Substance profile
Chlorobenzene
Chlorobenzene is a colorless liquid with a faint, not unpleasant odor.
01 · Identification
What Chlorobenzene is
Chlorobenzene is a colorless liquid with a faint, not unpleasant odor. It boils at 132 °C, melts at -45.2 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
02 · Identifiers
Chlorobenzene identifiers and molecular data
Chlorobenzene CAS number and EC number
Chlorobenzene molecular formula and molecular weight
03 · GHS classification
Chlorobenzene hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
Chlorobenzene pictograms and signal word
Chlorobenzene hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flammable liquids GHS chapter 2.6 | Category 3 | H226 | GHS02 |
| Acute toxicity - inhalation GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 4 | H332 | GHS07 |
| Skin corrosion/irritation GHS chapter 3.2 | Category 2 | H315 | GHS07 |
| Hazardous to the aquatic environment - chronic GHS chapter 4.1 | Category 2 | H411 | GHS09 |
Chlorobenzene hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H226 | Flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to Chlorobenzene. The full reference lives on the hazard statements hub, the precautionary statements hub and the GHS pictograms hub.
Safety Data Sheet
Getting an SDS for Chlorobenzene
A Safety Data Sheet is written for a product, not for a substance: the supplier of the grade you actually buy issues it, so two suppliers of Chlorobenzene issue two different sheets. That is why there is no single authoritative SDS for a substance to download — what there is, is the job of collecting the sheets for the products you hold and keeping them current as suppliers revise them.
04 · Precautionary statements
Chlorobenzene precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 18 precautionary statements to Chlorobenzene. They are grouped the way a label groups them: what to do before handling, what to do when something has already happened, how to store it and how to dispose of it.
Prevention
What to do before and during handling so the hazard never happens.
Response
What to do once exposure, spillage or fire has already happened.
Disposal
What has to happen to the contents and the empty container.
Reading the notation. … is a blank the supplier fills in — not a truncated sentence.· [square brackets] mark a part printed only when it applies.
05 · Names in the regulation
Chlorobenzene name in 23 EU languages
CLP Annex VI Part 3 is published in every language edition of the regulation, and the identification column is written out in each of them. Nothing below is translated by us: each line is the name as that edition prints it. Under Art. 18(2) the substance name from Annex VI is a lawful product identifier, so this is the wording to put on a label going to that market — and where the cell lists several designations, any one of them qualifies.
| Language | Name in CLP Annex VI Part 3 |
|---|---|
| Bulgarian български | хлоробензен |
| Spanish español | clorobenceno |
| Czech čeština | chlorbenzen |
| Danish dansk | chlorbenzen |
| German Deutsch | Chlorbenzol |
| Estonian eesti | klorobenseen |
| Greek ελληνικά | χλωροβενζόλιο |
| English English | chlorobenzene |
| French français | chlorobenzène |
| Croatian hrvatski | klorobenzen |
| Italian italiano | clorobenzene |
| Latvian latviešu | hlorbenzols |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | chlorbenzenas |
| Hungarian magyar | klór-benzol |
| Maltese Malti | klorobenżen |
| Dutch Nederlands | chloorbenzeen |
| Polish polski | chlorobenzen |
| Portuguese português | clorobenzeno |
| Romanian română | clorbenzen |
| Slovak slovenčina | chlórbenzén |
| Slovenian slovenščina | klorobenzen |
| Finnish suomi | klooribentseeni |
| Swedish svenska | klorbensen |
All 23 language editions of Annex VI carry this entry. Irish is the twenty-fourth official EU language and has no line here for a different reason: no consolidated CLP text has ever been published in Irish, so there is no Irish edition of Annex VI to quote a name from. Source: consolidated CLP, CELEX 02008R1272, language editions. © European Union, https://eur-lex.europa.eu — only the electronic Official Journal of the European Union is authentic.
06 · Label elements
Chlorobenzene GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for Chlorobenzene, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Warning
Chlorobenzene
- Flammable liquid and vapour.
- Harmful if inhaled.
- Causes skin irritation.
- Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
- Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
- Keep container tightly closed.
- Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment.
- Use only non-sparking tools.
- Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
- Wash … thoroughly after handling.
- Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- Avoid release to the environment.
- Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/…
- IF ON SKIN:
- IF INHALED:
- Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… if you feel unwell.
- Get medical advice/attention.
- If skin irritation occurs:
- Wash with plenty of water/…
- Collect spillage.
- Store in a well-ventilated place.
- Dispose of contents/container to …
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open Chlorobenzene in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
Chlorobenzene health hazards and exposure limits
Chlorobenzene hazard summary
Chlorobenzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with an aromatic, almond-like odor. Some of it will dissolve in water, but it readily evaporates into air. It does not occur naturally in the environment. Chlorobenzene production in the United States has declined by more than 60% from its peak in 1960. It was used in the past to make other chemicals, such as phenol and DDT. Now chlorobenzene is used as a solvent for some pesticide formulations, to degrease automobile parts, and as a chemical intermediate to make several other chemicals.
Source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Chlorobenzene carcinogenicity classification
Under the conditions of these studies, chlorobenzene administration increased the occurrence of neoplastic nodules of the liver in high dose (120 mg/kg/day) male F344/N rats, providing some but not clear evidence of carcinogenicity of chlorobenzene in male rats. Carcinogenic effects of chlorobenzene were not observed in female F344/N rats or in male or female B6C3F1 mice
Source: US National Toxicology Program · TR-261: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Chlorobenzene (CASRN 108-90-7) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage Studies) (1985 )
Cancer Classification: Group D Not Classifiable as to Human Carcinogenicity
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
CLASSIFICATION: D; not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: No human data, inadequate animal data and predominantly negative genetic toxicity data in bacterial, yeast, and mouse lymphoma cells. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: None. ANIMAL CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate. /Based on former classification system/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
An IARC group and a CLP classification answer different questions. IARC judges whether the evidence for cancer in humans is strong enough; CLP Annex VI is the legally binding EU classification. A substance can carry one and not the other.
