4,4'-Difluorobenzophenone: A Closer Look at Its MSDS Essentials

Identification

Chemical Name: 4,4'-Difluorobenzophenone
Common Uses: Used in the production of specialty polymers, laboratory reagents, and intermediate for pharmaceuticals
Chemical Formula: C13H8F2O
Physical Form: White to off-white crystalline solid
Odor: Mild or nearly odorless

Hazard Identification

Main Hazards: May cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation; inhalation can trigger coughing or shortness of breath
Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, inhalation, ingestion
Immediate Symptoms: Sneezing, watery eyes, redness at the contact site
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure could worsen pre-existing respiratory or skin conditions
NFPA Ratings: Health 2, Flammability 1, Reactivity 0

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: 4,4'-Difluorobenzophenone
Chemical Family: Aromatic ketones
Purity: Typically above 98% in commercial forms
Impurities: May contain trace solvents from synthesis, purity matters for laboratory use
CAS Number: 345-92-6

First Aid Measures

Inhalation Response: Move to fresh air, check breathing, seek medical help if symptoms worsen
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse gently with water for at least 15 minutes, seek medical attention if irritation lingers
Ingestion Response: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, encourage medical consultation right away

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishers: Use CO2, dry chemical, or foam
Combustion Products: Carbon oxides and hydrogen fluoride may form during burning
Protective Gear: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full gear
Explosion Risk: Not known for high flammability, but dust can burn

Accidental Release Measures

Spill Response: Scoop up material carefully to prevent dust, wear gloves and mask
Containment Practices: Avoid raising dust, ventilate area, prevent runoff into drains
PPE for Cleanup: Gloves, goggles, and protective clothing recommended

Handling and Storage

Handling Advice: Minimize dust, use only in well-ventilated spaces, keep containers tightly sealed
Storage Conditions: Cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from incompatible substances like oxidizers
Incompatibles: Oxidizing agents, strong acids
Shelf Life: Keep away from moisture and heat for extended stability

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Fume hood or local exhaust in laboratory settings, adequate general ventilation
Personal Protective Equipment: Protective gloves, safety goggles, lab coat, and dust mask recommended
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after handling, avoid eating or drinking in work areas
Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH values, follow general nuisance dust settings

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to pale crystalline powder
Molecular Weight: 218.20 g/mol
Melting Point: Approximately 109-112°C
Boiling Point: Above 300°C (estimated)
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in common organic solvents such as acetone, ether
Density: Around 1.2 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Extremely low at room temperature
Odor Threshold: Not perceptible

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions, avoid excess heat and moisture
Reactive Conditions: Strong oxidizers, acids may trigger a reaction
Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, hydrogen fluoride during intense heating
Polymerization: Not anticipated under proper conditions

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eyes
Acute Toxicity: Irritant to mucous membranes but not acutely toxic by ingestion at low exposure
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged contact can lead to dermatitis, soreness of respiratory passages in sensitive individuals
Mutagenicity: No clear evidence in routine lab tests
Carcinogenicity: No classification by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Sensitization: Low likelihood, but not excluded with chronic misuse

Ecological Information

Persistence and Degradability: Stable in the environment, slow biodegradation
Bioaccumulation Potential: Possible, features moderate mobility in soil
Aquatic Toxicity: Low solubility hints at limited risk to aquatic life, but runoff should still be avoided
Other Risks: Not known to be highly hazardous for non-target species, but unnecessary release should be prevented

Disposal Considerations

Waste Handling: Collect and containerize for proper disposal, do not flush to drain
Recommended Disposal: Incinerate or send to licensed waste handler
Environmental Considerations: Avoid release to environment, solid waste rules apply in most regions
Local Regulations: Check rules for hazardous chemical waste in jurisdiction

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for most modes
Transport Hazard Class: No class assigned for common shipments
Packing Group: Not regulated
Special Precautions: Ship in well-sealed containers, insulated from incompatible substances, avoid breakage

Regulatory Information

Global Compliance: Listed in inventories in Europe and North America
EPA Status: Not regulated as a specific priority pollutant
Workplace Regulations: General chemical safety laws apply, OSHA’s Chemical Hygiene Standard in labs
Community Awareness: Not subject to strict reporting, but recommended to include in hazardous materials management systems
Labeling Requirements: Should include hazard pictograms for irritant compounds in workplace labeling