Benzophenone

Synonyms

Benzene, benzoyl-; Benzoylbenzene; Diphenyl ketone; Diphenylketone; Diphenylmethanone; Ketone, diphenyl; Methanone, diphenyl-; Phenyl ketone; alpha-Oxodiphenylmethane; alpha-Oxoditane; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Benzophenones

Description

White solid with sweet, rose-like odor; [Hawley] White crystalline solid with a pleasant odor; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Used in perfumes, flavoring agents, and organic synthesis; Also used as an inhibitor of styrene polymerization, a photoinitiator, an ultraviolet curing agent, and an additive (plastics, cosmetics, coatings, and adhesives); [HSDB] Occurs naturally in some foods; [AIHA] "Benzophenone (BZP), and substituted BZP numbered 1-12, trade mark Uvinul, are photo-screen agents widely used in sunscreens and in cosmetics, such as "antiaging" creams and hair sprays and shampoos, paints, and plastics." [Kanerva, p. 1755]

Comments

A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; [ICSC] An irritant; [MSDSonline] Liver changes as in chronic hepatitis were noted in high-dose animal studies; [AIHA] See "Oxybenzone."

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

0.00193 mm Hg

Explanatory Notes

Flash Point = 146 deg C; [CHEMINFO]

0.5 mg/m3

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Possible (2b)

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides)
• Plastic Composites Manufacturing
• Working with Glues and Adhesives