Phenanthrene

1Identification

Name

Phenanthrene

IUPAC name

phenanthrene

CAS number

85-01-8

EC number

201-581-5

Molecular formula

C14H10

Molecular weight

178.23 g/mol

InChIKey

YNPNZTXNASCQKK-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C1=CC=C2C(=C1)C=CC3=CC=CC=C32

PubChem CID

995

Synonyms

Phenanthren, Phenanthracene, Phenanthrin, Ravatite, Phenantrin, (3)HELICENE, RefChem:6480, Phenanthren [German], Phenanthrene, pure, PEY, 9-Phenanthrene, phenanthrene-ring, Phenanthrene-13C2, Phenanthrene, 98%

Recommended uses

• Used to make dyestuffs, explosives, phenanthrenequinone, and drugs; [Hawley]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Dyestuffs, explosives, synthesis of drugs, biochemical research, manufacturing phenanthrenequinone.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Phenanthrene forms the basis for production of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone and 2,2'-diphenic acid. It can be used to synthesize anthracene via the isomerization product of sym-octahydrophenanthrene
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Preservative
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Description

• Phenanthrene appears as colorless monoclinic crystals with a faint aromatic odor. Solutions exhibit a blue fluorescence. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Phenanthrene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon composed of three fused benzene rings which takes its name from the two terms 'phenyl' and 'anthracene.'. It has a role as a mouse metabolite and an environmental contaminant. It is a member of phenanthrenes, an ortho-fused polycyclic arene and an ortho-fused tricyclic hydrocarbon.
  ChEBI
• phenanthrene has been reported in Nicotiana tabacum, Buddleja lindleyana, and Pterolobium hexapetalum with data available.
  LOTUS - the natural products occurrence database

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07, GHS09

Classification source

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

5 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 1 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause significant irritation.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1 - Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• SYMPTOMS: Symptoms following exposure to this compound may include skin sensitization, dermatitis, bronchitis, cough, dyspnea, respiratory neoplasm, kidney neoplasm, skin irritation, and respiratory irritation. ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: This compound may cause irritation to the skin and respiratory tract. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and fumes. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• This chemical is combustible. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Hazards summary

• Danger of skin sensitization; [MAK] May cause skin photosensitization; [Merck Index] An irritant; Effects in high-dose animal studies include abnormal liver function tests; [MSDSonline] See POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS.
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

• Acute exposure to PAHs causes irritation and inflammation of the skin and lung tissue. (A10)
  Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• To fight fire, use water, foam, carbon dioxide or dry chem.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Spill cleanup

• ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The particle-bound portion of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) can be removed by sedimentation, flocculation, and filtration processes. The remaining ... dissolved PAH usually requires oxidation for partial removal/transformation. /Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Handle and store under inert gas.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Eye/face protection: Safety glasses with side-shields conforming to EN166. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Skin protection: Handle with gloves.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Body Protection: Complete suit protecting against chemicals. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• PHENANTHRENE may react with oxidizing materials (NTP, 1992).
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Insoluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Incompatible materials: Oxidizing agents.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Combustable when exposed to heat or flame; can react vigorously with oxidizing materials
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Strong oxidizers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Stable under recommended storage conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 11 of the supplier's SDS.

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and is subject to effluent limitations. /Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (including benzanthracenes, benzopyrenes, benzofluoranthene, chrysenes, dibenz-anthracenes, and indenopyrenes)/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• For the maximum protection of human health from the potential carcinogenic effects of exposure to polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons through ingestion of contaminated water and contaminated aquatic organisms, the ambient water concentration should be zero, based on the nonthreshold assumption for this chemical. However, zero level may not be attainable at the present time. Therefore, the levels which may result in incremental increase of cancer risk over the lifetime are estimated at 1X10-5, 1X10-6, and 1X10-7. The corresponding recommended criteria are 28.0 ng/L, 2.8 ng/L, and 0.28 ng/L, respectively.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 5000 lb or 2270 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV.D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 995 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.