Fluoranthene

1Identification

Name

Fluoranthene

IUPAC name

fluoranthene

CAS number

206-44-0

EC number

205-912-4

Molecular formula

C16H10

Molecular weight

202.25 g/mol

InChIKey

GVEPBJHOBDJJJI-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C1=CC=C2C(=C1)C3=CC=CC4=C3C2=CC=C4

PubChem CID

9154

Synonyms

1,2-Benzacenaphthene, Idryl, Benzo(jk)fluorene, Benzo[jk]fluorene, 1,2-(1,8-Naphthylene)benzene, Benzene, 1,2-(1,8-naphthalenediyl)-, 1,2-(1,8-Naphthalenediyl)benzene, Benzene, 1,2-(1,8-naphthylene)-, 1,2-(1,8-Naphthalene)benzene, RefChem:599364, Fluoranthene, 98%, Fluoranthene, analytical standard, Benzacenaphthylene, Benzo[j,k]fluorene

Recommended uses

• Occurs in coal tar and petroleum-derived asphalt; Used to make drugs and fluorescent dyes; Also used as a stabilizer in epoxy resins and in electrically insulating oils; [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Currently, there is no known production of or use of this compound.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Preservative
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Description

• Fluoranthene appears as light yellow fine crystals. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Fluoranthene is an ortho- and peri-fused polycyclic arene consisting of a naphthalene and benzene unit connected by a five-membered ring.
  ChEBI
• Fluoranthene is one of over 100 different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are are formed during the incomplete burning of organic substances, such as fossil fuels. They are usually found as a mixture containing two or more of these compounds. (L10)
  Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07, GHS09

Classification source

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

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

Health hazards

• ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: When heated to decomposition this compound emits acrid smoke and fumes. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Flash point data for this chemical are not available. It is probably combustible. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Hazards summary

• Minimal Risk Level (oral intermediate) = 0.4 mg/kg/day (Hepatic); [ATSDR] May cause irritation; [MSDSonline] See POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS.
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of fluoranthene stem from its toxicologic properties. Toxic by all routes (ie, inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact), exposure to this pale yellow, crystalline substance may occur from its presence in coal tar products used in coatings for pipes and storage tanks, in roofing materials, and asphalt. Effects from exposure (based on analogy to phenol) may include contact burns to the skin and eyes, nausea, tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, liver injury, pulmonary edema, and respiratory arrest. In addition, NIOSH recommends that fluoranthene be regulated as an occupational carcinogen.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

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

• Acute exposure to PAHs causes irritation and inflammation of the skin and lung tissue. (A10)
  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)
• Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 133 [Flammable Solids]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 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

• Adsorption by activated carbon.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Spills and leaks of coal tar products must be cleaned up immediately, and employees engaged in cleanup must wear adequate personal protective garments and approved respiratory protective devices. Spills of hot coal tar, coal tar pitch ... may be covered with sand or other suitable mineral aggregate. ... /Coal tar products/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment.Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. 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: Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Storage conditions shall be controlled to prevent overheating and pressure buildup in containers of coal tar products. Transfer and storage systems shall be designed and operated to prevent blockage by condensed coal tar products. /Coal tar products/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Eye and Face protection: Cup type or rubber framed chemical safety goggles shall be worn by employees engaged in activities in which coal tar products may come in contact with the eyes. When employees are exposed to airborne coal tar products in excess of the limits ... a respirator with a full facepiece is required. ... Full length, plastic face shields (20 cm min) shall be worn, in addition to safety goggles. Protective clothing: For employees working with heated coal tar pitch, employers shall require use of protective clothing sufficient to prevent skin contact.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Respiratory protection from coal tar products for the following particulate concentration levels: 2 mg/cu m or less: A chemical cartridge respirator with an organic vapor cartridge(s) and with a fume or high efficiency filter or any supplied air respirator or any self contained breathing apparatus; 10 mg/cu m or less: A chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and an organic vapor cartridge(s) and with a fume or high efficiency filter, or a gas mask with a chin style or a front or back mounted organic vapor canister and with a full facepiece and a fume or high efficiency filter, or any supplied air respirator with a full facepiece, helmet, or hood, or any self contained breathing…
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Eye/face protection: Tightly fitting safety goggles. Faceshield (8-inch minimum). 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)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• Vigorous reactions, sometimes amounting to explosions, can result from the contact between aromatic hydrocarbons, such as FLUORANTHENE, and strong oxidizing agents. They can react exothermically with bases and with diazo compounds. Substitution at the benzene nucleus occurs by halogenation (acid catalyst), nitration, sulfonation, and the Friedel-Crafts reaction.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Insoluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Incompatible materials Strong oxidizing agents.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Does not undergo photooxidation in organic solvents under fluorescent light or sunlight; resistant to photodecomposition
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Hepatic Urinary
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)

12Ecological information

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

13Disposal considerations

• Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U120, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
  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)
• Good candidate for rotary kiln incineration, with a temperature range of 820 to 1600 °C and a residence time of seconds for liquids and gases, hours for solids. Also a good candidate for fluidized bed incineration, with a temperature range of 450 to 980 °C and a residence time of seconds for liquids and gases, longer for solids.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

DOT label

• Flammable Solid
  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

• Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and is subject to effluent limitations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• For the protection of human health from the toxic properties of fluoranthene ingested through water and contaminated aquatic organisms, the ambient water criterion is determined to be 42 ug/L.
  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. 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)
• U120; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when fluoranthene, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

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

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 9154 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.