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CATECHOL
ICSC: 0411
Peer-Review Status: 04.07.1997 Validated
Pyrocatechol
1,2-Benzenediol
1,2-Dihydroxybenzene 
CAS #: 120-80-9 RTECS #: UX1050000
UN #: 2811
EC #: 604-016-00-4
EINECS #: 204-427-5
 		    Formula: C6H6O2
Molecular mass: 110.1

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Combustible.  NO open flames.  Use water spray, powder. 
EXPLOSION      
 
EXPOSURE   PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!   
Inhalation Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing.  Use local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. 
Eyes Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.  Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Vomiting.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.  Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. 
EC Classification
Symbol: Xn; R: 21/22-36/38; S: (2)-22-26-37 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: III 
GHS Classification
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61GT2-III.
NFPA Code: H; F1; R0.  		Separated from strong oxidants and food and feedstuffs. Keep in the dark. Ventilation along the floor. 

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS CRYSTALS WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. TURNS BROWN ON EXPOSURE TO AIR AND LIGHT. 

Physical dangers
 

Chemical dangers
On combustion, forms irritating fumes. Reacts with oxidants. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 5ppm as TWA; (skin); A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans); (ACGIH 2004). 

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion. 

Inhalation risk
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the skin, respiratory tract and digestive tract. The substance is corrosive to the eyes. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. This may result in depression, convulsions and respiratory failure. Exposure could cause rise of blood pressure. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: 245.5°C
Melting point: 105°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.3
Solubility in water, g/100ml: 43
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.8
Flash point: 127°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 510°C
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.88   		The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms. 

NOTES
Card has been partly updated in October 2005.
See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, Emergency Response. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		WHO ILO EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004-2012
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. 
    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Catechol (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 71, 1999)