Substance profile
Benzo[a]pyrene
Benzo[a]pyrene is pale yellow monoclinic needles from benzene and methanol with a faint aromatic odor.
01 · Identification
What Benzo[a]pyrene is
Benzo[a]pyrene is pale yellow monoclinic needles from benzene and methanol with a faint aromatic odor. Its molecular formula is C20H12 and its molecular weight is 252.3 g/mol. It boils at 475 °C, melts at 179 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as carcinogens.
Other names for Benzo[a]pyrene
- benzo[def]chrysene
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>. |
| H340 | May cause genetic defects <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H360FD | May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child. |
| H317 | May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P261, P272, P273, P280, P308, P313, P333, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Benzo[a]pyrene 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 | 475 °C (887 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
| 496 °C (924.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| 3100 °C (5612 °F) | OSHA | ||
| Melting point | 179 °C (354.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 178.1 °C (352.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| 181.1 °C (358 °F) | DOE PAC | ||
| Density | 1.351 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 1 g/cm³ | CAMEO | ||
| 1.4 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| Solubility | Soluble in benzene, toluene, xylene, and ether; slightly soluble in alcohol | HSDB | |
| Very soluble in chloroform | HSDB | ||
| In water, 1.62X10-3 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 5.49e-9 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 1e-8 mmHg | Haz-Map | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 2719 °F | OSHA | |
| Vapor density | 8.7 (air = 1) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Benzo[a]pyrene
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.[Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Benzo
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents.[Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Benzo
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
BENZO[A]PYRENE undergoes photo-oxidation after irradiation in indoor sunlight or by fluorescent light in organic solvents. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents including various electrophiles, peroxides, nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides. Oxidized by ozone, chromic acid and chlorinating agents. Readily undergoes nitration and halogenation. Hydrogenation occurs with platinum oxide (NTP, 1992).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Benzo[a]pyrene in the storage compatibility matrix →