Benzophenone

1Identification

Name

Benzophenone

IUPAC name

diphenylmethanone

CAS number

119-61-9

EC number

204-337-6

Molecular formula

C13H10O

Molecular weight

182.22 g/mol

InChIKey

RWCCWEUUXYIKHB-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C1=CC=C(C=C1)C(=O)C2=CC=CC=C2

PubChem CID

3102

Synonyms

diphenylmethanone, Diphenyl ketone, Benzoylbenzene, Methanone, diphenyl-, Phenyl ketone, alpha-Oxoditane, Ketone, diphenyl, Diphenylketone, Benzene, benzoyl-, alpha-Oxodiphenylmethane, Kayacure bp, Adjutan 6016, RefChem:916948, diphenyl-methanone

Recommended uses

• Used in perfumes, flavoring agents, and organic synthesis; Also used as an inhibitor of styrene polymerization, a photoinitiator, an ultraviolet curing agent, and an additive (plastics, cosmetics, coatings, and adhesives); [HSDB] Occurs naturally in some foods; [AIHA] Benzophenone (BZP), and substituted BZP numbered 1-12, trade mark Uvinul, are photo-screen agents widely used in sunscreens and in cosmetics, such as antiaging creams and hair sprays and shampoos, paints, and plastics. [Kanerva, p. 1755]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides) [Category: Paint] Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other] Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• For benzophenone (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 000315) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Photosensitive agent Surface modifier Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Anti-stain agent Tanning agents not otherwise specified
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Anti-stain agent Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Photosensitive agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Fragrance Ingredients · Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENT -> JECFA Functional Classes · Flavoring Agents -> JECFA Flavorings Index · Cosmetics -> Uv absorber

Description

• Benzophenone can cause cancer according to California Labor Code.
  California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
• Benzophenone appears as white solid with a flowery odor. May float or sink in water. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Benzophenone is the simplest member of the class of benzophenones, being formaldehyde in which both hydrogens are replaced by phenyl groups. It has a role as a photosensitizing agent and a plant metabolite.
  ChEBI

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS08

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

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

Health hazards

• Ingestion causes gastrointestinal disturbances. Contact causes eye irritation and, if prolonged, irritation of skin. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Flash point data for this chemical are not available, but it is probably combustible. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Combustible. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with incompatible substances. See Chemical Dangers.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; [ICSC] An irritant; [MSDSonline] Liver changes as in chronic hepatitis were noted in high-dose animal studies; [AIHA] See Oxybenzone.
  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

• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Symptoms of low dose exposure include excessive salivation and eye-watering. Acute dose symptoms include severe nausea/vomiting, salivation, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, collapse, and convulsions. Increasing muscle weakness is a possibility and may result in death if respiratory muscles are involved. Hypertension, hypoglycemia, anxiety, headache, tremor and ataxia may also result.
  Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

5Fire-fighting measures

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

Hazardous combustion products

• Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture: Carbon oxides.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 127 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet). FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• 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.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 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.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 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)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from strong oxidants. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Recommended storage temperature -20 °C.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Benzophenone should be stored under cool, dry conditions. A temperature above 45 °C should be avoided (risk of caking).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• Dust/mist respirator; 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. Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.
  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

• Ketones, such as BENZOPHENONE, are reactive with many acids and bases liberating heat and flammable gases (e.g., H2). The amount of heat may be sufficient to start a fire in the unreacted portion of the ketone. Ketones react with reducing agents such as hydrides, alkali metals, and nitrides to produce flammable gas (H2) and heat. Ketones are incompatible with isocyanates, aldehydes, cyanides, peroxides, and anhydrides. They react violently with aldehydes, HNO3, HNO3 + H2O2, and HClO4. This compound can react with oxidizing materials. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Insoluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Dust can form explosive mixture with air.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Incompatble with oxidizers
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Short-term exposure effects

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

Long-term exposure effects

• The substance may have effects on the liver and kidneys, resulting in impaired functions. Tumours have been detected in experimental animals but may not be relevant to humans.
  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)

14Transport information

DOT label

• Flammable Liquid
  CAMEO Chemicals

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

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Benzophenone is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Benzophenone is a food additive permitted for direct addition to food for human consumption as a synthetic flavoring substance and adjuvant in accordance with the following conditions: a) they are used in the minimum quantity required to produce their intended effect, and otherwise in accordance with all the principles of good manufacturing practice, and 2) they consist of one or more of the following, used alone or in combination with flavoring substances and adjuvants generally recognized as safe in food, prior-sanctioned for such use, or regulated by an appropriate section in this part.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

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

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 3102 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.