Substance profile
Benzophenone
Benzophenone is orthorhombic prisms from alcohol (alpha); monoclinic prisms (beta) with a geranium-like odor.
01 · Identification
What Benzophenone is
Benzophenone is orthorhombic prisms from alcohol (alpha); monoclinic prisms (beta) with a geranium-like odor. Its molecular formula is C13H10O and its molecular weight is 182.22 g/mol. It boils at 306 °C, melts at 48.5 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
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>. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Benzophenone 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 | 305.9 °C (582.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 305.89 °C (582.6 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 305 °C (581 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | 48.5 °C (119.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| 47 °C (116.6 °F) | gamma-Benzophenone | HSDB | |
| -83.67 °C (-118.6 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.1 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 1.085 g/cm³ | OSHA | ||
| 1.111 g/cm³ | at 18 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | One gram dissolves in 7.5 mL alcohol and 6 mL ether; soluble in chloroform | HSDB | |
| Very soluble in acetone, acetic acid, and carbon disulfide; soluble in benzene and methanol. | HSDB | ||
| In water, 1.37X10+2 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 1 mmHg | at 108.2 °C | DOE PAC |
| 0.0019 mmHg | Haz-Map | ||
| Flash point | 132.22 °C (270 °F) | above this value | CAMEO |
| 146 °C (294.8 °F) | Haz-Map | ||
| Vapor density | 6.3 (air = 1) | ICSC |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Benzophenone
Storage conditions
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Recommended storage temperature -20 °C.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Dust can form explosive mixture with air.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Ketones, such as BENZOPHENONE, are reactive with many acids and bases liberating heat and flammable gases (e.g., H2). The amount of heat may be sufficient to start a fire in the unreacted portion of the ketone. Ketones react with reducing agents such as hydrides, alkali metals, and nitrides to produce flammable gas (H2) and heat. Ketones are incompatible with isocyanates, aldehydes, cyanides, peroxides, and anhydrides. They react violently with aldehydes, HNO3, HNO3 + H2O2, and HClO4. This compound can react with oxidizing materials. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Benzophenone in the storage compatibility matrix →