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Chemical name: 4-Aminophenol
Other names: p-Aminophenol, para-Aminophenol
Molecular formula: C6H7NO
Common uses: Photographic developer, dye intermediate, analgesic precursor for paracetamol (acetaminophen)
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid, sometimes yellowish if oxidized
Odor: Mild, similar to phenol or amines
Main risks: Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin
Hazard statements: May cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. Prolonged exposure brings the risk of methemoglobinemia, which affects blood’s oxygen carrying ability.
Signal word: Warning
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, health hazard symbol
Long-term effects: Potential for liver and kidney damage with repeated exposure.
Routes of exposure: Skin, eyes, inhalation, ingestion
Major constituent: 4-Aminophenol, typically at or above 99% purity
Impurities: May include minor amounts of related phenolic or aminated compounds
Additives: None typically introduced for reagent-grade material
Inhalation: Remove patient to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms like cough or dizziness persist.
Skin contact: Wash area with soap and plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing, consult doctor for irritation or prolonged discomfort.
Eye contact: Rinse eyes gently with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally, and seek immediate medical help.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, get medical assistance right away. Monitor for signs of central nervous system symptoms, blue lips, or shortness of breath.
Flammable properties: Slightly combustible as a dust or powder; during a fire, gives off toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.
Extinguishing media: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2, foam. Use water to cool containers exposed to fire.
Fire hazards: Dust can form explosive mixtures in air; thermal decomposition releases toxic gases.
Special protective equipment: Full turnout gear and breathing apparatus advised in case of fire.
Personal precautions: Wear gloves, goggles, suitable mask, avoid dust generation.
Spill cleanup: Sweep or vacuum solid carefully, avoid raising dust, place in dry container for disposal.
Environmental precautions: Prevent entry into drains, waterways or soil.
Decontamination: Wash area with plenty of water after removal of material.
Handling practices: Work in a well-ventilated space or fume hood, keep away from open flames or sources of ignition, avoid direct contact or inhalation.
Hygiene tips: After handling, wash hands and face thoroughly before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Storage conditions: Keep in tightly closed containers, store in a cool, dry area away from incompatible materials like strong oxidizers or acids. Protect from direct sunlight and moisture.
Exposure limits: No established OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV for 4-aminophenol but treat as hazardous.
Engineering controls: Use fume hood or local exhaust to limit airborne dust.
Personal protective equipment: Lab coat, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles, possibly a dust mask or respirator if dust or fumes are present.
Emergency showers and eyewash: Should always be available where this chemical is used.
Appearance: White or slightly pinkish crystals
Odor: Weak, slightly phenolic or amine-like
Melting point: About 187°C
Solubility: Moderately soluble in water, readily dissolves in alcohols
Boiling point: Decomposes before boiling
Vapor pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Partition coefficient: Log Pow indicates moderate tendency to partition in water versus organic solvents
Chemical stability: Stable under recommended conditions but slowly oxidizes in air, giving a brownish color.
Incompatibles: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides. Heating can lead to hazardous decomposition.
Hazardous decomposition products: Nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
Polymerization: Not known to occur.
Symptoms of exposure: Headache, dizziness, nausea, blue-tinged lips or skin (cyanosis), confusion, weakness.
Target organs: Blood, liver, kidneys, central nervous system.
Chronic exposure risks: Repeated contact can damage kidneys or liver; methemoglobinemia with large or repeated doses.
Short-term toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat) around 375 mg/kg, indicating moderate acute toxicity. Higher risk through ingestion or significant skin contact.
Long-term effects: Not listed as carcinogen by NTP, IARC or OSHA, but caution still recommended due to organ toxicity risks.
Aquatic toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
Persistence and degradability: Slowly biodegrades in soil and water, but may accumulate if released in large amounts.
Bioaccumulation potential: Not likely to build up in the food chain at low concentrations, but risk rises with large or repeated spills.
Mobility in soil: Moderate; may spread from accidental release sites into waterways.
Preferred disposal method: Incineration in a chemical waste facility capable of handling toxic organic compounds.
Container disposal: Empty containers should be rinsed thoroughly before recycling or disposal. Residues considered hazardous.
Environmental concerns: Do not flush to sewer, natural waters, or landfill without proper pre-treatment and local authority approval.
Transportation classification: Not listed as a dangerous good for ground, air, or sea shipment in small quantities, but many carriers impose their own rules for chemicals with moderate toxicity.
Packing: Must be kept in well-sealed, robust packaging that prevents dust emission and moisture ingress.
Transport responsibility: Secure and clearly label containers during transit to reduce risks of spills or accidental exposure.
Major regulations: Subject to workplace hazard communication standards for chemical exposure. 4-Aminophenol falls under general chemical safety rules in many countries.
Inventory listings: Listed on chemical inventories in the US, EU, and other regions, usually as a monitored substance.
Employer responsibilities: Keep safety data available, ensure workers receive suitable training, and minimize unnecessary exposure.
Community right-to-know: Facilities handling significant volumes must report under federal or local hazard communication laws.
