Substance profile
Chlordecone
Chlordecone is crystals and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Chlordecone is
Chlordecone is crystals and is odorless. Its molecular formula is C10Cl10O and its molecular weight is 490.6 g/mol. It boils at 350 °C, melts at 350 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as carcinogens.
Other names for Chlordecone
- chlordecone (ISO)
- perchloropentacyclo[5,3,0,02,6,03,9,04,8]decan-5-one
- decachloropentacyclo[5,2,1,02,6,03,9,05,8]decan-4-one
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 |
|---|---|
| H351 | Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P270, P273, P280, P301, P302, P308, P310, P313, P330, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Chlordecone 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 | 350 °C (662 °F) | decomposes | CAMEO |
| Sublimes | sublimes | HSDB | |
| Melting point | 350 °C (662 °F) | decomp | HSDB |
| 350 °C (662 °F) | sublimes | NIOSH | |
| 350 °C (662 °F) | decomposes | CAMEO | |
| Density | 1.64 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 1.61 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Solubility | Soluble in strongly alkaline aqueous solution; readily soluble in acetone, less soluble in benzene & light petroleum | HSDB | |
| Slightly soluble in hydrocarbon solvents. Soluble in alcohols, ketones, acetic acid. | HSDB | ||
| In water, 2.70 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 2.25e-7 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 3e-7 mmHg | at 25 °C | NIOSH | |
| 3e-7 mmHg | below this value, at 25 °C | CAMEO | |
| Flash point | 100 °C (212 °F) | above this value | HSDB |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Noncombustible Solid | NIOSH | |
| Vapor density | 16.94 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Noncorrosive | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Chlordecone
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
A halogenated ketone. Ketones 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.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Chlordecone in the storage compatibility matrix →