Product Name: 2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol
Chemical Formula: C6H2Cl4O
CAS Number: 58-90-2
Synonyms: 2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol, Tetrachlorophenol, TCP
Recommended Use: Synthesis of organic chemicals, wood preservatives, biocide
Supplier Information: Supplier details, telephone, emergency contact number (as applicable in local context)
Classification: Acute toxicity (oral and dermal), Eye irritant, Skin irritant, Hazardous for aquatic environment
GHS Label Elements: Skull and crossbones pictogram, exclamation mark, environmental hazard
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, Causes skin irritation, Causes serious eye irritation, Harmful in contact with skin, Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
Precautionary Statements: Avoid release to the environment, Wear protective gloves and eye/face protection, Wash hands thoroughly after handling, Do not eat or drink when using this product
Health Effects: Can cause moderate to severe irritation to eyes, skin, mucous membranes; toxic by ingestion and inhalation; prolonged exposure may lead to systemic toxicity and central nervous system effects; may cause liver and kidney damage with chronic exposure
Chemical Name: 2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol
Concentration: 98% or higher (technical grade)
Impurities: Trace amounts of other chlorophenols or polychlorinated byproducts
Other Components: Small amounts of water or residual solvents possible depending on manufacturing route
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, assist breathing if needed, seek medical attention for symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and shoes, rinse skin with water for 15–20 minutes, seek medical attention if irritation or redness develops
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for several minutes, lift upper and lower eyelids occasionally, seek immediate medical attention if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, immediately contact poison control center or medical personnel, provide symptom-specific treatment
Most Important Symptoms: Burning sensation, redness, pain, headache, nausea, dizziness, respiratory distress (after inhalation), severe gastrointestinal symptoms if ingested
Extinguishing Media: Foam, water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Particular Hazards: Releases toxic fumes of hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, phosgene upon combustion; dust explosion possible if finely divided; fire can spread toxic smoke
Advice for Firefighters: Wear full turnout gear, self-contained breathing apparatus, avoid inhalation of combustion products, control runoff to prevent water contamination
Flammability: Not highly flammable, but combustible in presence of strong oxidizers or at elevated temperatures
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, prevent breathing of dust or vapors, wear chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, eye protection, and respiratory protection if dust or mist anticipated
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering sewers, waterways, or soil; contain spilled material
Spill Cleanup Methods: Use non-sparking tools to sweep up and collect spill, place in suitable, sealed containers for disposal, avoid generating dust, ventilate area thoroughly
Decontamination: Wash spill area with detergent and plenty of water after material removal, prevent wash water from entering drains
Handling: Wear appropriate protective equipment, avoid skin and eye contact, do not breathe dust, avoid ingestion and inhalation, use only in well-ventilated areas; avoid contamination with incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers, acids, or bases
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat and direct sunlight, segregate from food and feedstuffs, label clearly, restrict access to trained personnel
Special Precautions: Do not use near sources of ignition, keep away from children, thoroughly clean up spills
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL not established; manufacturers may recommend ceiling of 0.1 mg/m³ (inhalable dust)
Engineering Controls: Enclosed processes, local exhaust ventilation to control airborne levels, regular air monitoring
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles or face shield, lab coat or chemical-resistant apron, closed shoes, respiratory protection (P2 or P3 filter) if dust or aerosols generated
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after handling, remove contaminated clothing before entering eating areas, shower after workshift
Appearance: Off-white to pale yellow-brown crystalline powder
Odor: Phenolic, pungent
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: Slightly acidic in water
Melting Point: 69–71°C (156–160°F)
Boiling Point: Decomposes above 270°C
Flash Point: Not readily flammable, no specific data
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable (solid at room temperature)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in organic solvents like ethanol, ether, benzene
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 4.2 (high potential for bioaccumulation)
Vapor Density: Not available
Relative Density: 1.8–1.9 g/cm³
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal handling and storage conditions
Reactivity: Not highly reactive, but reacts with strong bases, acids, and oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins and furans if heated strongly or combusted
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, sources of ignition, prolonged exposure to sunlight, contact with water during storage
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: LD50 oral (rat): 400–900 mg/kg; LD50 dermal (rabbit): ~2000 mg/kg
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, dermatitis, eye irritation
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure affects liver, kidneys, nervous system; possible skin sensitization
Carcinogenicity: Not classed as a human carcinogen by IARC, but chlorophenols have been linked to increased cancer risk in epidemiologic studies
Mutagenicity: No clear mutagenic evidence in standard test systems
Reproductive Toxicity: No adequate data, some chlorophenols affect fertility in animal studies with high exposures
Target Organs: Liver, kidneys, nervous system, skin, eyes
Aquatic Toxicity: Very toxic to aquatic organisms (fish LC50 around 0.2–0.4 mg/L, daphnia EC50 below 1 mg/L)
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent, slow to biodegrade in soil or water; partial breakdown by microorganisms, especially under aerobic conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: High, based on log Kow and studies in aquatic species
Mobility in Soil: Adsorbs to soil particles, can migrate to groundwater if soil permeability high
Other Adverse Effects: Harmful to aquatic plants, risk of toxic byproducts formation (dioxins/furans) under incomplete combustion
Waste Management: Collect waste in closed, labeled containers; incinerate in properly equipped facilities with flue gas scrubbers to prevent dioxin release
Disposal Restrictions: Do not dispose of in municipal waste streams, avoid releases into environment or sewers
Container Handling: Rinse containers three times, puncture, and dispose of as hazardous chemical waste
Regulatory Requirements: Comply with relevant hazardous waste regulations; consult national, regional, and local authorities for restrictions and approved disposal practices
UN Number: 2020
Shipping Name: Tetrachlorophenols, solid
Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: II
Label Requirements: Toxic, Environmental Hazard (where required)
Transport Notes: Protect packages from physical damage, short-term exposure, moisture; ensure upright transport; emergency procedures required for significant spill
Special Precautions: Carry documentation with chemical identity, ensure handlers are trained, restrict public access if large-scale release during transit
OSHA: Not specifically regulated, but covered under Hazard Communication Standard for hazardous substances
EPA: Regulated under FIFRA (pesticides), RCRA (hazardous waste codes U238, P028 if unused/expired); listed as hazardous air pollutant
DOT: Classified as toxic material; shipping restrictions apply
REACH (EU): Requires registration and restriction; use regulated under EU pesticides directive
Right-to-Know: Subject to state and federal right-to-know reporting (e.g., Massachusetts, Pennsylvania)
Other Designations: May be subject to local wastewater discharge permits, special workplace signage, and storage requirements