Substance profile
Pentachlorophenol
Pentachlorophenol is a white monoclinic, crystalline solid with a phenolic odor.
01 · Identification
What Pentachlorophenol is
Pentachlorophenol is a white monoclinic, crystalline solid with a phenolic odor. Its molecular formula is C6HCl5O and its molecular weight is 266.3 g/mol. It boils at 310 °C, melts at 174 °C, is slightly soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
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>. |
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P260, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301, P302, P304, P305, P308, P310, P313, P330, P332, P337, P338, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Pentachlorophenol 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 | 309.5 °C (589.1 °F) | range, midpoint shown | HSDB |
| 309.44 °C (589 °F) | range, midpoint shown, at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 308.89 °C (588 °F) | decomposes | NIOSH | |
| Melting point | 174 °C (345.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 190 °C (374 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 191.11 °C (376 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.978 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 1.98 g/cm³ | NIOSH | ||
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in ligroin; very soluble in diethyl ether | HSDB | |
| Sol in dilute alkali, carbitol, cellosolve | HSDB | ||
| Soluble in most organic solvents, for example acetone 215 g/L at 20 °C. Slightly soluble in ... parafins. | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.00011 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO |
| 0.00011 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.0001 mmHg | at 25 °C | NIOSH | |
| Autoignition temperature | Not flammable (USCG, 1999) | CAMEO | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Noncombustible Solid | NIOSH | |
| Vapor density | 9.2 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | Odor thresholds for PCP soln at 30 deg and 60 °C were 857 and 12,000 ug/l, respectively. | HSDB | |
| Detection: 1.6 mg/l. | HSDB | ||
| Corrosivity | Noncorrosive in absence of moisture | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Pentachlorophenol
Storage conditions
Where possible, automatically transfer material from drums or other storage containers to process containers. Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where this chemical is handled, used, or stored. Metal containers involving the transfer of this chemical should be grounded and bonded. A regulated, marked area should be established where this chemical is handled, used or stored ...
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fires or explosions.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
PENTACHLOROPHENOL may react with strong oxidizing agents. Incompatible with strong bases, acid chlorides and acid anhydrides. Forms salts with alkaline metals. Solutions in oil cause natural rubber to deteriorate, but synthetic rubber may be used in equipment and for protective clothing (NTP, 1992).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Pentachlorophenol in the storage compatibility matrix →