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PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDEICSC: 0315 (April 2024)
1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid anhydride
Phthalic acid anhydride
1,3-Isobenzofurandione
CAS #: 85-44-9
UN #: see Notes
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.   

 AVOID ALL CONTACT! PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!  
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Cough. Sore throat. Wheezing. Shortness of breath.  Use local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin Redness. Pain.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Wear protective gloves when administering first aid. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower for at least 15 minutes. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Redness. Pain. Corneal damage.  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 Burning sensation. 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, face shield and protective gloves. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Sweep spilled substance into plastic or glass containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

correxcl mark;warncancer;health haz
DANGER
Harmful if swallowed
Causes skin irritation
May cause respiratory irritation
Causes serious eye damage
May cause an allergic skin reaction
May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled 

Transportation
UN Classification
See Notes. 

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. Store only in original container. 
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, g/l at 20°C: 6 (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; (inhalable fraction and vapour): 50 μg/100 cm2 (surface limit value); (skin).
TLV (DSEN); TLV (RSEN).
A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen).
MAK: sensitization of respiratory tract (SA) 

ENVIRONMENT
 

NOTES
The substance may be transported in molten state.
Phthalic anhydride molten at a temperature above its flash point, with not more than 0.05% maleic anhydride, shall be classified under UN 3256, hazard class 3, packaging group III.
For materials containing more than 0.05% of maleic anhydride the UN number is 2214, hazard class 8, packaging group III.
Phthalic anhydride in the solid state and tetra–hydrophthalic anhydrides, with not more than 0.05% maleic anhydride, are not subject to transport regulations.
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.
Do NOT take working clothes home. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations