Phthalic anhydride
Synonyms & Trade Names
1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic anhydride, PAN, Phthalic acid anhydridePhysical Description
White solid (flake) or a clear, colorless, mobile liquid (molten) with a characteristic, acrid odor.Molecular Weight
148.1Boiling Point
563°FMelting Point
267°FSolubility
0.6%Vapor Pressure
0.0015 mmHgIonization Potential
10.00 eVSpecific Gravity
1.53 (Flake) 1.20 (Molten)Flash Point
305°FUpper Exposive Limit
10.5%Lower Explosive Limit
1.7%Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers, water [Note: Converted to phthalic acid in hot water.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, skin, upper respiratory system; conjunctivitis; nasal ulcer bleeding; bronchitis, bronchial asthma; dermatitis; In Animals: liver, kidney damageTarget Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, liver, kidneysPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:Daily
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
Up to 30 mg/m3:
(APF = 5) Any quarter-mask respirator.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.*
Up to 60 mg/m3:
(APF = 10) Any particulate respirator equipped with an N95, R95, or P95 filter (including N95, R95, and P95 filtering facepieces) except quarter-mask respirators. The following filters may also be used: N99, R99, P99, N100, R100, P100.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.*
(APF = 10) Any air-purifying full-facepiece respirator equipped with an N95, R95, or P95 filter. The following filters may also be used: N99, R99, P99, N100, R100, P100.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter.*
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division