Pyromellitic dianhydride

Synonyms

1H,3H-Benzo(1,2-c:4,5-c')difuran-1,3,5,7-tetrone; Pyromellitic 1,2:4,5-dianhydride (6CI); Pyromellitic acid anhydride; Pyromellitic acid dianhydride; Pyromellitic anhydride; 1,2,4,5 Benzenetetracarboxylic 1,2:4,5 dianhydride; Benzene-1,2:4,5-tetracarboxylic dianhydride; [ChemIDplus] PMDA; [HSDB]

Category

Acid Anhydrides, Cyclic

Description

White hygroscopic solid; [ICSC] White or off-white powder; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]

Sources/Uses

Occupational asthma reported in workers using epoxy resin adhesives; [Malo] Used as a curing agent for epoxy resins (high-temperature laminates, molds, and coatings), cross-linking agent for epoxy plasticizers in vinyls and alkyd resins, and intermediate for pyromellitic acid; [Hawley]

Comments

A skin irritant; [Hawley] Produces the acid on reaction with water; A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Heavy exposure may cause pulmonary hemorrhage; May cause skin sensitization and asthma; [ICSC] A mild skin sensitizer in guinea pigs; Acute exposure produces CNS depression in animals; Changes in various enzyme activity (cholinesterase, ALT, AST, cytochrome oxidase, etc.) observed in female mice administered 4.4 and 8.8 mg/kg for six months; [HSDB] An irritant that may cause serious eye injury; May cause sensitization by skin contact and inhalation; [Alfa Aesar MSDS] See "ACID ANHYDRIDES."

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

4.8E-06 mm Hg

LCLo (rat) = 150 mg/m3/4hr

Explanatory Notes

VP from HSDB;

Yes

Yes

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

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Asthma, occupational
• Contact dermatitis, allergic

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Plastic Composites Manufacturing
• Working with Glues and Adhesives