Pyrene

1Identification

Name

Pyrene

IUPAC name

pyrene

CAS number

129-00-0

EC number

204-927-3

Molecular formula

C16H10

Molecular weight

202.25 g/mol

InChIKey

BBEAQIROQSPTKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C1=CC2=C3C(=C1)C=CC4=CC=CC(=C43)C=C2

PubChem CID

31423

Synonyms

PYRENE, Benzo[def]phenanthrene, Pyren, beta-Pyrene, Benzo(def)phenanthrene, RefChem:6184, benzo(d,e,f)phenanthrene, .beta.-Pyrene, PYRENE (purity), Pyrene-13C6, Coal tar pitch volatiles:pyrene, Pyren [German], Pyrene[def]phenanthrene, Pyrene; Benzo[def]phenanthrene; NSC 17534; NSC 66449

Recommended uses

• Used in research; [Hawley] As a starting material in the production of optical brighteners and dyes; [HSDB] It is a by-product of the pyrolysis of organic matter and is present in coal tar distillates, diesel exhaust, automobile exhaust, tobacco smoke, barbecue smoke, wood smoke, lake sediments, waste oils, and sewage. [CHEMINFO]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Optical brighteners can be synthesized by reaction of pyrene with a complex of cyanuric chloride and aluminum chloride.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• By analogy to fluoranthene, pyrene and alkylpyrenes can be used as additives in electro-insulating oils as well as in epoxy resins for electrical insulation.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Preservative Corrosion inhibitor
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Description

• Pyrene is a colorless solid, solid and solutions have a slight blue fluorescence. Used in biochemical research. (EPA, 1998)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Pyrene is an ortho- and peri-fused polycyclic arene consisting of four fused benzene rings, resulting in a flat aromatic system. It has a role as a fluorescent probe and a persistent organic pollutant.
  ChEBI
• pyrene has been reported in Galbulimima 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

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

Health hazards

• Pyrene is a carcinogenic agent and is absorbed by the skin. It is a skin irritant, a suspected mutagen, and an equivocal tumor-causing agent. Workers exposed to 3 to 5 mg/m3 of pyrene exhibited some teratogenic effects. Pyrene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). The acute toxicity of pure PAHs appears low when administered orally or dermally to rats or mice. Human exposure to PAHs is almost exclusively via the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, and approximately 99 percent is ingested in the diet.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• When heated to decomposition, it emits acrid smoke and fumes. (EPA, 1998)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• May cause photoirritant contact dermatitis; [ICSC] A skin irritant; [HSDB] An irritant; [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

• Warning: Pyrene is absorbed by the skin. It is a skin irritant, and a suspected mutagen and tumor-causing agent. Signs and Symptoms of Pyrene Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to pyrene may result in irritation and burning of the exposed skin, esophageal or gastrointestinal tract, and eyes. Excitation and muscle spasticity may also be noted following acute exposure. Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to pyrene may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• 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)
• Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or alcohol foam extinguishers. ... If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Notify local health and fire officials and pollution control agencies. From a secure, explosion-proof location, use water spray to cool exposed containers. If cooling streams are ineffective (venting sound increases in volume and pitch, tank discolors, or shows any signs of deforming), withdraw immediately to a secure position. ...
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. 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)
• Evacuate persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Remove all ignition sources. Remove all sources of ignition and dampen spilled material with toluene to avoid airborne dust, then transfer material to a suitable container. Ventilate the spill area and use absorbent dampened with toluene to pick up remaining material. Wash surfaces well with soap and water. Seal all wastes in vapor-tight plastic bags for eventual disposal. Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. Ventilate area after cleanup is complete.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Personal protection: Particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from strong oxidants. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Store in a flammanle materials storage area. ... Store in a cool, dry place.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Separated from strong oxidants. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Eye/face protection: 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: Choose body protection in relation to its type, to the concentration and amount of dangerous substances, and to the specific work-place.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• PYRENE reacts with nitrogen oxides to form nitro derivatives. It also reacts with 70% nitric acid. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Insoluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents.
  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

Target organs

• Urinary
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)

Short-term exposure effects

• Exposure to sun may enhance the irritating effect of this substance. This may result in chronic skin discoloration.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

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)
• Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Pyrene is included on this list. Effective date 6/1/87; Sunset date: 6/1/97.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

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

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 31423 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.