Provenance

Reference data from EU CLP Annex VI and published regulations — verify against your supplier's SDS before use.

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Substance profile

BENZ(a)ANTHRACENE

BENZ(a)ANTHRACENE is plates from glacial acetic acid or alcohol.

CAS 56-55-3 Danger

01 · Identification

What BENZ(a)ANTHRACENE is

BENZ(a)ANTHRACENE is plates from glacial acetic acid or alcohol. It boils at 438 °C, melts at 162 °C.

Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as carcinogens.

CAS number56-55-3
EC number200-280-6
Index number601-033-00-9
Chemical class Carcinogens

Other names for BENZ(a)ANTHRACENE

  • benz[a]anthracene

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.

Signal wordDanger
Hazard statements assigned to BENZ(a)ANTHRACENE
CodeHazard statement
H350 May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life.
H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

Precautionary statements: P201, P273, P280, P308, P313, P391, P501

03 · Physical and chemical properties

BENZ(a)ANTHRACENE 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 437.6 °C (819.7 °F) HSDB
435 °C (815 °F) OSHA
437.6 °C (819.7 °F) at 760 mmHg DOE PAC
Melting point 162 °C (323.6 °F) ICSC
160.5 °C (320.9 °F) DOE PAC
156 °C (312.8 °F) range, midpoint shown HSDB
Density 1.274 g/cm³ ICSC
Solubility Insoluble in water HSDB
soluble in ether, alcohol, acetone, benzene HSDB
In water, 9.4X10-3 mg/L at 25 °C at 25 °C HSDB
Vapor pressure 2.1902 mmHg at 20 °C ICSC
2.1e-7 mmHg at 25 °C HSDB
2.1e-7 mmHg Haz-Map
Lower explosive limit (LEL) Powder can form an explosive mixture with air. HSDB

Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.

04 · Handling and storage

Storing and handling BENZ(a)ANTHRACENE

Storage conditions

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.[Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Benz

Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Incompatible materials

Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents.[Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Benz

Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Reactivity

BENZ[A]ANTHRACENE may react vigorously with strong oxidizing agents. Can react exothermically with bases and with diazo compounds. Substitution at the benzene nucleus occurs by halogenation (acid catalyst), nitration, sulfonation, and the Friedel-Crafts reaction.

Source: CAMEO Chemicals

Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check BENZ(a)ANTHRACENE in the storage compatibility matrix →

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