Substance profile
Quinoline
Quinoline is a colorless to brown with a penetrating odor, not as offensive as pyridine.
01 · Identification
What Quinoline is
Quinoline is a colorless to brown with a penetrating odor, not as offensive as pyridine. Its molecular formula is C9H7N and its molecular weight is 129.16 g/mol. It boils at 238 °C, melts at -14.8 °C, is 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 |
|---|---|
| H350 | May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H341 | Suspected of causing genetic defects <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P264, P270, P273, P280, P301, P302, P305, P308, P312, P313, P330, P332, P337, P338, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Quinoline 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 | 237.7 °C (459.9 °F) | at 760 mmHg | HSDB |
| 237.78 °C (460 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 238 °C (460.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | -14.78 °C (5.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| -15 °C (5 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.09 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 1.095 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 1.09 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, ether, and carbon disulfide | HSDB | |
| Miscible with oxygenated solvents | HSDB | ||
| More sol in hot than cold water; sol in ethanol, ethyl ether, acetone, carbon disulfide and other common organic solvents. | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0.06 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| 0.06 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 1 mmHg | at 59.72 °C | CAMEO | |
| Flash point | 99 °C (210.2 °F) | Closed Cup | HSDB |
| 58.89 °C (138 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 101 °C (213.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 480 °C (896 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.2 % by volume | CAMEO | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 7 % by volume | ICSC | |
| Vapor density | 4.45 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 4.5 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | 71 PPM | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 71.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| [ICSC] Odor threshold from HSDB | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 509 °C (948.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | May attack some forms of plastic | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Quinoline
Storage conditions
PROTECT FROM LIGHT & MOISTURE.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
VIOLENT REACTION WITH DINITROGEN TETRAOXIDE; PERCHROMATES.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
QUINOLINE is hygroscopic. It absorbs as much as 22% water. It is sensitive to light and moisture. It darkens on storage. This chemical is a weak base. A potentially explosive reaction may occur with hydrogen peroxide. It reacts violently with dinitrogen tetraoxide. It also reacts violently with perchromates. It is incompatible with (linseed oil + thionyl chloride) and maleic anhydride. It is also incompatible with strong oxidizers and strong acids. This chemical can be unpredictably violent. It dissolves sulfur, phosphorus and arsenic trioxide. It may attack some forms of plastics. It is a preparative hazard. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Quinoline in the storage compatibility matrix →