Substance profile
Hexachloroacetone
Hexachloroacetone is a very light yellow liquid with a musty odor.
01 · Identification
What Hexachloroacetone is
Hexachloroacetone is a very light yellow liquid with a musty odor. Its molecular formula is C3Cl6O and its molecular weight is 264.7 g/mol. It boils at 202 °C, melts at -2 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning.
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 |
|---|---|
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P270, P273, P301, P312, P330, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Hexachloroacetone 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 | 202.2 °C (396 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC |
| 203 °C (397.4 °F) | range, midpoint shown | HSDB | |
| Melting point | -2 °C (28.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 15 °C (59 °F) | HEXACHLOROACETONE HYDRATE | HSDB | |
| Density | 1.444 g/cm³ | at 12 °C | HSDB |
| 1.74 g/cm³ | at 12 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Solubility | Slightly sol in water; sol in acetone | HSDB | |
| MISCIBLE WITH ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS, VEGETABLE OILS, 2-PROPANOL AT 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| MISCIBLE WITH METHANOL, AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS, MONOCHLOROBENZENE, ISOPROPANOL AT 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.376 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 0.12 mmHg | Haz-Map | ||
| Vapor density | 9.2 (air = 1) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Hexachloroacetone
Reactivity
HEXACHLOROACETONE is a halogenated ketone. Ketones are reactive with many acids and bases liberating heat and flammable gases (e.g., H2). The amount of heat may be sufficient to start a fire in the unreacted portion of the ketone. Ketones react with reducing agents such as hydrides, alkali metals, and nitrides to produce flammable gas (H2) and heat. Ketones are incompatible with isocyanates, aldehydes, cyanides, peroxides, and anhydrides. They react violently with aldehydes, HNO3, HNO3 + H2O2, and HClO4.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Hexachloroacetone in the storage compatibility matrix →