Chemical Name: Benzaldehyde
Synonyms: Benzoic aldehyde, Benzenecarboxaldehyde, Artificial almond oil
CAS Number: 100-52-7
Molecular Formula: C7H6O
Molecular Weight: 106.12 g/mol
Recommended Use: Used in flavorings, fragrances, dyes, and as a chemical intermediate
Restrictions on Use: Not for direct consumer exposure or medical uses
Supplier Identification: Manufacturer contact, address, and emergency phone number as found on shipment label
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral) Category 4, Acute toxicity (inhalation) Category 4, Skin irritation Category 2, Eye irritation Category 2A
Label Elements: Signal word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. Harmful if inhaled.
Pictograms: Exclamation mark symbol
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Wear protective gloves and eye protection. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact
Target Organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory system
Substance Name: Benzaldehyde
Chemical Identity: C7H6O
CAS Number: 100-52-7
Content: More than 99% by weight
Impurities: Trace solvents or by-products from manufacturing, typically less than 1%
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms appear such as coughing, dizziness, or breathing difficulty.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Wash affected area with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. If skin irritation persists, consult a physician.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and can be done easily. Continue rinsing and seek medical advice if discomfort continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Call a poison center or doctor immediately if feeling unwell or showing symptoms.
Symptoms of Overexposure: Irritation to mucous membranes, headache, drowsiness, nausea, skin redness, eye watering
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.
Specific Hazards: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. May emit toxic fumes of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide during combustion.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Advice for Firefighters: Prevent run-off from fire control entering drains or waterways. Cool containers exposed to fire with water spray. Remain upwind and avoid low-lying areas where vapors might collect.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area if necessary. Avoid inhalation of vapors and contact with skin or eyes. Wear suitable protective equipment.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe. Stop entry into drains, sewers, or waterways. Notify authorities if product contaminates the environment.
Containment and Clean-Up: Absorb spill with inert material such as sand or earth. Collect in containers for disposal. Ventilate area. Clean remaining residue with suitable solvents under safe conditions.
Precautions for Safe Handling: Avoid breathing mist, vapors, or spray. Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and sources of ignition. Use proper grounding and bonding to avoid static discharge. Handle with care to prevent leaks and spills.
Safe Storage Requirements: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Keep away from incompatible substances like strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents. Protect containers from physical damage and direct sunlight. Use secondary containment if necessary.
Special Handling Notes: Apply personal protective equipment. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in work areas. Wash hands after handling and before breaks.
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: Not established. ACGIH TLV: 2 ppm (inhalable fraction and vapor).
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or process enclosure to minimize exposure. Maintain eyewash stations and safety showers nearby.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles, lab coat or apron, and suitable respiratory protection in case of insufficient ventilation.
Other Controls: Limit workplace contamination through good hygiene and regular equipment inspection. Train workers to recognize symptoms and respond to exposure quickly.
Appearance: Clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid
Odor: Characteristic almond-like aroma
Odor Threshold: Detectable at low ppm
pH: Not applicable for pure liquid
Melting Point: -26 °C (-15 °F)
Boiling Point: 178 °C (352 °F)
Flash Point: 64 °C (147 °F) (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Slower than butyl acetate
Flammability: Combustible liquid
Vapor Pressure: 1.2 mmHg @ 25 °C
Vapor Density: 3.7 (air = 1)
Solubility in Water: Slightly soluble (3.3 g/L at 20°C)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 1.48
Viscosity: 1.27 mPa·s at 20°C
Density: 1.04 g/cm³ at 20°C
Auto-ignition Temperature: 192 °C (378 °F)
Upper/Lower Flammability Limits: LEL: 1.4%, UEL: 8.0%
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions and normal temperatures.
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, open flames, sparks, contact with air for long periods can cause degradation.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents such as nitric acid and peroxides.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Burning or decomposition releases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and possibly benzene or other aromatic compounds.
Reactivity Notes: Exposed to air and light, benzaldehyde can oxidize to benzoic acid.
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 1,300 mg/kg. LD50 (dermal, rabbit): >1,250 mg/kg.
Inhalation: Harmful in high doses. Symptoms such as cough, headache, or drowsiness possible.
Skin Contact: May cause irritation, redness, or dermatitis on repeated or prolonged exposure.
Eye Contact: Causes irritation, redness, and tearing.
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure might affect central nervous system, liver, and kidneys.
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, OSHA, or NTP.
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: Current available data do not show mutagenic or reproductive hazards in humans under normal exposure.
Ecotoxicity: Moderately toxic to aquatic life. EC50 (Daphnia magna, 48h): 50 mg/L; LC50 (Fish, Pimephales promelas, 96h): 6.8 mg/L.
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions in water and soil. Tends to degrade into benzoic acid.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low bioaccumulation expected due to log Kow.
Mobility in Soil: Moderately mobile. Will not likely persist or move far in environment.
Other Adverse Effects: Large spills might lower oxygen content in water, affecting aquatic organisms.
Disposal Methods: Incinerate in an approved facility or handle as hazardous waste following local, regional, and national regulations.
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse containers well before reuse or disposal. Use puncture-proof containers for collection.
Special Notes: Do not discharge into sewer systems, natural waterways, or the environment. Document all disposals appropriately for regulatory compliance.
UN Number: 1990
UN Proper Shipping Name: Benzaldehyde
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous hazardous material)
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant as per IMDG guidelines
Special Precautions for User: Transport in tightly sealed, properly labeled containers. Secure cargo to prevent shifting.
DOT, IATA, IMDG Labels: Miscellaneous hazard label required
Transport Documentation: Ensure shipping documents describe chemical, hazards, and emergency response.
TSCA: Listed in the United States Toxic Substances Control Act inventory.
REACH Status: Registered as per European Union regulations.
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting under Section 313.
California Proposition 65: Not listed as a known carcinogen or reproductive toxicant.
WHMIS Classification (Canada): D2B (Toxic material causing other effects).
Other Regulations: Covered under industry-specific worker safety laws, hazard communication standards, and workplace exposure controls globally.