Substance profile
Resorcinol
Resorcinol is white needle-like crystals with a faint, characteristic odor.
01 · Identification
What Resorcinol is
Resorcinol is white needle-like crystals with a faint, characteristic odor. Its molecular formula is C6H6O2 and its molecular weight is 110.11 g/mol. It boils at 280 °C, melts at 110 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
02 · Identifiers
Resorcinol identifiers and molecular data
Resorcinol CAS number and EC number
Resorcinol molecular formula and molecular weight
Other names for Resorcinol
- 1,3-benzenediol
03 · GHS classification
Resorcinol hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
Resorcinol pictograms and signal word
Resorcinol hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute toxicity - oral GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 4 | H302 | GHS07 |
| Skin corrosion/irritation GHS chapter 3.2 | Category 2 | H315 | GHS07 |
| Serious eye damage/eye irritation GHS chapter 3.3 | Category 2A | H319 | GHS07 |
| Skin sensitisation GHS chapter 3.4 | Category 1 or 1A or 1B | H317 | GHS07 |
| Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure GHS chapter 3.8 | Category 1 | H370 | GHS08 |
| Hazardous to the aquatic environment - acute GHS chapter 4.1 | Category 1 | H400 | GHS09 |
Where two values are shown with “or”, the hazard statement is shared by more than one category or by more than one class, and the code alone does not say which. H272, for example, belongs to oxidising liquids and to oxidising solids — the physical state decides. The binding answer for a specific entry is in the CLP Annex VI table itself.
Resorcinol hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H370 | Causes damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
| H317 | May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to Resorcinol. 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 Resorcinol
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 Resorcinol 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
Resorcinol precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 22 precautionary statements to Resorcinol. 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
Resorcinol 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 | резорцинол 1,3-бензендиол |
| Spanish español | Resorcinol 1,3-bencenodiol |
| Czech čeština | resorcinol 1,3-benzendiol |
| Danish dansk | resorcinol 1,3-benzendiol |
| German Deutsch | Resorcin 1,3-Dihydroxybenzol |
| Estonian eesti | resortsinool 1,3-benseendiool |
| Greek ελληνικά | ρεσορκινόλη 1,3-βενζολοδιόλη |
| English English | resorcinol 1,3-benzenediol |
| French français | résorcinol 1,3-benzènediol |
| Croatian hrvatski | rezorcinol 1,3-benzendiol |
| Italian italiano | resorcinolo 1,3-benzendiolo |
| Latvian latviešu | rezorcinols 1,3-benzoldiols |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | rezorcinolis 1,3-benzendiolis |
| Hungarian magyar | rezorcin 1,3-benzoldiol |
| Maltese Malti | resorċinol 1,3-benżenediol |
| Dutch Nederlands | resorcinol 1,3-benzeendiol |
| Polish polski | rezorcynol 1,3-benzenodiol1,3-dihydroksybenzen |
| Portuguese português | resorcinol 1,3-benzenodiol |
| Romanian română | rezorcină 1,3-benzendiol |
| Slovak slovenčina | rezorcinol benzén-1,3-diol |
| Slovenian slovenščina | rezorcinol 1,3-benzendiol |
| Finnish suomi | resorsinoli 1,3-bentseenidioli |
| Swedish svenska | resorcinol 1,3-bensendiol |
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
Resorcinol GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for Resorcinol, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
Resorcinol
- Harmful if swallowed.
- Causes damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.
- Causes skin irritation.
- Causes serious eye irritation.
- May cause an allergic skin reaction.
- Very toxic to aquatic life.
- Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
- Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
- Wash … thoroughly after handling.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
- Avoid release to the environment.
- Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/…
- IF SWALLOWED:
- IF ON SKIN:
- IF IN EYES:
- IF exposed or concerned:
- Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…
- Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… if you feel unwell.
- Get medical advice/attention.
- Rinse mouth.
- If skin irritation occurs:
- If skin irritation or rash occurs:
- If eye irritation persists:
- Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
- Wash with plenty of water/…
- Collect spillage.
- Dispose of contents/container to …
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open Resorcinol in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
Resorcinol health hazards and exposure limits
Resorcinol hazard summary
Resorcinol may cause methemoglobinemia after ingestion of large amounts. Rats develop increased liver weights in subchronic feeding studies. [ACGIH] Allergic contact dermatitis reported in hairdressers; [Kanerva, p. 1833] Very irritating to the eyes and skin--may cause redness and pain; Can induce methemoglobinemia; [ICSC] Danger of skin sensitization; [MAK]
Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
Resorcinol carcinogenicity classification
Under the conditions of these 2-year gavage studies, there was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of resorcinol in male F344/N rats given 112 or 225 mg/kg or female F344/N rats given 50, 100, or 150 mg/kg. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of resorcinol in male or female B6C3F1 mice given 112 or 225 mg/kg.
