Anthracene

Synonyms

Anthracen [German]; Anthracin; Green Oil; Paranaphthalene; Tetra Olive N2G; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Description

Colorless or yellow solid with weak aromatic odor; [HSDB] Pure form is colorless with violet fluorescence; If impure, is yellow with green fluorescence; [Merck Index] Colorless or yellow crystalline solid; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Used to make dyestuffs (anthraquinone and alizarin dyes); Also used to make synthetic fibers and plastics and in semiconductor research; [HSDB] May be present in wood preservatives and pesticides; Occurs in coal tar volatiles, tobacco smoke, exhaust emissions, charcoal broiled meat smoke, edible oils, surface waters, waste waters, and lake sediments; [CHEMINFO]

Comments

A minor skin and respiratory tract irritant; [ICSC] Photosensitizing agent that may cause acute dermatitis; [HSDB] Minimal Risk Level (oral dose for 15-364 days) = 10 mg/kg/day (hepatic); [ATSDR] An irritant; May cause photosensitization; Effects in high-dose animal studies include fatty liver degeneration; [MSDSonline] See "POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS."

Biomedical References

2.67E-06 mm Hg

Explanatory Notes

Flash point = 121 deg C; [ICSC]

must be preheated

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

PICD (photoirritant contact dermatitis)

Not classifiable

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Contact dermatitis, photoirritant

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Applying Wood Preservatives