4,4'-Difluorobiphenyl: A Closer Look at Material Safety and Handling

Identification

Chemical Name: 4,4'-Difluorobiphenyl Chemical Formula: C12H8F2 Synonyms: p,p'-Difluorobiphenyl Molecular Weight: 190.19 g/mol Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid Odor: Odorless CAS Number: 4149-28-4

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: May cause skin and eye irritation Physical Hazards: Not classified as highly flammable or explosive Health Hazards: Can trigger moderate respiratory irritation; prolonged contact may worsen skin effects Environmental Hazards: Not known for high persistence or bioaccumulation, though care reduces risks Signal Words: Warning required for safe laboratory or industrial operation Pictograms: Exclamation mark for irritant

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Substance: 4,4'-Difluorobiphenyl Concentration: Typically supplied as pure material Impurities: Minimal, regular lab-grade batches exceed 98% purity

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical support if respiratory discomfort occurs Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water, keeping eyelids open; remove contacts if present Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; avoid inducing vomiting; consult medical attention if effects develop

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO2, foam, or water spray Hazards from Combustion: Carbon oxides and hydrogen fluoride may form Protective Equipment: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and standard protective gear Advice: Surrounding area needs protection from water runoff and airborne vapors

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Gloves, goggles, dust mask or respirator recommended Environmental Caution: Scoop up solid; prevent entry into drains and watercourses Clean-up Methods: Collect with inert absorbent (such as sand); store in a container for disposal Ventilation: Adequate airflow lessens dust buildup

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid dust formation, direct inhalation, and ground spills Storage Conditions: Cool, dry, well-ventilated area; store away from incompatible substances like oxidizers Container Recommendations: Tight-sealed containers reduce contamination Hygiene: Wash hands after use; remove contaminated clothing

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Local exhaust or laboratory fume hood recommended Personal Protection: Gloves, safety goggles, and dust mask or respirator Threshold Limit Values: No established occupational exposure limits found for this compound General Precautions: Keep workspace tidy and avoid direct skin/eye contact

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White solid Odor: Odorless Melting Point: 86–89°C Boiling Point: Data limited but exceeds 260°C Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and diethyl ether Vapor Pressure: Very low at room temperature Partition Coefficient (Log Kow): Notably lipophilic, tends to accumulate in organic phases rather than aqueous Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Compound holds up under ambient laboratory conditions Reactive Hazards: May react with strong oxidizers Decomposition: Thermal breakdown releases toxic vapors (HF, carbon oxides) Storage Concerns: Avoid heat and moisture exposure

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Data remains incomplete; not regarded as highly toxic but skin and respiratory irritation can result from repeated exposure Chronic Effects: No comprehensive research found about chronic health outcomes Carcinogenicity: Not designated as a carcinogen by IARC, ACGIH, NTP, or OSHA Other Effects: Mild irritant effects for eyes, skin, and mucous membranes after exposure

Ecological Information

Persistence and Degradability: Aromatic backbone usually resists environmental breakdown, but low water solubility lessens impact Bioaccumulation Potential: Limited reports suggest potential due to lipophilic nature Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Specific studies lacking, so accidental release best avoided Precautions: Waste control and limited spillage help protect soil and water resources

Disposal Considerations

Method: Send as hazardous waste unless local rules allow otherwise Contaminated Packaging: Remove residue, then dispose as solid chemical waste Environmental Safeguards: Prevent entrance into waterways, drains, or sewers Best Practices: Secure labeling and follow regional regulation for chemical disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for ground, sea, or air transport in most regions Shipping Name: Typically shipped as a laboratory chemical Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous for shipping Packing Instructions: Standard packaging suffices; avoid generating dust

Regulatory Information

Labeling: Standard lab precautionary labels required Risk Phrases: Irritant Worker Protection: Follow OSHA Chemical Hygiene Plan for personal safety Restrictions: No broad bans or restrictions documented; always check regional rules for specific requirements Inventory Status: Listed in chemical inventories like TSCA