* Synonyms
Gum spirits, turps, gum thus, D.D. turpentine, wood turpentine, oil of turpentine, rectified turpentine oil, spirits of turpentine, sulfate wood turpentine, sulfate turpentine, gum turpentine, steam-distilled turpentine.
* Identifiers
1. CAS 8006-64-2.
2. RTECS YO8400000.
3. DOT UN: 1299 27.
4. DOT label: None if gum spirits; Flammable Liquid if wood spirits.
* Appearance and odor
Turpentine is a volatile mixture of hydrocarbon isomers obtained either from pine gum or pine wood. Gum turpentine is a yellowish, sticky, opaque, combustible material; the wood distillate (oil of turpentine) is a flammable, colorless liquid with a characteristic odor.
CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
* Physical data (properties vary with the specific product)
1. Molecular weight: Approximately 136.
2. Boiling point (760 torr): 150 to 180 degrees C (302 to 356 degrees F).
3. Specific gravity (water = 1): 0.86 to 0.90 at 15 degrees C (59 degrees F).
4. Vapor density (air = 1 at boiling point of turpentine): 4.6 to 4.8.
5. Melting point: -50 to -60 degrees C (-58 to -76 degrees F).
6. Vapor pressure at 20 degrees C (68 degrees F): 5 torr.
7. Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and glacial acetic acid.
8. Evaporation rate (butyl acetate = 1): Below 1.0.
* Reactivity
1. Conditions contributing to instability: Heat, exposure to air in a confined space, and sources of ignition.
2. Incompatibilities: Contact of turpentine with oxidation catalysts or with strong oxidizing agents (especially chlorine) may cause fires and explosions.
3. Hazardous decomposition products: Toxic gases and vapors (such as carbon monoxide and the partial oxidation products of terpenes) may be released in a fire involving turpentine.
4. Special precautions: Turpentine attacks some coatings and some forms of plastic and rubber.