Biphenyl

1Identification

Name

Biphenyl

IUPAC name

1,1'-biphenyl

CAS number

92-52-4

EC number

202-163-5

Molecular formula

C12H10

Molecular weight

154.21 g/mol

InChIKey

ZUOUZKKEUPVFJK-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

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

PubChem CID

7095

Synonyms

Biphenyl, 1,1'-Biphenyl, Phenylbenzene, Bibenzene, Lemonene, Xenene, 1,1'-Diphenyl, Phenador-X, Tetrosin LY, Carolid AL, PHPH, MCS 1572, CP 390, E230

Recommended uses

• Biphenyl is used in organic syntheses, heat transfer fluids, dye carriers, food preservatives, as an intermediate for polychlorinated biphenyls, and as a fungistat in the packaging of citrus fruits.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
• Used as a heat transfer fluid, intermediate for organic chemicals, and fungicide; [ACGIH] Also used as a dye carrier and a mold retardant in food; Low levels present in creosote and coal tar; [CHEMINFO]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Pulp and Paper Processing [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Intermediate Fuel agents Heat transferring agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Fragrance Ingredients · Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENT -> JECFA Functional Classes · Food Additives -> PRESERVATIVE -> JECFA Functional Classes · Flavoring Agents -> JECFA Flavorings Index

Description

• Biphenyl appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Flash point 180 °F. Insoluble in water. Vapors are heavier than air. Used to manufacture other chemicals and as a fungicide.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Biphenyl is a benzenoid aromatic compound that consists of two benzene rings connected by a single covalent bond. Biphenyl occurs naturally in coal tar, crude oil, and natural gas. Formerly used as a fungicide for citrus crops. It has a role as an antimicrobial food preservative and an antifungal agrochemical. It is a member of benzenes, a member of biphenyls and an aromatic fungicide.
  ChEBI
• Biphenyl is used in organic syntheses, heat transfer fluids, dye carriers, food preservatives, as an intermediate for polychlorinated biphenyls, and as a fungistat in the packaging of citrus fruits. In workers, acute (short-term) exposure to high levels of biphenyl has been observed to cause eye and skin irritation and toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, and central and peripheral nervous systems. Kidney effects have been observed in chronically (long-term) exposed animals. EPA has classified biphenyl as a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07, GHS09

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.

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

• CALL FOR MEDICAL AID. VAPOR, MIST OR DUST: Irritating to eyes, nose, throat and skin. Flush affected area with plenty of water. IF IN EYES, hold eyelids open and flush with plenty of water. SOLID OR LIQUID: Irritating to skin and eyes, nose and throat. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Flush affected areas with plenty water. IF IN EYES, hold eyelids open and flush with plenty of water. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Causes irritation to eyes, skin and mucous membrane and upper respiratory tract. Causes central nervous system depression, paralysis and convulsion in animals.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Combustible. Emits toxic fumes under fire conditions. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Combustible. Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Biphenyl is used in organic syntheses, heat transfer fluids, dye carriers, food preservatives, as an intermediate for polychlorinated biphenyls, and as a fungistat in the packaging of citrus fruits. In workers, acute (short-term) exposure to high levels of biphenyl has been observed to cause eye and skin irritation and toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, and central and peripheral nervous systems. Kidney effects have been observed in chronically (long-term) exposed animals. EPA has classified biphenyl as a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
• After one worker died, studies in a Finnish paper mill showed air levels of 4.4 to 128 mg/m3 in 1959 and 0.6 to 123 mg/m3 in 1970. Nine case of poisoning were investigated and summarized as central and peripheral nerve damage and liver injury. [ACGIH] Causes convulsions and paralysis in high-dose animal studies; [CAMEO]
  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
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Water flush immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately flush the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water. Get medical attention promptly. Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Nausea. Vomiting.
  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

• Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, water spray, mist, fog.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped or safely confined. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may spread fire. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• It is combustible at high temperatures producing carbon dioxide and water when combustion is complete. Partial combustion produces carbon monoxide, smoke, soot, and low molecular weight hydrocarbons.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 171 [Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. 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: filter respirator for organic gases and particulates 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. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Environmental considerations: Air spill: Apply water spray or mist to knock down vapors.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Environmental considerations: Land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash, cement powder, or commercial sorbents.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Remove all ignition sources. Ventilate area of spill. For small quant, sweep onto paper or other suitable material, place in an appropriate container and burn in a safe place (such as a fume hood). Large quant may be reclaimed; however, if this is not practical, use a procedure similar to that for small quant.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from food and feedstuffs and oxidants. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Materials... toxic as stored or which can decompose into toxic components... should be stored in a cool... ventilated place, out of... sun, away from fire hazard... /and/ be periodically inspected. ...Incompatible materials should be isolated...
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Diphenyl: Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced. Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Appropriate garments, gloves, and respiratory equipment should be available.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• NIOSH/OSHA Up to 10 mg/m3 : (APF = 10) Any air-purifying half-mask respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination 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 = 10) Any supplied-air respirator Up to 25 mg/m3 : (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode* (APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with an organic vapor cartridge in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter.* Up to 50 mg/m3 : (APF = 50) Any air-purifying full-facepiece respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with an…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• BIPHENYL is incompatible with oxidizers. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Insoluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Reacts with oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Dust explosion possible if in powder form, mixed with air.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Oxidizers
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Chemical stability

• Very stable in acidic & alkaline media.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Urinary
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
• Eyes, respiratory system, liver, central nervous system
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Short-term exposure effects

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

Long-term exposure effects

• The substance may have effects on the liver and nervous system. This may result in impaired functions.
  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: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. 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 soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for biphenyl: concentration process: Activated carbon.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for biphenyl: Concentration process: Resin adsorption.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

DOT hazard class

• Diphenyl
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Marine pollutant
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Class 9
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 9; UN Pack Group: III
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

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. Biphenyl is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their future use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether they are eligible for reregistration. In addition, all pesticides must meet the new safety standard of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Tolerances are established for residues of the fungicide biphenyl (also known as diphenyl) from postharvest use on the following raw agricultural commodities: fruits, citrus (and hybrids thereof).
  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 100 lb or 45.4 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802; In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area (202) 426-2675. 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. Biphenyl is included on this list.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

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

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 7095 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.