Substance profile
Chlorobenzene
Chlorobenzene is a colorless liquid with a faint, not unpleasant odor.
01 · Identification
What Chlorobenzene is
Chlorobenzene is a colorless liquid with a faint, not unpleasant odor. It boils at 132 °C, melts at -45.2 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
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 |
|---|---|
| H226 | Flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P264, P271, P273, P280, P302, P304, P312, P313, P332, P352, P391, P403, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Chlorobenzene 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 | 131.6 °C (268.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| 132.22 °C (270 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 132.22 °C (270 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -45.2 °C (-49.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| -45.56 °C (-50 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -45 °C (-49 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.11 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.1058 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.11 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible in ethanol, ethyl ether; very soluble in benzene, carbon tetrachloride | HSDB | |
| In water, 0.05 g/100g at 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| In water, 499 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 9 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 8.8 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 12 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 27.78 °C (82 °F) | HSDB | |
| 36.11 °C (97 °F) | HSDB | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 592.78 °C (1099 °F) | HSDB | |
| 590 °C (1094 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.3 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 9.6 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 7.1 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Vapor density | 3.88 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | Odor recognition in air: 2.10x10-1 ppm. | HSDB | |
| Odor Low, 0.98 mg/cu m; Odor High, 280.0 mg/cu m | HSDB | ||
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.08 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 358.85 °C (677.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| 358.89 °C (678 °F) | HSDB | ||
| Corrosivity | Liquid chlorobenzene will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Chlorobenzene
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers whigh are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fires and explosions.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
CHLOROBENZENE undergoes a sometimes explosive reaction with powdered sodium or phosphorus trichloride + sodium. May react violently with dimethyl sulfoxide. Reacts vigorously with oxidizing agents. Attacks some forms of plastic, rubber and coatings. Forms a shock sensitive solvated salt with silver perchlorate. (NTP, 1992).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Chlorobenzene in the storage compatibility matrix →