Source: US National Toxicology Program · TR-403: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Resorcinol (CASRN 108-46-3) in F344 Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage Studies) (1992 )
Evaluation: No epidemiological data relevant to the carcinogenicity of resorcinol were available. There is inadequate evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of resorcinol. Overall evaluation: Resorcinol is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).
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.
Resorcinol occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | none See Appendix G | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| REL | 10 ppm (45 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | 20 ppm (90 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | TWA 10 ppm (45 mg/m3) ST 20 ppm (90 mg/m3) | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | N.D. | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
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
Resorcinol 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.
Resorcinol boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 280 °C (536 °F) | HSDB | |
| 277.22 °C (531 °F) | NIOSH |
Resorcinol melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | 109.8 °C (229.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 110 °C (230 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 108.89 °C (228 °F) | NIOSH |
Resorcinol density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.27 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.278 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.2 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO |
Resorcinol solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | 1 g dissolves in 0.9 mL alcohol; freely soluble in ether, glycerol; slightly soluble in chloroform | HSDB | |
| Very soluble in carbon tetrachloride; soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether; slightly soluble in benzene, chloroform | HSDB | ||
| In water, 7.17X10+5 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB |
Resorcinol vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 0.0004875 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| 0.000489 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.0002 mmHg | at 25 °C | NIOSH |
Resorcinol flash point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | 127.22 °C (261 °F) | HSDB | |
| 127 °C (260.6 °F) | HSDB |
Resorcinol autoignition temperature
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoignition temperature | 607.78 °C (1126 °F) | HSDB | |
| 607.22 °C (1125 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 607 °C (1124.6 °F) | ICSC |
Resorcinol lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.4 % by volume | DOE PAC | |
| 1.28 % by volume | at 200 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.4 % by volume | at 200 °C | NIOSH |
Resorcinol upper explosive limit (UEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 1.4 % by volume | at 200 °C | HSDB |
| 1.4 % by volume | at 93.33 °C | OSHA |
Resorcinol vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 3.79 (air = 1) | HSDB |
Resorcinol odor threshold
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor threshold | Odor threshold concentration (detection): 6.0 mg/L | HSDB |
Resorcinol critical temperature and pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical temperature and pressure | 810 °C (1490 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
Resorcinol 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.
Resorcinol fire potential
Combustible when exposed to heat or flame
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
10 · Handling and storage
Resorcinol storage and handling
Resorcinol safe storage
Separated from incompatible materials and food and feedstuffs. See Chemical Dangers.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Resorcinol storage conditions
Separated from incompatible materials and food and feedstuffs.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Resorcinol incompatible materials
Can react with oxidizing materials
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Resorcinol reactivity
RESORCINOL is a weak organic acid. Incompatible with acetanilide, albumin, alkalis, antipyrine, camphor, iron salts, menthol, spirit nitrous ether, and urethane. Can react with oxidizing materials (NTP, 1992). Has a potentially explosive reaction with concentrated nitric acid [Lewis]. Turns pink on contact with iron.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Resorcinol in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Transport
Resorcinol 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.
Resorcinol under UN 2876 — shipping name, class and packing group
Europe · ADR 2025, Table A
| Proper shipping name (3.1.2) | Class | Classification code | PG | Labels (column 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RESORCINOL | 6.1 | T2 | III | |
Source: ADR 2025, Table A of Chapter 3.2 · ECE/TRANS/352 Vol. I (UNECE). Class 6.1 is “Toxic substances” (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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resorcinol | 6.1 | III | |
Source: 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table · eCFR, revision 2026-08-03. Class 6.1 is “Poisonous materials” (49 CFR 173.2).
12 · Questions
Resorcinol — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of Resorcinol?
The CAS number of Resorcinol is 108-46-3. Its EC number is 203-585-2.
What is the chemical formula of Resorcinol?
The molecular formula of Resorcinol is C6H6O2 and its molecular weight is 110.11 g/mol.
What does a Resorcinol label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for Resorcinol carries the pictograms Health hazard, Exclamation mark and Environment and the signal word is Danger.
Is Resorcinol flammable?
CLP Annex VI assigns Resorcinol no flammability hazard class. That is not a statement that it cannot burn: the harmonised list only records the hazards that were assessed for it. The flash point reported for it is 127.22 °C (261 °F) (HSDB).
Is Resorcinol a carcinogen?
CLP Annex VI records no harmonised carcinogenicity classification for Resorcinol. 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. IARC places it in Group 3: not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.
What is the exposure limit for Resorcinol?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for Resorcinol is none See Appendix G (The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)). 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 Resorcinol?
The boiling point reported for Resorcinol is 280 °C (536 °F) (HSDB).
What is the melting point of Resorcinol?
The melting point reported for Resorcinol is 109.8 °C (229.6 °F) (HSDB).
How should Resorcinol be stored?
Separated from incompatible materials and food and feedstuffs. (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
Nearby
Substances next to Resorcinol
Keep going: substances starting with R, or search the whole database by name, CAS number, pictogram or signal word.