Substance profile
Ethephon
Ethephon is needles from benzene.
01 · Identification
What Ethephon is
Ethephon is needles from benzene. Its molecular formula is C2H6ClO3P and its molecular weight is 144.49 g/mol. It boils at 265 °C, melts at 74.5 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
Other names for Ethephon
- 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid
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 |
|---|---|
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Supplemental EU statements: EUH071
Precautionary statements: P260, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301, P302, P304, P310, P312, P330, P331, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Ethephon 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 | 265 °C (509 °F) | decomposes, decomposes | HSDB |
| Melting point | 74.5 °C (166.1 °F) | range, midpoint shown | HSDB |
| Density | 1.2 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in ethylene glycol, propylene glycol; practically insoluble in petroleum ether | HSDB | |
| VERY SLIGHTLY SOL IN AROMATIC SOLVENTS; VERY SOL IN ALCOHOL | HSDB | ||
| Soluble in short-chain alcohols; sparingly soluble in nonpolar organic solvents; insoluble in kerosene and diesel oil. | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 7.5e-8 mmHg | below this value, at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 1e-7 mmHg | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Ethephon
Storage conditions
Keep out of reach of children and animals. Store in original containers only. Store in a cool, dry place. Carefully open containers. After partial use, replace lids and close tightly. Do not put concentrate or dilute material into food or drink containers. Do not contaminate water, food, or feed by storage or disposal. /Boll Buster/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatibility: Oxidizing agents ans alkaline materials. Corrosive to iron, mild steel, aluminum, and copper. /Boll Buster/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Ethephon in the storage compatibility matrix →