Chemical Name: 1,4-Phenylenediamine
Common Names: para-Phenylenediamine, p-Phenylenediamine, PPD
CAS Number: 106-50-3
Appearance: White to slightly purple crystals or powder, sometimes turning darker on exposure to air
Odor: Faint, amine-like
Uses: Hair dyes, dyes for textiles and furs, rubber antioxidants, chemical intermediates
Acute Toxicity: Toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin; can cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory distress
Skin Sensitizer: Causes allergic contact dermatitis, even at low exposures
Eye Damage: Can cause severe irritation or burns
Carcinogenicity: Some agencies list as a possible human carcinogen based on animal studies
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may damage the kidneys and liver
Other Hazards: Dust inhalation increases risk for asthmatic reactions and other respiratory symptoms
Ingredient: 1,4-Phenylenediamine
Concentration: Typically pure in industrial settings; may appear as a component in mixtures
Impurities: May contain minor by-products of synthesis such as aniline, but rarely above trace levels
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, seek medical help for breathing difficulties; risk of throat swelling and respiratory toxicity is real
Skin Contact: Immediate removal of contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with clean water for a minimum of 15 minutes, lifting eyelids, get medical attention immediately
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, go directly to emergency care; activated charcoal may help if given quickly by medical personnel
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide on small fires; larger fires demand protection from emissions
Hazards from Combustion: Toxic gases such as oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide may result from burning
Protective Gear: Full face mask, self-contained breathing apparatus, complete protective suit; direct contact with smoke or decomposition products is hazardous
Spill Cleanup: Avoid dry sweeping to prevent dust; use damp procedures or HEPA-filtered vacuuming
Personal Protection: Gloves, chemical goggles, and respiratory protection; skin contact presents allergen risks
Containment: Prevent powder entering waterways or drains; use non-combustible absorbent materials for larger liquid spills
Disposal of Residue: Gathered materials go into sealed containers for regulated disposal
Handling: Only trained personnel should handle this compound; keep containers closed, avoid physical agitation that raises dust
Storage: Store in a tightly sealed, labeled container away from oxidizing agents and strong acids; dry, well-ventilated place, cool temperatures extend shelf life
Incompatibilities: Avoid storage with nitrite salts, strong acids, or peroxides due to risk of dangerous reactions
Hygiene: Strict decontamination before eating, drinking, or touching face; contaminated clothing requires separate laundering
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation in work areas where dust or vapor may form; closed handling systems where possible
Personal Protection: Full protective gloves (nitrile or butyl rubber), fitted goggles, laboratory coats or chemical aprons, particulate respirator if airborne dust forms
Exposure Limits: Occupational exposure limits set by agencies like OSHA or ACGIH (e.g., 0.1 mg/m³ TWA)
Other Recommendations: Emergency showers and eyewash stations required near use areas; regular skin checks for sensitivity
Form: Crystalline powder, can clump if exposed to humidity
Color: White to purple, sometimes grayish if partially oxidized
Odor: Mild, amine type
Melting Point: Around 145-147 °C
Solubility: Soluble in hot water, ethanol, and acetone; less soluble in cold water
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperatures
Density: About 1.2 g/cm³
Decomposition: Breaks down under strong heat or light
Chemical Stability: Stable in dry, sealed containers; oxidizes in air to form dark by-products
Reactivity Risks: Reacts with strong acids, acid chlorides, and oxidizing agents to form hazardous substances or cause violent reactions
Decomposition Products: Produces toxic nitrogen oxides and aromatic amines on heating or burning
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion
Short-Term Effects: Burning sensation in skin, tightness in chest, possible dizziness, nausea, and vomiting
Long-Term Effects: Allergic contact dermatitis, chronic kidney defects, risk of asthma, liver impairment, possibly cancer
Personal Sensitization: Some people react strongly to even minimal exposures; immune response can worsen on repeated contact
Environmental Impact: Toxic to aquatic life; acute water toxicity at very low concentrations
Bioaccumulation: Tends not to accumulate in higher organisms, but breakdown in the environment is slow
Persistence: Degrades slowly in air and water; sunlight and microorganisms only partially break it down
Waste Disposal: Treated as hazardous chemical waste; must be disposed by high-temperature incineration or in a licensed hazardous waste landfill
Residue Handling: Avoid contamination of sewers; use government-regulated handlers for both small and large quantities
Container Disposal: Triple rinse and puncture containers before disposal according to chemical waste rules
UN Number: 1673
Proper Shipping Name: 1,4-Phenylenediamine or para-Phenylenediamine
Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic Substances)
Packing Group: III
Transport Precautions: Secure containers, avoid breakage, clear hazard markings required; keep away from food shipments
Workplace Safety: Regulated under federal chemical safety acts in most countries; usage often tracked under worker safety laws
Ingredient Labeling: Required on products such as hair dyes, with warning statements about skin sensitization
Restrictions: Retail hair dye formulations limited in concentration for public sale; professional use may allow higher concentrations with specific training
Reporting: Spills and environmental releases often reportable to local or national authorities depending on quantity