Substance profile
Triclosan
Triclosan is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a slight, faintly aromatic odor.
01 · Identification
What Triclosan is
Triclosan is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a slight, faintly aromatic odor. Its molecular formula is C12H7Cl3O2 and its molecular weight is 289.5 g/mol. It boils at 285 °C, melts at 55.7 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning.
Other names for Triclosan
- 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxy-diphenyl-ether
- 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol
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 |
|---|---|
| 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: P264, P273, P280, P302, P305, P313, P332, P337, P338, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Triclosan 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 | 285 °C (545 °F) | range, midpoint shown | HSDB |
| 120 °C (248 °F) | DrugBank | ||
| Melting point | 55.65 °C (132.2 °F) | range, midpoint shown | HSDB |
| 56 °C (132.8 °F) | range, midpoint shown | DrugBank | |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water | HSDB | |
| Readily soluble in alkaline solutions and many organic solvents; soluble in methanol, alcohol, acetone | HSDB | ||
| In water, 10 mg/L at 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0000046 mmHg | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Triclosan
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Triclosan in the storage compatibility matrix →