Substance profile
Dichloroacetylene
Dichloroacetylene is a colorless oil with a disagreeable, sweetish odor.
01 · Identification
What Dichloroacetylene is
Dichloroacetylene is a colorless oil with a disagreeable, sweetish odor. Its molecular formula is C2Cl2 and its molecular weight is 94.92 g/mol. It boils at 33 °C, melts at -66 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
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 |
|---|---|
| H200 | Unstable explosives. |
| H351 | Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H373 | May cause damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P210, P260, P270, P280, P308, P313, P314
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Dichloroacetylene 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 | 33 °C (91.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 32.22 °C (90 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 32.22 °C (90 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -66 °C (-86.8 °F) | ICSC | |
| -65 °C (-85 °F) | DOE PAC | ||
| -65 °C (-85 °F) | range, midpoint shown | HSDB | |
| Density | 1.26 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.261 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether and acetone | HSDB | |
| Solubility in water: none | ICSC | ||
| Vapor pressure | 570 mmHg | at 25 °C, Estimated | HSDB |
| 570 mmHg | Haz-Map | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Dichloroacetylene is ...a heat-sensitive explosive gas which ignites in contact with air. | HSDB | |
| Severe explosion hazard. | HSDB | ||
| Combustible Liquid | NIOSH | ||
| Vapor density | 3.3 (air = 1) | ICSC |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Dichloroacetylene
Incompatible materials
Reacts violently with oxidants and with acids.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
DICHLOROACETYLENE is a reducing agent. Incompatible with oxidizing agents. Can ignite or explode on contact with air or if heated. Can explode if shocked. Burns in the presence of chlorine to form phosgene (Ann. Chem. 640:5(1961)).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Dichloroacetylene in the storage compatibility matrix →