Substance profile
Biphenyl
Biphenyl is white scales with a pleasant, peculiar odor.
01 · Identification
What Biphenyl is
Biphenyl is white scales with a pleasant, peculiar odor. Its molecular formula is C12H10 and its molecular weight is 154.21 g/mol. It boils at 256 °C, melts at 69 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Other names for Biphenyl
- diphenyl
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 |
|---|---|
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P264, P273, P280, P302, P305, P313, P332, P337, P338, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Biphenyl 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 | 256.1 °C (493 °F) | HSDB | |
| 253.89 °C (489 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 256 °C (492.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | 69 °C (156.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 68.89 °C (156 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 70 °C (158 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 1.04 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 1.041 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether; very soluble in benzene, carbon tetrachloride, carbon disulfide, and methanol. | HSDB | |
| Soluble in alcohol, ether; very soluble in benzene | HSDB | ||
| Soluble in oxygenated and chlorinated solvents. | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0.005 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 0.0089 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 112.78 °C (235 °F) | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | 540 °C (1004 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 0.6 % by volume | DOE PAC | |
| 0.6 % by volume | at 111.11 °C | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 5.8 % by volume | at 111.11 °C | HSDB |
| 5.8 % by volume | at 155 °C | NIOSH | |
| Vapor density | 5.31 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 5.3 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | low 0.0062 mg/cu m, high 0.3 mg/cu m | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold: detection: 0.0005 mg/kg | HSDB | ||
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.01 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 515.7 °C (960.3 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Biphenyl
Storage conditions
Materials... toxic as stored or which can decompose into toxic components... should be stored in a cool... ventilated place, out of... sun, away from fire hazard... /and/ be periodically inspected. ...Incompatible materials should be isolated...
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Reacts with oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
BIPHENYL is incompatible with oxidizers. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Biphenyl in the storage compatibility matrix →