Material Safety Data Sheet: 1,2-Dibromobenzene
Identification
Product Name: 1,2-Dibromobenzene
Synonyms: o-Dibromobenzene, ortho-Dibromobenzene
Chemical Formula: C6H4Br2
Molecular Weight: 235.91 g/mol
CAS Number: 583-53-9
Recommended Use: Chemical intermediate, solvent, laboratory reagent
Supplier Information: Company contact details including address, phone number, emergency phone; compliance and product management contact information for immediate assistance
Emergency Overview: Pale yellow liquid with aromatic odor; not suitable for consumption or skin contact
Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation, dermal: Category 4), Skin irritation (Category 2), Serious eye irritation (Category 2A), Aquatic chronic hazard (Category 2)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin, or if inhaled; causes skin and eye irritation; suspected of causing an allergic skin reaction; toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, Environment
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapors or spray; wash skin thoroughly after handling; avoid release to the environment; use personal protective equipment as required
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, eye contact
Target Organs: Skin, eyes, respiratory system, digestive tract
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical Identity: 1,2-Dibromobenzene
Concentration: 98–100%
CAS Number: 583-53-9
Impurities: Trace amounts of other dibromobenzene isomers or related compounds; identity and content may vary by manufacturer, always check batch reports
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA or ACGIH limits, handle as though hazardous to health
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Remove victim to fresh air, monitor breathing, provide artificial respiration or oxygen if necessary; get medical attention, especially if symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath develop
Skin Contact: Rinse affected skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes; seek medical advice for irritation or prolonged exposure
Eye Contact: Flush carefully with plenty of water while holding eyelids open for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do—continue flushing; immediate medical assistance is recommended
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting; if conscious, drink small amounts of water; seek medical attention immediately, bring chemical label or MSDS for reference
Symptoms: Irritation, redness, nausea, abdominal cramps, shortness of breath, headache, dizziness, rash
Special Advice for Physicians: Treat symptomatically and provide supportive measures; monitor for delayed effects especially in respiratory or gastrointestinal systems
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water spray; avoid high-pressure streams to prevent chemical spreading
Specific Hazards: Thermal decomposition forms toxic and corrosive gases including hydrogen bromide, bromine vapors, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing; be ready for rapid evacuation if combustible materials nearby
Special Precautions: Cool exposed containers with water spray to prevent pressure buildup; prevent run-off from reaching drains or water sources
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ventilate affected spaces, use appropriate protective gear such as respirators, chemical-resistant gloves, and goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, soil, rivers, and groundwater; notify authorities in case of large spills or if waterways are contaminated
Methods for Clean-Up: Absorb spill with inert material like sand or vermiculite, collect in tightly sealed containers for disposal; clean contaminated area with approved solvents, ventilate, and wash down with plenty of water
Decontamination: Tools and equipment must be thoroughly cleaned; contaminated clothing needs washing or disposal as hazardous waste
Handling and Storage
Handling: Wear protective clothing, gloves, and goggles; avoid all forms of direct contact, inhalation, and ingestion; keep containers closed and use in well-ventilated spaces
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, away from light, heat, and incompatible materials (strong oxidizers, bases); maintain storage temperature below 25°C if possible; use secondary containment
Other Precautions: Separate from foodstuffs, feed, and other chemicals; clear identification labelling on all containers; periodic inspection for leaks, corrosion, or degradation recommended
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Engineering Controls: Laboratory hoods, general and local exhaust ventilation, enclosed handling systems
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Nitrile or neoprene gloves, chemical safety goggles, long-sleeved lab coat or acid-resistant apron, chemical-resistant footwear
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved air-purifying respirator with appropriate cartridges for organic vapors when handling large quantities or inadequate ventilation
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke around product; remove and launder contaminated clothing before reuse
Exposure Guidelines: No established exposure limits for this compound, but minimize exposure as much as possible
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Mild aromatic, sweet-bitter
Odor Threshold: Data not readily available
pH: Not applicable (non-aqueous)
Melting Point: 21–22°C
Boiling Point: 220–222°C
Flash Point: Approximately 110°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Data not reported
Flammability: Not classified as highly flammable, but can burn when heated above flash point
Vapor Pressure: 0.17 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: 8.1 (air=1)
Relative Density: 1.98 g/cm³ (20°C)
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in most organic solvents such as ether, benzene, ethanol
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): log Kow ~3.94
Auto-ignition Temperature: Data not available
Decomposition Temperature: Above 220°C
Viscosity: No detailed data provided; flows readily at room temperature
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; light, moisture, and air can accelerate degradation over time
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizing agents, alkali metals, reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen bromide, bromine, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possibly phosgene under extreme conditions
Hazardous Reactions: May react explosively with alkali metals or form toxic gases with strong reducing agents
Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity: Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin; oral LD50 (rat) ~1,500 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes moderate skin irritation and possible allergic reactions on prolonged or repeated contact
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes burning, redness, tearing, and irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: Vapors can irritate respiratory mucus membranes, trigger coughing, dizziness
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure can lead to skin sensitization; some animal studies link related compounds to liver and kidney damage
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA; lack of long-term studies leaves a degree of uncertainty
Mutagenicity: No clear evidence for genetic toxicity, but caution is advised
Other Data: Seek immediate medical help if symptoms persist or significant exposure occurs
Ecological Information
Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms; EC50 (Daphnia magna, 48h): 3.5 mg/l
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent in the environment; slow microbial breakdown in soil and water
Bioaccumulative Potential: High potential due to hydrophobic nature; log Kow suggests significant risk of accumulation in aquatic species
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility, tends to adhere to organic matter; leaching risk increases if soil is sandy or low in organic content
Other Adverse Effects: Formation of long-lived toxic derivatives high concern in poorly managed waste streams
Precautions: Prevent environmental release; follow proper containment and disposal methods to minimize impact
Disposal Considerations
Methods of Disposal: Incinerate in licensed chemical incinerator with afterburner and scrubber; observe regulations for halogenated waste
Container Handling: Triple rinse, puncture, and dispose of in accordance with local and federal regulations; do not reuse empty containers
Do Not: Pour into drains, surface water, or onto the ground; avoid disposal with regular household or non-hazardous waste
Waste Codes: United States EPA hazardous waste number U070 (halogenated organics)
Transport Information
UN Number: UN 1993
UN Proper Shipping Name: Flammable liquid, n.o.s. (1,2-Dibromobenzene mixture)
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (flammable liquids)
Packing Group: III (moderate hazard)
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant
Special Precautions During Transport: Use tightly sealed containers; protect from heat, direct sunlight, and mechanical shock; avoid incompatible cargo
ADR/RID, IMDG, ICAO/IATA: Each mode of transport requires packaging per regulations, emergency response guides must accompany shipment
Regulatory Information
OSHA: CERCLA hazardous substance (5000 lb RQ); not listed as specially regulated toxic chemical
TSCA: Listed in US Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
SARA Title III: Section 313 listed due to potential environmental persistence
EU Regulation: Classified as hazardous, subject to REACH; harmonized classification and labelling according to CLP/GHS
Canada WHMIS: D2B (toxic), D1B (immediate serious toxic effects)
Additional Regulations: Local, state, and international laws may vary; ensure compliance for reporting, handling, and disposal
Label Requirements: Must include hazard pictograms, signal word, and precautionary statements as outlined in GHS