Anthracene

1Identification

Name

Anthracene

IUPAC name

anthracene

CAS number

120-12-7

EC number

204-371-1

Molecular formula

C14H10

Molecular weight

178.23 g/mol

InChIKey

MWPLVEDNUUSJAV-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C1=CC=C2C=C3C=CC=CC3=CC2=C1

PubChem CID

8418

Synonyms

Paranaphthalene, Anthracin, Tetra Olive N2G, Anthracen, p-Naphthalene, Sterilite hop defoliant, RefChem:6382, Anthracen [German], Anthraxcene, Anthrazen, Acen, WLN: L C666J, Anthracene, pure, C14315

Recommended uses

• Used to make dyestuffs (anthraquinone and alizarin dyes); Also used to make synthetic fibers and plastics and in semiconductor research; [HSDB] May be present in wood preservatives and pesticides; Occurs in coal tar volatiles, tobacco smoke, exhaust emissions, charcoal broiled meat smoke, edible oils, surface waters, waste waters, and lake sediments; [CHEMINFO]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Applying Wood Preservatives [Category: Other]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Important source of dyestuffs (manufacturing anthraquinone, alizarin dyes).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Preservative
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Description

• Anthracene can cause cancer according to California Labor Code and the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
  California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
• Anthracene is a white to yellow solid with a weak aromatic odor. Sinks in water. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Acene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon consisting of fused benzene rings in a rectilinear arrangement. It is an ortho-fused polycyclic arene and a member of acenes.
  ChEBI

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS07, GHS08, GHS09

Classification source

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

5 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 1 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause significant irritation.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1 - Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Inhalation of dust irritates nose and throat. Contact with eyes causes irritation. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• This chemical is combustible. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Combustible. Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• A minor skin and respiratory tract irritant; [ICSC] Photosensitizing agent that may cause acute dermatitis; [HSDB] Minimal Risk Level (oral dose for 15-364 days) = 10 mg/kg/day (hepatic); [ATSDR] An irritant; May cause photosensitization; Effects in high-dose animal studies include fatty liver degeneration; [MSDSonline] See POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS.
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Sore throat.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• To fight fire, use water, foam, carbon dioxide, water spray or mist, dry chemical.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Poisonous gases are produced in fire.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Spill cleanup

• Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Personal protection: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Evacuate persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Remove all ignition sources. Establish ventilation to keep levels below explosive limit. Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. Ventilate area after cleanup is complete. It may be necessary to contain and dispose of this chemical as a hazardous waste. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from strong oxidants. Well closed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Storage class (TRGS 510): Non Combustible Solids.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Store in a secure poison location. ... Before entering a confined space where this chemical may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Anthracene must be stored to avoid contact with strong oxidizers (such as chlorine, bromine, and fluorine), chromic acid, and calcium hypochlorite, since violent reactions occur. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area. Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where anthracene is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Dust mask; goggles or face shield; rubber gloves (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Eye/face protection: Safety glasses with side-shields conforming to EN166. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Skin protection: Handle with gloves.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Body Protection: Impervious clothing. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• ANTHRACENE will spontaneously burst into flame on contact with chromic acid, and other strong oxidants.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Flammable. Insoluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents, hypochlorites.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Anthracene will burst into flame on contact with chromic acid.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Anthracene heats on contact with calcium hypochlorite.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Stable under recommended storage conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is mildly irritating to the skin and respiratory tract.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis under the influence of UV light.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and is subject to effluent limitations. /Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (including benzanthracenes, benzopyrenes, benzofluoranthene, chrysenes, dibenz-anthracenes, and indenopyrenes)/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• For the maximum protection of human health from the potential carcinogenic effects of exposure to polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons through ingestion of contaminated water and contaminated aquatic organisms, the ambient water concentration should be zero, based on the nonthreshold assumption for this chemical. However, zero level may not be attainable at the present time. Therefore, the levels which may result in incremental increase of cancer risk over the lifetime are estimated at 1X10-5, 1X10-6, and 1X10-7. The corresponding recommended criteria are 28.0 ng/L, 2.8 ng/L, and 0.28 ng/L, respectively.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 5000 lb or 2270 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Anthracene is included on this list. Effective date 6/1/87; Sunset date: 6/1/97.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 8418 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.