Substance profile
Endosulfan
Endosulfan is brown crystals with a similar to terpene odor.
01 · Identification
What Endosulfan is
Endosulfan is brown crystals with a similar to terpene odor. Its molecular formula is C9H6Cl6O3S and its molecular weight is 406.9 g/mol. It melts at 106 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
Other names for Endosulfan
- endosulfan (ISO)
- 1,2,3,4,7,7-hexachloro-8,9,10-trinorborn-2-en-5,6-ylenedimethylene sulfite
- 1,4,5,6,7,7-hexachloro-8,9,10-trinorborn-5-en-2,3-ylenedimethylene sulfite
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 |
|---|---|
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H300 | Fatal if swallowed. |
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301, P302, P304, P310, P312, P330, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Endosulfan 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 | 106 °C (222.8 °F) | decomposes, at 0.7 mmHg (reduced pressure), with partial decomposition | HSDB |
| Decomposes | decomposes | NIOSH | |
| Decomposes (NIOSH, 2024) | decomposes | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | 106 °C (222.8 °F) | pure | HSDB |
| 106.11 °C (223 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 1.74 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.745 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Solubility at 22 °C and a pH 7.2 in tap water; alpha-Endosulfan: 0.15 mg/l. | at 22 °C | HSDB |
| Solubility at 22 °C and a pH 7.2 in tap water; beta-Endosulfan: 0.06 mg/l. | at 22 °C | HSDB | |
| Sol in xylene, kerosene, chloroform, acetone, and alcohol | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0.0000062 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 0.00001 mmHg | at 25 °C | NIOSH | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Noncombustible Solid, but may be dissolved in flammable liquids. | NIOSH | |
| Corrosivity | Corrosive to iron | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Endosulfan
Storage conditions
Do not store in or around home. Do not store near heat, open flame, or hot surfaces.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Alkalis, acids, water [Note: Corrosive to iron. Hydrolyzes slowly on contact with water or decomposes in the presence of alkalis and acids to form sulfur dioxide].
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
ENDOSULFAN is an organochlorine, cyclodiene derivative. It is also a sulfite ester. Halogenated aliphatic or cyclic alkane compounds are moderately or very reactive. Halogenated organics generally become less reactive as more of their hydrogen atoms are replaced with halogen atoms. As endosulfan is rather highly substituted it may be resistant to reaction. However, materials in this group are incompatible with strong oxidizing and reducing agents. Also, they may be incompatible with many amines, nitrides, azo/diazo compounds, alkali metals, and epoxides. As an ester, it will hydrolyze to form sulfur dioxide and diol; reaction is more rapid under basic conditions.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Endosulfan in the storage compatibility matrix →