylbenzol, 1,3,5-Trimethylbenze, sym-Trimethylbenzene, 1,3,5-trimethyl-benzen, 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene Standard, NSC 9273
Chemical Properties
Chemical Family: Aromatic hydrocarbon
Melting Point: Approximately -45 °C
Boiling Point: Approximately 164–165 °C
Density: Approximately 0.865 g/cm³ (20 °C)
Flash Point: Approximately 44 °C (closed cup)
Autoignition Temperature: Approximately 550 °C
Vapor Pressure: Approximately 3 hPa (20 °C)
Water Solubility: Practically insoluble in water (approximately 0.05 g/L at 25 °C)
Solubility: Miscible with ethanol, ether, benzene, toluene, acetone, and most organic solvents.
Refractive Index: Approximately 1.499 (20 °C)
Description
Mesitylene is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinctive, aromatic odor.
Molecular weight= 120.21; Specific gravity (H2O:1)= 0.86;Boiling point=165℃; Freezing/Melting point=45℃; Vapor pressure= 2 mmHg at 20℃; Flash point=50℃ (cc); Autoignition temperature=559℃.
Hazard Identification (based on NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 0, Flammability 2, Reactivity 0.
Practically insoluble in water; solubility= 0.002%.
Chemical Properties
Aromatic-herbaceous, ethereal odor, comparatively diffusive, reminiscent of Thyme, overall pleasant, not as gassy as Cymene.
Chemical Properties
Mesitylene is a clear, colorless liquid. Distinctive, aromatic odor.
Physical properties
Colorless liquid with a peculiar odor. An odor threshold concentration of 170 ppbv was reported by Nagata and Takeuchi (1990).
Uses
Mesitylene is used to make plastics and dyes.
Mesitylene acts as a solvent, ligand in organometallic chemistry and precursor to 2,4,6-trimethylaniline.
Mesitylene is also used as a developer for photopatternable silicones due to its solvent properties in the electronics industry.
Mesitylene is used as an internal standard in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) samples due to the presence of three equivalent protons in Mesitylene.
Mesitylene is involved in the production of trimesic acid and antioxygen, epoxy firming agent and polyester resin stabilizers.
Further, Mesitylene is used as an additive and component in aviation gasoline blends.
Intermediate, including anthraquinone vat dyes, UV oxidation stabilizers for plastics.
Uses
Mesitylene can be used for the production of trimesic acid and antioxidants, epoxy curing agents, stabilizers polyester resin, alkyd resin, plasticizers and dyes etc.
Mesitylene can be used as raw material of organic synthesis, Mesitylene can be used in the preparation of trimesic acid, and antioxidants, epoxy curing agents, stabilizers polyester resin, alkyd resin, plasticizer, 2,4,6-trimethyl aniline reactive brilliant blue, K-3R and other dye.
Mesitylene can be used as analytical reagents, solvents, Mesitylene can be also used in organic synthesis, etc.
Key Characteristics
Excellent solvent for organic compounds.
High chemical and thermal stability.
Low water solubility.
Moderate evaporation rate.
Good compatibility with resins, polymers, and coatings.
Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
Industrial Applications
Solvent for paints, coatings, and printing inks.
Intermediate in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.
Production of dyes and pigments.
Raw material for antioxidants and specialty chemicals.
Laboratory reagent and analytical solvent.
Chemical intermediate in organic synthesis.
Additive in fuel and petrochemical formulations.
Resin and polymer processing.
Advantages
High purity grades available for industrial and laboratory use.
Excellent solvency for a wide range of organic materials.
Good storage stability.
Suitable for high-performance coating formulations.
Effective carrier solvent in specialty chemical production.
Safety Information
Flammable liquid and vapor.
Harmful if inhaled or swallowed.
May cause skin and eye irritation.
Vapors may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and oxidizing agents.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and adequate ventilation during handling.
Typical End Uses
Industrial solvents
Paints and coatings
Printing inks
Adhesives
Chemical intermediates
Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Dye and pigment production
Petrochemical processing
Laboratory chemicals
Specialty chemical manufacturing
Storage Recommendations
Mesitylene should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat, sparks, open flames, and strong oxidizing agents. Containers should be properly grounded during transfer operations to minimize the risk of static discharge and ensure safe handling.
Storage
Color Code—Red: Flammability Hazard: Store in a flammable liquid storage area or approved cabinet away from ignition sources and corrosive and reactive materials.
Prior to working with this chemical you should be trained on its proper handling and storage.
This chemical must be stored to avoid contact with oxidizers (such as perchlorates, peroxides, permanganates, chlorates, and nitrates) and strong oxidizers (such as chlorine, bromine, and fluorine), since violent reactions occur.
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat.
Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where this chemical is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard.
Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of this chemical should be grounded and bonded.
Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters.
Use only nonsparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of this chemical.
Hazard
Moderate fire hazard. Toxic by inhalation.
Central nervous system impairment, asthma, and hematologic effects.
Health Hazard
May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin.
Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes.
Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation.
Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
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 ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks).
Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.
Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.
Safety Profile
Poison by inhalation. Moderately toxic by intraperitoneal route.
Human systemic effects by inhalation: sensory changes involving peripheral nerves, somnolence (general depressed activity), and structural or functional change in trachea or bronchi. Reports of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia in experimental animals.
A mild skin and eye irritant.
A flammable liquid when exposed to heat or flame; can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. Violent reaction with HNO3.
To fight fire, use water spray, fog, foam, CO2. Emitted from modern buildmg materials (CENEAR 69,22,91). When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Potential Exposure
Mesitylene is used as raw material in chemical synthesis and as ultraviolet stabilizer; as a paint thinner, solvent, and motor fuel component; as an intermediate in organic chemical manufacture.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped.
Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention.
Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
