Substance profile
Fenthion
Fenthion is a colorless liquid with a slight garlic odor.
01 · Identification
What Fenthion is
Fenthion is a colorless liquid with a slight garlic odor. It melts at 7 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
Other names for Fenthion
- fenthion (ISO)
- O,O-dimethyl-O-(4-methylthion-m-tolyl) phosphorothioate
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 |
|---|---|
| H341 | Suspected of causing genetic defects <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin. |
| H302 | Harmful 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, P271, P273, P280, P301, P302, P304, P308, P310, P312, P313, P314, P330, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Fenthion 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 | 87 °C (188.6 °F) | at 0.01 mmHg (reduced pressure) | HSDB |
| 105 °C (221 °F) | at 0.01 mmHg (reduced pressure), Commercial product | HSDB | |
| 87.22 °C (189 °F) | at 0.01 mmHg (reduced pressure) | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | 7 °C (44.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 6.11 °C (43 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 1.25 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.25 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | READILY SOL IN GLYCERIDE OILS | HSDB | |
| SOL IN METHANOL, ETHANOL, ETHER, ACETONE, & MANY ORGANIC SOLVENTS, ESPECIALLY CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS | HSDB | ||
| Slightly sol in petroleum ether | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0.0003 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 30000 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.00003 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Flash point | 170 °C (338 °F) | ICSC | |
| Autoignition temperature | 365 °C (689 °F) | ICSC | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Noncombustible Liquid | NIOSH | |
| Vapor density | 9.6 (air = 1) | ICSC | |
| Corrosivity | NON-CORROSIVE | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Fenthion
Storage conditions
Store in original container, preferably in a locked area, away from children, food, feed.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
... incompatible with /insecticides and fungicides/ which are highly alkaline.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
FENTHION may react with strong reducing agents such as hydrides to generate highly toxic and flammable phosphine gas. Partial oxidation by oxidizing agents may result in the release of toxic phosphorus oxides.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Fenthion in the storage compatibility matrix →