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1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene

  • Aromatic solvents
  • CAS 95-63-6
  • IUPAC: 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene

Substance-level harmonized classification (REACH/CLP): Flam. Liq. 3 (H226), Acute Tox. 4 (H302 oral, not in scope for spray use), Skin Irrit. 2 (H315), Eye Irrit. 2 (H319), STOT SE 3 (H336, narcotic effects), Aquatic Chronic 2 (H411). At sub-1% mixture concentrations in finished detailing products, these substance-level H-codes generally fall below mixture-classification thresholds for health contribution. The aquatic chronic flag at product level persists.

1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene (CAS 95-63-6) is the most abundant isomer in commercial trimethylbenzene mixtures derived from petroleum naphtha. It appears in detailing products as a minor aromatic constituent of Stoddard solvent and similar petroleum co-solvents, typically at sub-1% concentrations in the finished product formulation. The substance carries a rich hazard profile at the pure-substance level — including flammability, skin and eye irritation, and STOT SE 3 (H336 narcotic effects from vapor inhalation at high concentrations). In consumer detailing products where the substance is present at 0.5–<1% in a predominantly aqueous formulation, the concentration is below mixture-classification thresholds for most of these health codes. The STOT SE 3 (H336) narcotic-effects code requires prolonged exposure to vapors at concentrations materially higher than those produced by sub-1% content in a water-based spray; the contribution to product-level classification is the chronic systemic concern documented via STOT RE 2 (H373) in products where the aromatic petroleum fraction is present at sufficient combined concentration. Environmentally, the substance is not readily biodegradable and carries substance-level Aquatic Chronic 2 (H411). The aquatic toxicity flag is relevant at product level when petroleum-distillate co-solvents including this constituent enter wash runoff via the drain pathway.

Health & environment profile

VOC
yes
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
no
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
yes
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
2/5
Purpose: Aromatic hydrocarbon present in petroleum-distillate co-solvents; minor constituent of Stoddard solvent and light aromatic naphtha fractions used in spray sealant formulations.

1 product contain this

Health summaries are editorial — we synthesize from SDSs, peer-reviewed sources, and regulatory listings. Not medical advice.