Substance profile
Dieldrin
Dieldrin is colorless crystals with a mild, chemical odor.
01 · Identification
What Dieldrin is
Dieldrin is colorless crystals with a mild, chemical odor. Its molecular formula is C12H8Cl6O and its molecular weight is 380.9 g/mol. It melts at 176 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as carcinogens.
Other names for Dieldrin
- dieldrin (ISO)
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>. |
| H310 | Fatal in contact with skin. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H372 | Causes 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>. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P260, P270, P273, P280, P301, P302, P308, P310, P313, P314, P330, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Dieldrin 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 | |
| Melting point | 175.5 °C (347.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| 176.11 °C (349 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 1.75 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 1.75 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | SLIGHTLY SOL IN MINERAL OILS, MODERATELY SOL IN ACETONE | HSDB | |
| Soluble in aromatic solvents; moderately soluble in acetone | HSDB | ||
| Insol in methanol, aliphatic hydrocarbons; soluble in benzene | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0.0000031 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 0.00000589 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 8e-7 mmHg | at 25 °C | NIOSH | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Noncombustible Solid | NIOSH | |
| Vapor density | 13.2 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | 0.041 ppm | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Slightly corrosive to metals | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Dieldrin
Storage conditions
Storage temp: ambient; venting: open (flame arrester) (for liquid form)
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Strong oxidizers, active metals such as sodium, strong acids, phenols.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
DIELDRIN is sensitive to mineral acids, acid catalysts, acid oxidizing agents and active metals. It reacts with phenols. This compound is also slightly corrosive to metals. It may react vigorously with strong oxidizers such as chlorine and permanganates and strong acids such as sulfuric or nitric. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Dieldrin in the storage compatibility matrix →