Substance profile
Captafol
Captafol is a white, solid with a slight, characteristic pungent odor.
01 · Identification
What Captafol is
Captafol is a white, solid with a slight, characteristic pungent odor. Its molecular formula is C10H9Cl4NO2S and its molecular weight is 349.1 g/mol. It melts at 161 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as carcinogens.
Other names for Captafol
- captafol (ISO)
- 1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-N-(1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethylthio)phthalimide
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>. |
| 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
Captafol 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 | Decomposes | decomposes | NIOSH |
| Decomposes (NIOSH, 2024) | decomposes | CAMEO | |
| decomposes | decomposes | OSHA | |
| Melting point | 160.5 °C (320.9 °F) | range, midpoint shown | HSDB |
| 160.56 °C (321 °F) | decomposes | NIOSH | |
| Density | Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20 °C (air = 1): 1.00 | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| Solubility | 0.0001% | NIOSH | |
| In water, 1.4 mg/l @ 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.000008 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 8.27e-9 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Noncombustible Solid, but may be dissolved in flammable liquids. | NIOSH | |
| Vapor density | 12 (air = 1) | ICSC |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Source notes
Further notes on Captafol
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Solubility
Slightly soluble in most organic solvents; solubility (g/kg): isopropanol 13; benzene 25; toluene 17; xylene 100; acetone 43; methyl ethyl ketone 44; dimethyl sulfoxide 170
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Captafol
Storage conditions
Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from strong bases, food and feedstuffs.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible with highly alkaline materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
CAPTAFOL is non-flammable but, on heating, may decompose to generate toxic fumes, such as sulfur oxides, hydrogen sulfide, hydrochloric acid, and phosgene. Stable at room temperature when dry but readily hydrolysed, especially in an alkaline environment. Captafol and mixtures containing high concentrations of captafol may react violently with alkali. Incompatible with acids, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, and strong oxidizing agents. Sulfhydryl compounds such as glutathione and cysteine cause a rapid chemical decomposition.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Captafol in the storage compatibility matrix →