CATECHOL (ICSC)

CATECHOL	ICSC: 0411

Date of Peer Review: April 1997

Pyrocatechol
1,2-Benzenediol
1,2-Dihydroxybenzene

CAS #

120-80-9

C₆H₆O₂

RTECS #

UX1050000

Molecular mass: 110.1

UN #

2811

EC Index #

604-016-00-4

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Combustible.	NO open flames.	Water spray, powder.
EXPLOSION

EXPOSURE		PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!
Inhalation	Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing.	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.	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 take to a doctor.
Ingestion	Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Vomiting.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Personal protection: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles.

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
EU Classification
Symbol: Xn
R: 21/22-36/38
S: (2-)-22-26-37
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Pack Group: III

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

STORAGE

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61GT2-III
NFPA Code: H; F1; R0;

Separated from strong oxidants, food and feedstuffs. Keep in the dark. Ventilation along the floor.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS, CEC 2005

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

CATECHOL

ICSC: 0411

IMPORTANT DATA

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS CRYSTALS, WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. TURNS BROWN ON EXPOSURE TO AIR AND LIGHT.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
On combustion, forms irritating fumes. Reacts with oxidants.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 5 ppm as TWA; (skin); A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans); (ACGIH 2004).
MAK not established.

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 irritates the skin, the respiratory tract and digestive tracts. The substance is corrosive to the eyes. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, resulting in depression, convulsions and respiratory failure. Exposure could cause a rise of blood pressure.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 245.5°C
Melting point: 105°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.3
Solubility in water, g/100 ml: 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

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

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

LEGAL NOTICE

Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC 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)