Ingredient Dictionary

TOLUENE SULFONIC ACID

Toluene-4-sulfonic acid is an arenesulfonic acid that is benzenesulfonic acid in which the hydrogen at position 4 is replaced by a methyl group.

Definition

Toluene-4-sulfonic acid is an arenesulfonic acid that is benzenesulfonic acid in which the hydrogen at position 4 is replaced by a methyl group. It is a member of toluenes and an arenesulfonic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a toluene-4-sulfonate.

Source: PubChem

US FDA substance register · UNII QGV5ZG5741 · registered name 4-Toluenesulfonic acid · single chemical substance

Source: US FDA Unique Ingredient Identifier (UNII)

Cosmetic roles

Helps poorly soluble ingredients dissolve in waterSURFACTANT - HYDROTROPESurfactant that lifts dirtSURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Safety & regulatory references

Korea’s toxic-substance GHS classification: Danger · H314 (category 1B) · H302 (category 4)

Source: Korea toxic substances GHS register (NIER)

Reviewed by CIR: Safety Assessment of Xylene Sulfonic Acid, Toluene Sulfonic Acid, and Alkyl Aryl Sulfonate Hydrotropes as Used in Cosmetics

Source: US Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)

More data — names, identifiers, properties, test records, literature

Official labels & definitions

JCIA labelling name トルエンスルホン酸: 本品は、次の化学式で表される芳香族酸の置換体である。

Source: JCIA labelling names (Japan)

Names & identifiers

TOLUENE SULFONIC ACIDINCI톨루엔설포닉애씨드Korean label name (MFDS standard)Benzenesulfonic acid, 4-methyl-Synonymトルエンスルホン酸Japanese labelling name

CAS No.chemical registry number: 104-15-4
CAS No.chemical registry number: 25231-46-3
EC No.EU chemical inventory number: 203-180-0
DTXSIDUS EPA chemical ID: DTXSID0026701
DTXCIDUS EPA compound ID: DTXCID406701

IUPAC: 4-Methylbenzene-1-sulfonic acid
Molecular formula: C7H8O3S
Molecular weight: 172.2 g/mol

Measured properties

Appearance: Toluene sulfonic acid, liquid, with more than 5% free sulfuric acid appears as colorless to black solid. Odorless or nearly odorless. (USCG, 1999) · Liquid, Dry Powder, CBI, Large Crystals
Boiling point: 140 °C @ 20 MM HG · Boiling point = 38 °C
Melting point: 221 °F (USCG, 1999) · 106-107 °C
Solubility: ABOUT 67 G/100 ML WATER, SOL IN ALCOHOL, ETHER · VERY SOL IN WATER /SODIUM SALT/
Density: 1.45 at 77 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water, will sink · Relative density (water = 1): 1.24
Stability: Normally stable, unstable at high temperature and pressure.
Dissociation constant: -1.34
Odour: odourless
pH: 1 (Temperature: 20 °C Concentration: 650 g/L)
Melting/freezing point: 106.5 ℃
Initial boiling point and range: 140 ℃
Flash point: 184 ℃(c.c.)
Vapour pressure: 27 ㎜Hg(140℃)
Water solubility: 67 g/100㎖
Vapour density: 6
Relative density: 1.24

Values measured on the substance itself. The KOSHA data are a reference for writing and reviewing safety data sheets, not a specification for a commercial raw material.

Source: PubChem · KOSHA safety data sheets (Korea)

What products actually use it for

What the 20 products reported to the US EPA with this ingredient use it for. Products outside cosmetics are included, so the top few rows are its main uses.

Catalyst3
Intermediate3
Surfactant (surface active agent)3
Processing aids not otherwise specified2
Solvent2
Monomers1
Dispersing agent1
Solubility enhancer1

4 other uses

No specific technical function1
Defoamer1
Flotation agent1
Chemical reaction regulator1

Source: US EPA CompTox dashboard

Irritation and sensitisation studies

7 skin studies and 3 eye studies are on record.

Classed as moderate1

The study conclusions largely agree (100%). These tests are on the raw material itself; irritation at the amount in a finished product is a different question.

See all 10 studies

Skin Irrit. 2
Skin Irritation · Authoritative
Corrosive
skin irritation: in vivo · Screening · OECD Guideline 404 (Acute Dermal Irritation / Corrosion) according to
Category 1
Skin Irritation · Screening
Category 6.3A (Category 2)
Skin Irritation · Read Across
Not likely to be sensitizing
skin sensitisation: in vivo (non-LLNA) · Screening · according to EU Method B.6 (Skin Sensitisation)
Not classified
Skin Sensitization · Screening
Skin corrosion/irritation - Category 1
Skin Irritation · Screening
Category 6.4A (Category 2A)
Eye Irritation · Read Across
Eye Irrit. 2
Eye Irritation · Authoritative
Category 1
Eye Irritation · Screening