Substance profile
2,4-Dinitrophenol
2,4-Dinitrophenol is pale yellow platelets or leaflets from water with a sweet, musty odor.
01 · Identification
What 2,4-Dinitrophenol is
2,4-Dinitrophenol is pale yellow platelets or leaflets from water with a sweet, musty odor. Its molecular formula is C6H4N2O5 and its molecular weight is 184.11 g/mol. It melts at 115 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
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 |
|---|---|
| H300 | Fatal if swallowed. |
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H372 | Causes damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301, P302, P304, P310, P314, P330, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
2,4-Dinitrophenol 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 | Sublimes | sublimes | HSDB |
| Sublimes (when carefully heated) (NTP, 1992) | sublimes | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | 114.8 °C (238.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 112 °C (233.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 1.68 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 1.683 g/cm³ | at 24 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.68 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether, benzene, methanol | HSDB | |
| Soluble in aqueous alkaline solutions | HSDB | ||
| In water, 5,600 mg/L at 18 °C; 43,000 mg/L at 100 °C | at 18 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.00039 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 0.00039 mmHg | Haz-Map | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air. | HSDB | |
| Forms explosive salts with alkalies and ammonia. | HSDB | ||
| Prolonged exposure to fire or heat may result in the spontaneous decomposition and heating with a resultant explosion. | decomposes, Dinitrophenol solutions | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 6.35 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 6.36 (air = 1) | ICSC |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 2,4-Dinitrophenol
Storage conditions
/Dinitrophenol/ ... should be stored in a cool ventilated place away from area of acute fire hazard and away from powerful oxidizing agents. /Dinitrophenol/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Contact with reducing agents, combustibles may cause fire and explosions. Forms shock-sensitive explosive salts with ammonia, strong bases, and most metals. May accumulate static electrical charges /which/ may cause ignition of its vapors.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
2,4-DINITROPHENOL may explode if subjected to heat or flame. May explode if allowed to dry out. Forms explosive salts with alkalis and ammonia. Incompatible with heavy metals and their compounds. Also incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong bases and reducing agents. Reacts with combustibles. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2,4-Dinitrophenol in the storage compatibility matrix →