Substance profile
Safrole
Safrole is a colorless or pale yellow oil with a sassafras odor.
01 · Identification
What Safrole is
Safrole is a colorless or pale yellow oil with a sassafras odor. Its molecular formula is C10H10O2 and its molecular weight is 162.18 g/mol. It boils at 235 °C, melts at 11.2 °C, is practically insoluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as carcinogens.
Other names for Safrole
- 5-allyl-1,3-benzodioxole
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>. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P270, P280, P301, P308, P312, P313, P330
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Safrole 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 | 235 °C (455 °F) | HSDB | |
| 232.5 °C (450.5 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| 233.06 °C (451.5 °F) | range, midpoint shown, at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | 11.2 °C (52.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 11.22 °C (52.2 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 11 °C (51.8 °F) | DOE PAC | ||
| Density | 1.1 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 1.096 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water | HSDB | |
| Very soluble in ethanol; miscible with ethyl ether, chloroform | HSDB | ||
| Soluble in alcohol; slightly soluble in propylene glycol; insoluble in glycerol | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | -760 mmHg | HSDB | |
| 0.0706 mmHg | at 25 °C, Extrapolated | HSDB | |
| 1 mmHg | at 63.78 °C | CAMEO | |
| Flash point | 100 °C (212 °F) | Closed cup | HSDB |
| 97.78 °C (208 °F) | CAMEO |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Safrole
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Storage class (TRGS 510): 6.1D: Non-combustible, acute toxic Cat.3 / toxic hazardous materials or hazardous materials causing chronic effects
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
SAFROLE, an acetal, is readily hydrolyzed in acidic solution to give 4-allylpyrocatechol and formaldehyde (or formaldehyde polymers).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Safrole in the storage compatibility matrix →