Title: Creosote, Coal Tar
CAS Registry Number: 8001-58-9
Additional Names: Coal tar creosote
Literature References: A distillate of coal tar produced by high temp carbonization of bituminous coal. Constit. Liq and solid aromatic hydrocarbons, tar acids (up to 3%) and tar bases. History and composition: Roche, J. For. Prod. Res. Soc. 2, 75 (1952). Characterization by GLC: F. H. M. Nestler, Anal. Chem. 46, 46 (1974). GC-MS analysis in treated railroad ties: W. Rotard, W. Mailahn, ibid. 59, 65 (1987). Review of constituents, uses and carcinogenic risk: IARC Monographs 35, 83-159 (1985); of toxicology and human exposure: Toxicological Profile for Wood Creosote, Coal Tar Creosote, Coal Tar, Coal Tar Pitch, and Coal Tar Pitch Volatiles (PB2003-100136, 2002) 394 pp.
Properties: Translucent brown to black, oily liq. Flammable. Characteristic sharp, penetrating smoky odor; burning caustic taste. Heavier than water. Typical specification: d15.538.0 1.06. Distillation ranges: Up to 210° not >5%; up to 235° not >25% nor <5%; up to 270° not <20%; up to 355° not >85% nor <60%. Flash pt 165°F (75°C); ignition temp 637°F (335°C). Practically insol in water.
Flash point: Flash pt 165°F (75°C); ignition temp 637°F (335°C)
Density: d15.538.0 1.06
CAUTION: Readily absorbed through GI tract and skin. Potential symptoms following oral overexposure are intense GI irritation and congestion. Symptoms of systemic poisoning include salivation, vomiting, respiratory difficulties, thready pulse, vertigo, headache, loss of pupillary reflexes, hypothermia, cyanosis and mild convulsions. Direct contact may cause skin, eye or mucous membrane irritation, burning and itching, erythema, papular and vesicular eruptions, keratoconjunctivitis. See Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology Vol. 2B, G. D. Clayton, F. E. Clayton, Eds. (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 4th ed., 1994) pp 1602-1605. Coal tar and coal tar pitches are listed as known human carcinogens: Report on Carcinogens, Eleventh Edition (PB2005-104914, 2004) p III-68.
Use: Wood preservative, disinfectant, insecticide.
Therap-Cat-Vet: Has been used as an anthelmintic. |