Chlorobenzene occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 75.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| PEL | 75 ppm (350 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| PEL | TWA 75 ppm (350 mg/m3) | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 1000 ppm (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 1000.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| IDLH | 1000 ppm | Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) |
These are United States values. The European Union sets its own indicative and binding limits, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation — not the one shown here.
08 · Physical and chemical properties
Chlorobenzene properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
Chlorobenzene boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 131.6 °C (268.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| 132.22 °C (270 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 132.22 °C (270 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
Chlorobenzene melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | -45.2 °C (-49.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| -45.56 °C (-50 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -45 °C (-49 °F) | CAMEO |
Chlorobenzene density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.11 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.1058 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.11 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO |
Chlorobenzene solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Miscible in ethanol, ethyl ether; very soluble in benzene, carbon tetrachloride | HSDB | |
| In water, 0.05 g/100g at 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| In water, 499 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB |
Chlorobenzene vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 9 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 8.8 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 12 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
Chlorobenzene flash point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | 27.78 °C (82 °F) | HSDB | |
| 36.11 °C (97 °F) | HSDB |
Chlorobenzene autoignition temperature
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoignition temperature | 592.78 °C (1099 °F) | HSDB | |
| 590 °C (1094 °F) | ICSC |
Chlorobenzene lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.3 % by volume | HSDB |
Chlorobenzene upper explosive limit (UEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 9.6 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 7.1 % by volume | CAMEO |
Chlorobenzene vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 3.88 (air = 1) | HSDB |
Chlorobenzene odor threshold
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor threshold | Odor recognition in air: 2.10x10-1 ppm. | HSDB | |
| Odor Low, 0.98 mg/cu m; Odor High, 280.0 mg/cu m | HSDB | ||
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.08 [ppm] | Haz-Map |
Chlorobenzene critical temperature and pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical temperature and pressure | 358.85 °C (677.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| 358.89 °C (678 °F) | HSDB |
Chlorobenzene corrosivity
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosivity | Liquid chlorobenzene will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
Chlorobenzene fire and explosion behaviour
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Chlorobenzene fire potential
Dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
10 · Handling and storage
Chlorobenzene storage and handling
Chlorobenzene safe storage
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Chlorobenzene storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers whigh are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Chlorobenzene incompatible materials
Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fires and explosions.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Chlorobenzene reactivity
CHLOROBENZENE undergoes a sometimes explosive reaction with powdered sodium or phosphorus trichloride + sodium. May react violently with dimethyl sulfoxide. Reacts vigorously with oxidizing agents. Attacks some forms of plastic, rubber and coatings. Forms a shock sensitive solvated salt with silver perchlorate. (NTP, 1992).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Chlorobenzene in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Transport
Chlorobenzene UN number and transport classification
Transport classification is a separate system from the GHS classification above. It decides how a package is marked and how a load may be carried; it does not follow from the workplace label, and the workplace label does not follow from it. The entries below are linked by CAS number, never by name.
Chlorobenzene under UN 1134 — shipping name, class and packing group
Europe · ADR 2025, Table A
| Proper shipping name (3.1.2) | Class | Classification code | PG | Labels (column 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHLOROBENZENE | 3 | F1 | III | |
Source: ADR 2025, Table A of Chapter 3.2 · ECE/TRANS/352 Vol. I (UNECE). Class 3 is “Flammable liquids” (ADR 2.1.1.1).
United States · 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table
| Proper shipping name (column 2) | Class or division | PG | Labels (column 6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorobenzene | 3 | III | |
Source: 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table · eCFR, revision 2026-08-03. Class 3 is “Flammable and combustible liquid” (49 CFR 173.2).
12 · Questions
Chlorobenzene — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of Chlorobenzene?
The CAS number of Chlorobenzene is 108-90-7. Its EC number is 203-628-5.
What does a Chlorobenzene label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for Chlorobenzene carries the pictograms Flame, Exclamation mark and Environment and the signal word is Warning.
Is Chlorobenzene flammable?
Yes. CLP Annex VI assigns Chlorobenzene H226 — flammable liquid and vapour. The flash point reported for it is 27.78 °C (82 °F) (HSDB).
Is Chlorobenzene a carcinogen?
CLP Annex VI records no harmonised carcinogenicity classification for Chlorobenzene. Annex VI is a list of agreed classifications, not a list of substances found safe, so this is an absence of a classification rather than a clean bill of health.
What is the exposure limit for Chlorobenzene?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for Chlorobenzene is 75.0 [ppm] (Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases). Limits differ by country: the EU sets its own indicative and binding values, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation.
What is the boiling point of Chlorobenzene?
The boiling point reported for Chlorobenzene is 131.6 °C (268.9 °F) (HSDB).
What is the melting point of Chlorobenzene?
The melting point reported for Chlorobenzene is -45.2 °C (-49.4 °F) (HSDB).
How should Chlorobenzene be stored?
CLP Annex VI assigns Chlorobenzene the storage statement P403. Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers whigh are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
Nearby
Substances next to Chlorobenzene
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