Material Safety Data Sheet: Benzophenone

Identification

Product Name: Benzophenone
Chemical Name: Diphenyl Ketone
Common Synonyms: Benzoylbenzene, Benzoylbenzol
CAS Number: 119-61-9
Recommended Usage: Used in fragrance formulations, photoinitiators, and as a UV blocker
Company Identification: Manufacturer and distributor information provided on specific packaging
Emergency Phone: Listed on container or company website

Hazard Identification

Classification: Flammable solid, Irritant
Hazard Statement: Skin and eye irritant, Combustible material
Signal Word: Warning
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, Flame symbol
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, Use personal protection, Wash thoroughly after handling
Physical Hazards: Solid at room temperature, produces dust that may be irritating
Chronic Exposure: Repeated contact may aggravate existing dermatitis or respiratory issues

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Benzophenone
Concentration: >99% by weight
Impurities: Typical samples contain trace impurities below reporting thresholds
Molecular Formula: C13H10O
Other Ingredients: None forming a significant hazard

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, monitor for irritation, seek medical advice if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, medical attention if irritation occurs
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with water, lift eyelids, continue rinse for at least 15 minutes, medical attention if discomfort persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, seek medical help, never induce vomiting unless directed by health professional
Symptoms: May cause redness, dryness, sneezing, headaches if exposure is prolonged

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Dry chemicals, carbon dioxide, foam, water spray
Not Suitable: Straight water jets
Fire/Explosion Hazard: Dust can form flammable mixtures in air, combustion forms toxic fumes (carbon monoxide and dioxide)
Special Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear required
Fire-Fighting Procedures: Use water to keep container cool, avoid inhaling fumes

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear protective gloves and safety goggles, avoid creating dust clouds
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers and watercourses
Clean Up Methods: Sweep up, place in suitable containers, ventilate the area, wash spill site after material pick-up
Emergency Procedures: Evacuate unprotected personnel from area, secure area till cleaned

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated area, ground all equipment, avoid static discharge, minimize dust generation
Storage: Keep container tightly closed in cool, dry, well-ventilated space, store away from heat sources and incompatible substances
Shelf Life: Stable under recommended storage, moisture may promote clumping
Technical Measures: Avoid handling near food, beverages, or combustible material

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Permissible Exposure Limits: No OSHA or ACGIH established limits for pure substance
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust, general ventilation
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety eyewear, dust mask or respirator for high concentrations
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating or smoking, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse
Environmental Exposure Controls: Prevent spillage to soil and waterways

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White, crystalline solid
Odor: Faint aromatic
Odor Threshold: Not clearly identified
pH: Not applicable (insoluble in water)
Melting Point: 47–49°C
Boiling Point: 305°C
Flash Point: Approximately 162°C
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: May ignite at high temperatures
Vapor Pressure: Very low at room temperature
Vapor Density: Heavier than air
Solubility: Slight in water, soluble in organic solvents
Partition Coefficient: log Kow = 3.18
Auto-ignition Temperature: Data not determined
Decomposition Temperature: 332°C
Upper/Lower Flammability Limit: Not determined

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at standard temperature and pressures
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions under normal use
Hazardous Reactions: Can react with strong oxidizing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flames, moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, and oxidants
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, other irritating fumes

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 oral (rat): 2930 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mild irritation possible
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause redness and tearing
Respiratory Sensitization: Dust may cause transient irritation
Repeated Dose Toxicity: No evidence of significant systemic toxicity upon repeated exposure
Carcinogenicity: Classified as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) by IARC based on animal studies
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: Mixed results, use with caution especially during pregnancy
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eyes, ingestion
Symptoms: Irritation to mucous membranes, skin, and eyes; can aggravate eczema and asthma

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms, potential to cause long-term adverse effects
Persistence and Degradability: Resistant to biodegradation in water and sediment
Bioaccumulation Potential: Moderate (log Kow>3)
Mobility in Soil: Moderately immobile, tends to adsorb on soil particles
Other Adverse Effects: Harmful to aquatic species, protozoa, microalgae; contributes to contamination in water systems if improperly released

Disposal Considerations

Product Disposal: Dispose of substance in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Container Disposal: Empty containers should be triple rinsed and recycled or disposed in accredited landfill
Special Instructions: Do not allow product to reach sewage systems or watercourses

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as a hazardous material for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not designated as marine pollutant under IMDG
Special Precautions: Protect packaging from physical damage, keep away from ignition sources
Bulk Transport: Consult official freight documents for exact handling requirements

Regulatory Information

Workplace Regulations: Benzophenone listed on multiple chemical inventories (REACH, TSCA, DSL, AICS)
Label Requirements: Comply with GHS guidelines, include hazard pictograms and statements
OSHA: Not specifically listed as hazardous, follow standard good practice
EPA: Report environmental releases as required
International Status: Banned or restricted in certain countries for cosmetic ingredients
Special Restrictions: Regulations may vary by country and product usage