Substance profile
1,2-dihydroxybenzene
1,2-dihydroxybenzene is monoclinic tablets, prisms from toluene its aqueous solutions soon turn brown with a faint characteristic odor.
01 · Identification
What 1,2-dihydroxybenzene is
1,2-dihydroxybenzene is monoclinic tablets, prisms from toluene its aqueous solutions soon turn brown with a faint characteristic odor. Its molecular formula is C6H6O2 and its molecular weight is 110.11 g/mol. It boils at 246 °C, melts at 105 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Other names for 1,2-dihydroxybenzene
- pyrocatechol
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H350 | May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H341 | Suspected of causing genetic defects <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P264, P270, P280, P301, P302, P305, P308, P310, P313, P330, P332, P337, P338, P352
03 · Physical and chemical properties
1,2-dihydroxybenzene properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 245.56 °C (474 °F) | NIOSH | |
| 245.5 °C (473.9 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | 105 °C (221 °F) | HSDB | |
| Density | 1.344 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 1.371 g/cm³ | HSDB | ||
| 1.34 g/cm³ | NIOSH | ||
| Solubility | Soluble in chloroform, ether; very soluble in pyridine, aqueous alkalis | HSDB | |
| Very soluble in alcohol, ethyl ether, acetate | HSDB | ||
| In water, 4.61X10+5 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.03 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 10 mmHg | at 118.3 °C | HSDB | |
| 10 mmHg | at 117.78 °C | NIOSH | |
| Flash point | 126.67 °C (260 °F) | HSDB | |
| 127.2 °C (261 °F) | open cup | HSDB | |
| 127 °C (260.6 °F) | HSDB | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 510 °C (950 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.4 % by volume | NIOSH | |
| Flammability lower limit (vapor in air): 1.97% | HSDB | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | Not Applicable. Combustible solid (USCG, 1999) | CAMEO | |
| NA | OSHA | ||
| Vapor density | 3.79 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3.8 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | detection: 8.0 mg/L | HSDB | |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 526.85 °C (980.3 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 1,2-dihydroxybenzene
Storage conditions
Separated from strong oxidants, food and feedstuffs. Keep in the dark. Ventilation along the floor.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
POISONOUS GASES MAY BE PRODUCED WHEN HEATED. CATECHOL may form toxic fumes at high temperatures. (USCG, 1999). This compound can react with acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, bases and oxidizing agents. It reacts violently on contact with concentrated nitric acid. It acts as a reducing agent (NTP, 1992).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 1,2-dihydroxybenzene in the storage compatibility matrix →