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PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDEICSC: 0315 (June 2003)
1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid anhydride
Phthalic acid anhydride
1,3-Isobenzofurandione
CAS #: 85-44-9
EC Number: 201-607-5

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Combustible.  Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.  NO open flames.  Closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent deposition of dust.  Use water spray, foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide.   

 PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT!  
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Cough. Sore throat. Wheezing.  Use local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin Redness. Pain.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Redness. Pain.  Wear safety goggles 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.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

 

Transportation
UN Classification
 

STORAGE
Separated from combustible substances, reducing agents, strong oxidants, strong bases, strong acids and food and feedstuffs. See Chemical Dangers. Ventilation along the floor. Dry. Well closed. 
PACKAGING
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. 
PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE ICSC: 0315
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
WHITE LUSTROUS CRYSTALS WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. 

Physical dangers
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air. 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on contact with hot water. This produces phthalic acid. Reacts with strong oxidants, strong acids, strong bases and reducing agents. Reacts violently with copper oxide and sodium nitrite on heating. This generates explosion hazard. Attacks many metals in the presence of water. 

Formula: C8H4O3 / C6H4(CO)2O
Molecular mass: 148.1
Boiling point: 284°C (sublimes)
Melting point: 131°C
Density: 1.53 g/cm³
Solubility in water: slow reaction
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: <0.3
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 5.1
Flash point: 152°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 570°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.7-10.4
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 1.6  


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

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

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is severely irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed, especially if powdered. 

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


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 0.002 mg/m3, as TWA; 0.005 mg/m3 as STEL; (skin); (SEN); A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen).
MAK: sensitization of respiratory tract (SA) 

ENVIRONMENT
 

NOTES
The substance may be transported in molten state.
The symptoms of asthma often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort.
Rest and medical observation are therefore essential.
Anyone who has shown symptoms of asthma due to this substance should avoid all further contact.
For materials containing more than 0.05% of maleic anhydride the UN number is 2214, hazard class 8, packaging group III.
Do NOT take working clothes home. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: Xn; R: 22-37/38-41-42/43; S: (2)-23-24/25-26-37/39-46 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations