© 2026 Sinochem Nanjing Corporation,
All Right Reserved
Chemical Name: 1,2-Benzenediol
Synonyms: Catechol, Pyrocatechol
CAS Number: 120-80-9
Appearance: White to light brown crystalline solid
Odor: Slight phenolic aroma
Common Uses: Dye production, photographic developer, rubber chemical, antioxidant in fuels
Hazard Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation, dermal), Skin irritation, Eye damage, Specific target organ toxicity
Label Elements: Toxic if swallowed or inhaled, causes skin and eye irritation, may cause allergic skin reaction, possible mutagenicity
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Symptoms: Burning sensation, redness, rash, nausea, headache, dizziness, coughing, respiratory distress in concentrated exposures
Risk Statements: Direct contact can burn, dust exposure burdens respiratory system, and improper use heightens risk of organ effects
Component: 1,2-Benzenediol
Purity: Usually over 99% in commercial and laboratory samples
Other Possible Impurities: Traces of phenol, other catechol derivatives depending on synthesis method
Form: Solid crystals, may appear slightly moist if exposed to humid air
Inhalation: Remove victim to fresh air, support breathing, seek medical advice for ongoing symptoms
Skin Contact: Flush with plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing, wash with soap, seek medical attention for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse with gentle stream of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally, prompt medical attention necessary
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical care, observe for delayed effects like vomiting or confusion
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Hazards from Combustion: May release phenolic fumes, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and toxic vapors when burned
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective suit
Fire-Fighting Advice: Use water spray to cool containers, avoid breathing smoke, isolate fire area if safe, and prevent run-off from reaching water supplies
Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust, ventilate area, wear gloves and goggles
Spill Cleanup: Collect broken crystals with non-sparking tools, sweep up and deposit in sealed container, wash spill site with water after initial cleanup
Environmental Precautions: Block run-off into sewers or open drains, report or address spills that threaten local water sources
Decontamination: Use soap or detergents, avoid excessive water if powder might spread
Handling: Always use gloves, goggles, and work in a fume hood or well-ventilated space; avoid direct skin or eye contact
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands immediately after handling, keep eating spaces free from contamination
Storage: Keep in tightly closed, clearly labeled container, away from combustible or acidic materials, store in cool, dry area, protect from light
Incompatibilities: Keep separate from strong oxidizers, acids, and bases
Occupational Exposure Limit: Typically none assigned, though some regulatory bodies may recommend limits around 5 mg/m³ TWA
Engineering Controls: Use chemical fume hood, ensure workspace has local exhaust ventilation
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves like nitrile or neoprene, splash-proof goggles, lab coat or apron, dust mask or full-face respirator if dust exceeds limits
Monitoring: Conduct regular air quality checks in environments where powder is handled
Workplace Practices: Train workers on proper cleanup and first aid, keep MSDS information available at site
Physical State: Solid crystalline
Color: White to light brown
Melting Point: About 104°C
Boiling Point: About 245°C at atmospheric pressure
Solubility: Easily dissolves in hot water, alcohol, and ether
Odor: Slightly phenolic, faint
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Density: Approximately 1.34 g/cm³
pH: Slightly acidic in solution
Other Features: Can darken or degrade upon long exposure to air and light, forming colored oxidation products
Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature and away from air and moisture
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers, may self-oxidize over time
Incompatible Materials: Avoid acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents, certain metals
Hazardous Decomposition: Produces phenolic breakdown products, carbon monoxide and dioxide under thermal stress
Precautions: Minimize exposure to air and light, use containers of glass or chemically resistant plastic
Toxic Effects: Causes gastrointestinal distress if swallowed, respiratory irritation if inhaled, skin and eye burns on contact
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat) reported in literature around 800 mg/kg
Sensitization: Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause skin sensitization and allergic reactions
Target Organs: Fits with data on catechol—liver, kidneys, and central nervous system are at risk from long-term or high-intensity exposures
Other Health Risks: Mutagenic in some laboratory tests, data on cancer risk remains limited
Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates at relatively low concentrations, disrupts aquatic plant growth
Persistence and Degradability: Gradually breaks down in the environment, but breakdown products may themselves be toxic to aquatic life
Bioaccumulation: Not known to accumulate significantly in wildlife, but rapid runoff can cause spikes in water toxicity
Environmental Precautions: Never pour wastes down drains or soil; watch for local spillage which can travel quickly in groundwater
Waste Disposal: Incinerate in a chemical incinerator equipped with afterburner and scrubber, or hand over to approved hazardous waste handlers
Container Handling: Decontaminate or dispose of empty packaging as hazardous material
Regulatory Practices: Follow local, regional, and national environmental laws for organic chemical disposal
Waste Management Tips: Do not flush into sewer system; segregate waste from general refuse
Shipping Name: 1,2-Benzenediol
Hazard Class: Classified as hazardous for transport due to risk of toxicity and sensitization
Packaging: Use leak-proof, clearly marked containers
Transport Precautions: Label with hazard warning, declare quantity, keep separate from incompatible cargo
Emergency Response: Carry spill kits, goggles, gloves for vehicle crew transporting large shipments
Occupational Safety: Covered under workplace safety guidelines across most developed countries
Chemical Control: Appears on chemical inventory lists such as REACH in the European Union and TSCA in the United States
Environmental Laws: Disposal and emissions controlled under hazardous waste and water protection acts
Worker Rights: Workers entitled to training, labeling, and access to safety documentation at all times
