Substance profile
Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is an oily liquid with a faint aromatic odor.
01 · Identification
What Phenoxyethanol is
Phenoxyethanol is an oily liquid with a faint aromatic odor. Its molecular formula is C8H10O2 and its molecular weight is 138.16 g/mol. It boils at 245 °C, melts at 14 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
Other names for Phenoxyethanol
- 2-phenoxyethanol
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. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H318 | Causes serious eye damage. |
Precautionary statements: P270, P280, P301, P305, P310, P312, P330, P338
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Phenoxyethanol 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 | 245.2 °C (473.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 243 °C (469.4 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 245.22 °C (473.4 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | 14 °C (57.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 13.89 °C (57 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.1024 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 1.104 g/cm³ | CAMEO | ||
| 1.1094 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in alcohol, ether, and sodium hydroxide | HSDB | |
| Soluble in ethanol, alkali, chloroform | HSDB | ||
| 2.67 g/100 mL water | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0.0098 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| 0.007 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.03 mmHg | at 25 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Flash point | 126.67 °C (260 °F) | HSDB | |
| 121.11 °C (250 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 127 °C (260.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 500 °C (932 °F) | ICSC | |
| Vapor density | 4.8 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 4.77 (air = 1) | CAMEO |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Phenoxyethanol
Incompatible materials
Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
ETHYLENE GLYCOL PHENYL ETHER may react violently with strong oxidizing agents. May generate flammable and/or toxic gases with alkali metals, nitrides, and other strong reducing agents. May initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Phenoxyethanol in the storage compatibility matrix →