Substance profile
2-phenylpropene
2-phenylpropene is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor.
01 · Identification
What 2-phenylpropene is
2-phenylpropene is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor. Its molecular formula is C9H10 and its molecular weight is 118.18 g/mol. It boils at 165 °C, melts at -23.2 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as flammable agents - 2nd degree.
Other names for 2-phenylpropene
- α-methylstyrene
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 |
|---|---|
| H226 | Flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P264, P273, P280, P305, P313, P337, P338, P391, P403, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
2-phenylpropene 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 | 165.4 °C (329.7 °F) | HSDB | |
| 165.56 °C (330 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 165.39 °C (329.7 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -23.2 °C (-9.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| -23.33 °C (-10 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -22.78 °C (-9 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.9106 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 0.91 g/cm³ | NIOSH | ||
| 0.91 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | SOL IN ALC; SOL IN ALL PROPORTIONS IN ACETONE, CARBON TETRACHLORIDE | HSDB | |
| Sol in benzene, chloroform | HSDB | ||
| Sol in ether | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 2 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 1.9 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 1.9 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 83.89 °C (183 °F) | CLOSED CUP | HSDB |
| 57.8 °C (136 °F) | Cleveland open-cup | HSDB | |
| 53.89 °C (129 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 574.44 °C (1066 °F) | HSDB | |
| 574 °C (1065.2 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 6.1 % by volume | upper flammable limit | HSDB |
| 6.1 % by volume | upper | HSDB | |
| 3.4 % by volume | upper | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 6.1 % by volume | NIOSH | |
| 6.6 % by volume | ICSC | ||
| Vapor density | 4.08 (air = 1) | CAMEO | |
| Odor threshold | Odor detection in air, 5.20X10-2 ppm (purity not specified) | HSDB | |
| Odor recognition in air, 1.60X10-1 ppm (purity not specified) | HSDB | ||
| Odor (low) 0.2496 mg/cu m; Odor (high) 960.0 mg/cu m; Irritating concn 960.0 mg/cu m. | HSDB | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 384 °C (723.2 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 2-phenylpropene
Storage conditions
DURING STORAGE IT IS FREQUENTLY STABILIZED WITH TERT-BUTYL CATECHOL AS INHIBITOR.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Oxidizers, peroxides, halogens, catalysts for vinyl or ionic polymers; aluminum, iron chloride, copper [Note: Usually contains an inhibitor such as tert-butyl catechol].
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
ISOPROPENYLBENZENE is easily peroxidizable; the peroxide may initiate exothermic polymerization of the bulk material. Reacts violently with strong oxidizing agents [Handling Chemicals Safely, 1980 p. 866; Bretherick, 1979 p. 160].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2-phenylpropene in the storage compatibility matrix →