Substance profile
Propylbenzene
Propylbenzene is a colorless liquid.
01 · Identification
What Propylbenzene is
Propylbenzene is a colorless liquid. Its molecular formula is C9H12 and its molecular weight is 120.19 g/mol. It boils at 159 °C, melts at -99.5 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
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 |
|---|---|
| H226 | Flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H304 | May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P273, P391, P403, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Propylbenzene 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 | 159.2 °C (318.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 159 °C (318.2 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 159.24 °C (318.6 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| Melting point | -99.5 °C (-147.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| -99 °C (-146.2 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -99.6 °C (-147.3 °F) | DOE PAC | ||
| Density | 0.862 g/cm³ | CAMEO | |
| 0.862 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.8593 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Solubility | Very slightly sol in water (0.06 g/l); sol in alcohol, ether | HSDB | |
| Miscible in ethanol, ethyl ether, and acetone | HSDB | ||
| Water solubility of 23.4 mg/l at 25 °C. | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 7.52 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 3.42 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 7.5 mmHg | at 38 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Flash point | 30 °C (86 °F) | HSDB | |
| 47.78 °C (118 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 450 °C (842 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 0.8 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 6 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 4.14 (air = 1) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Propylbenzene
Incompatible materials
... Can react with oxidizing materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Vigorous reactions, sometimes amounting to explosions, can result from the contact between aromatic hydrocarbons, such as N-PROPYL BENZENE, and strong oxidizing agents. They can react exothermically with bases and with diazo compounds. Substitution at the benzene nucleus occurs by halogenation (acid catalyst), nitration, sulfonation, and the Friedel-Crafts reaction.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Propylbenzene in the storage compatibility matrix →