1,2,3,6-Tetrahydrophthalic anhydride

Chemical properties

white flaky solid

The Uses of 1,2,3,6-Tetrahydrophthalic anhydride

Chemical intermediate for light-colored alkyds, polyesters, plasticizers, and adhesives; intermediate for pesticides; hardener for resins.

Definition

ChEBI: 1,2,3,6-tetrahydrophthalic anhydride is a cyclic dicarboxylic anhydride that is 1,3,3a,4,7,7a-hexahydro-2-benzofuran carrying oxo groups at positions 1 and 3. It is a cyclic dicarboxylic anhydride and a tetrahydrofurandione.

General Description

Clear colorless to light yellow slight viscous liquid. Highly toxic and a strong irritant to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Corrosive to skin and metal. Used in making polyester, alkyd resins, and plasticizers.

Air & Water Reactions

Reacts exothermically with water to form memtetrahydrophthalic acid.

Reactivity Profile

CIS-1,2,3,6-TETRAHYDROPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE; >98% is combustible. Reacts with oxidizers. Reacts exothermically with water. These reactions are usually slow, but can become violent when local heating accelerates their rate. Acids accelerate the reaction with water. Incompatible with acids, strong oxidizing agents, alcohols, amines, and bases.

Hazard

Strong irritant to eyes and skin.

Health Hazard

TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by intraperitoneal route. Mildly toxic by ingestion. A corrosive irritant to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Combustible when exposed to heat or flame. Will react with water or steam to produce heat; can react with oxidizing materials. To fight fre, use water, foam, CO2, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See also ANHYDRIDES.