MSDS Commentary: 3,5-Difluorophenol

Identification

Chemical Name: 3,5-Difluorophenol
Synonyms: 3,5-Difluorohydroxybenzene
Chemical Formula: C6H4F2O
Molecular Weight: 130.09 g/mol
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid or crystals with a sharp, often biting odor typical of phenols.
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in organic solvents like ether and ethanol.

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Causes skin irritation, serious eye irritation, potentially harmful if swallowed or inhaled.
Hazard Statements: May cause significant local irritation, particularly to skin and mucous membranes. Vapors or contact risk eye damage.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhaling dust, fumes, or vapors. Minimize skin contact. Use only with proper ventilation.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Pure, not a mixture
Main Component: 3,5-Difluorophenol (CAS 372-20-3)
Concentration: Typically above 99% in laboratory settings, trace impurities possible from solvent residues or byproducts of synthesis.

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove from exposure zone. Provide fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, or dizziness appear.
Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. Persistent discomfort needs a healthcare provider.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, keeping eyelids open. Contact medical personnel right away for lasting redness or vision change.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting. Get professional help if unusual symptoms, like stomach pain or nausea, develop.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Flammability: Not considered highly flammable, but organic vapors can form hazardous mixtures with air under the right conditions.
Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam. Water spray can cool containers and structures.
Fire Risks: Decomposition may release toxic fluoride fumes or phenolic compounds.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters benefit from full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus to avoid inhalation of breakdown products.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Don chemical-resistant gloves and goggles. Limit skin and eye exposure.
Spill Containment: Ventilate area, limit access, contain the liquid with inert absorbent like sand or vermiculite.
Environmental Precautions: Keep out of drains and surface water as phenolic compounds can hurt aquatic life. Responsible disposal matters with chemical spills due to persistent toxicity.
Cleanup: Gather absorbed material in sealed container for proper disposal according to local regulations.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work in well-ventilated space, ideally under fume extraction. Prevent skin contact by wearing gloves and protective clothing. Keep away from incompatible substances, especially strong oxidizers and acids.
Storage: Store in tight container in cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid storing with oxidizers or bases. Label containers clearly to prevent confusion and potential mishandling.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use laboratory fume hoods or local exhaust to limit airborne concentrations. Proper airflow helps reduce worker risk.
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles, and lab coat or apron. For large-scale handling, consider respirators rated for organic compounds. Wash hands thoroughly after handling, and remove protective equipment before eating or drinking.
Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits specifically for 3,5-difluorophenol, but general limits for phenols and organofluorine compounds should guide workplace safeguards.

Physical and Chemical Properties

State: Liquid or crystalline solid depending on temperature
Color: Almost colorless to light yellow
Odor: Strong, phenolic, sometimes sharp
Melting Point: Around 34°C
Boiling Point: Near 193°C
Density: About 1.37 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not high at room temperature, but can form vapors if heated
Solubility in Water: Limited, with better solubility in organic solvents

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Chemically stable under standard conditions, but can decompose on heating or contact with strong oxidizing agents.
Reactivity: Reacts with acids, bases, or oxidizing substances. Avoid storing near such materials.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Formation of toxic fumes, such as hydrogen fluoride and phenol derivatives, possible if heated or burned.

Toxicological Information

Acute Effects: Causes irritation of skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Swallowing brings risk of mouth and stomach discomfort. Strong eye contact can damage corneal tissue. Phenolic compounds raise risk of systemic effects like headache, nausea, or central nervous system depression at high doses.
Chronic Effects: Extended or repeated exposure to phenols links to skin sensitization or liver and kidney effects. No solid evidence for carcinogenicity or mutagenicity in this compound, but data on chronic toxicity stays limited compared to more common industrial chemicals.

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Phenol derivatives trigger toxic effects in fish and aquatic plants at relatively low concentrations. Fluorinated phenols resist breakdown in natural waters, posing persistence risk in the environment.
Environmental Mobility: Limited movement in soils due to moderate solubility, but risks groundwater contamination if spilled in big volumes.
Persistence and Degradability: Fluorinated organics, including this one, tend to degrade slowly. This trait heightens long-term risks even at minor concentrations.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment: Don’t pour down the drain or discard with regular trash. Neutralize or absorb, then send to licensed incineration or hazardous waste facility.
Container Cleanup: Rinse containers with solvent or water before recycling or reusing, but collect washings for safe disposal, not ordinary sewage.
Legal Requirements: Comply with national and local hazardous waste regulations as improper disposal leads to harmful environmental impact and legal consequences.

Transport Information

Shipping Name: Organic liquid or solid, technical name 3,5-difluorophenol
Hazard Class: Matches that for phenolic or fluorinated compounds, which often require special handling and clear labeling in transit.
Packing Instructions: Use sturdy, leak-proof containers, with enough padding to guard against bumps and vibrations. Avoid shipping with incompatible chemicals.

Regulatory Information

Labelling Requirements: GHS-standard pictograms and hazard statements apply, warning about toxicity and irritant potential.
Chemical Inventory: 3,5-Difluorophenol appears on certain chemical regulatory inventories, so import, use, or export can require notification or approval in some countries.
Exposure Laws: Where national or local authorities regulate phenols, this compound usually falls under those rules for safe handling and environmental release.