Looking Closer at Safety Information for 2,3,4-Trihydroxybenzophenone

Identification

Chemical Name: 2,3,4-Trihydroxybenzophenone
Other Names: Sometimes labeled as 2,3,4-THBP
Physical Form: Off-white to pale yellow powder
Chemical Formula: C13H10O4
CAS Number: 614-19-7

Hazard Identification

Main Hazards: Dust irritates eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Slight risk of skin sensitization with repeated contact. Inhalation may irritate mucous membranes. Not known as a carcinogen or mutagen, though standard handling care applies due to incomplete long-term exposure data.
Pictograms: Skin irritant, Eye irritant
Main Risks: Irritation from dust, especially among lab techs or processing staff
Signal Word: Warning

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance Name: 2,3,4-Trihydroxybenzophenone
Purity: Often above 98% when used for synthesis, trace impurities possible from manufacturing
Main Ingredient: No significant formulation with other additives—handled primarily as a single substance in most labs

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. If coughing or throat irritation appears, rinse with water. Prolonged symptoms may need medical attention.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes under gentle water stream for at least 15 minutes. Remove contacts if safe.
Skin Contact: Wash exposed skin with mild soap and water. Take off contaminated clothing.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not try to induce vomiting unless advised by professional.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Standard dry chemical, water spray, or alcohol-resistant foam
Specific Hazards: Decomposition in fire releases carbon oxides
Protective Equipment: Wear breathing apparatus, use gloves and goggles
Further Hazards: Dust may contribute slightly to combustion—avoid dust clouds

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Gloves, chemical splash goggles, lab coat recommended
Dust Control: Minimize dust creation, use local exhaust
Cleanup Process: Sweep with moist cloth to reduce airborne particles. Dispose of in a chemical waste bag
Environmental Spill: Prevent entry into drains or natural water sources

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Keep material in tightly sealed container. Handle powders in ventilated task areas. Use scoop or spatula, never shake from bag.
Storage: Store in dry, cool areas with good ventilation. Protect from light and sources of ignition
Special Precautions: Avoid direct contact. Never consume food or drink near storage or handling stations

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Ventilation: Local fume extraction works well. Open windows to increase air flow where possible.
Respiratory Protection: Wear mask if dust is unavoidable
Skin Protection: Use nitrile gloves
Eye Protection: Chemical safety goggles
Hygiene: Wash hands after handling. Remove contaminated clothing promptly.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Crystalline powder, can have a slightly yellow hue
Odor: Very faint, not distinctive
Melting Point: Approximately 150-155 °C
Solubility: Sparingly soluble in water, better in ethanol or DMSO
Boiling Point: Data not widely published
Vapor Pressure: Negligible under standard room conditions
Other: Maintains stability under common laboratory conditions if kept dry and out of direct sunlight

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage settings
Reactivity: Not highly reactive. Avoid mixing with strong oxidizers
Conditions to Avoid: High humidity, direct sunlight, high heat
Hazardous Decomposition: Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide by heating

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Not well-documented, but exposures known to cause minor irritation in lab handling
Chronic Effects: Data unavailable for prolonged exposure, but experience from related phenolic compounds indicates possible skin dryness or sensitivity with long-term, unprotected contact
Routes of Exposure: Respiratory (dust), skin, and eye contact
Symptoms: Rashes, coughing, or eye redness mostly among workers failing to wear basic PPE

Ecological Information

Environmental Fate: No evidence shows persistent toxicity, but like many organics, not considered readily biodegradable
Aquatic Risk: Should not be discharged into waterways as a precaution, though no specific data suggests acute aquatic toxicity. Best practice is to isolate residues
Bioaccumulation: Trends from related benzophenones point to low to moderate risk
Wastewater: Avoid significant release through sinks or drains; follow established chemical waste policies

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Method: Collect solid waste in sealed labeled containers. Send for chemical incineration following local or institutional hazardous waste regulations
Precautions: Never dispose of with regular trash. Staff training on chemical waste is essential
Containment: Prevent dust leaks from waste bins—double bagging if possible

Transport Information

Shipping: Not regulated as a hazardous material under most national or international frameworks, so regular lab supply channels apply
Packing: Seal in leak-proof packaging. Avoid breakage or powder leaks
Special Considerations: Secure against moisture or rough handling, especially for long-distance shipping or storage

Regulatory Information

Labelling: General chemical hazard warnings required on containers
Worker Training: Staff handling this compound should understand basic chemical hygiene and emergency procedures
Compliance: Follows standard chemical safety guidelines in research and industry. No unique restrictions published by major international agencies at present, but always review updates and local rules