Chemical Name: 9-Anthraldehyde
Synonyms: Anthracene-9-carboxaldehyde
CAS Number: 117-52-2
Appearance: Pale yellow crystalline solid
Odor: Faint aromatic odor
Molecular Formula: C15H10O
Molecular Weight: 206.24 g/mol
9-Anthraldehyde doesn’t always get mainstream coverage, but it has particular uses in organic synthesis and dye studies. Its unique structure gives it value in research labs, so knowing its identifiers helps those working with it avoid mix-ups that can lead to safety mistakes.
Hazard Classifications: Irritant to skin and eyes, may cause respiratory irritation
Risk Phrases: Irritating to eyes, respiratory system, and skin
Physical Hazards: May form combustible dust concentrations in air
Health Hazards: Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause allergic reactions.
I have worked with aromatic aldehydes and found their powder form easy to inhale by accident, so adequate labeling and clarity on hazards cuts down on risky situations in the lab. Even low-sensitization materials can provoke strong reactions if handled carelessly, especially in closed spaces.
Component: 9-Anthraldehyde
Percentage: Typically greater than 98% pure in research grade samples
Knowing the composition means researchers or handlers can plan procedures with reasonable certainty about the purity and associated health or chemical risks. Additives or contaminants introduce unknowns, and surprises have no place in chemical safety.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek medical advice
Having rehearsed these actions while training, I’ve seen that quick, decisive responses keep accidents minor. Hesitation or ignorance leads to confusion, delays, and worse outcomes. Everyone handling 9-anthraldehyde should know these steps by heart, not just supervisors.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, foam
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic fumes under fire conditions (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide)
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
I’ve never seen 9-anthraldehyde catch fire, but I know well-ventilated chemical labs and appropriate extinguishers save lives. Combustion can turn a regular risk into a deadly situation within seconds, so being prepared for more than the textbook scenarios is smart.
Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation, use respirators if needed, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent unintentional release into drains or soil
Methods for Cleanup: Sweep or vacuum using equipment with dust filters, place in labeled containers for disposal
In my experience, accidental spills highlight gaps in training or equipment readiness. Everyone benefits when surfaces and air aren’t left contaminated, and proper cleanup right away eliminates liabilities that could harm both coworkers and the environment.
Handling: Always use personal protective equipment, work in fume hood or well-ventilated space, avoid inhalation and unnecessary exposure
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers, keep cool and away from light, humidity, and incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers
Routine discipline in storage and chemical labeling makes a world of difference. I’ve seen even trained staff become complacent, leading to improperly stored containers and unexpected hazardous reactions. Habits like double-checking labels and segregating chemicals by compatibility are what keep labs running safely year after year.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or chemical fume hoods
Personal Protection: Nitrile gloves, lab coat, protective eyewear, dust respirator if exposure is likely
Exposure Limits: No established limits, but minimize airborne concentration.
Over the years, I’ve learned that comfortable, effective PPE and good ventilation aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities. Shortcuts here tempt fate. Even chemicals considered “low hazard” can cause real harm with repeated unprotected exposure — it’s the routine tasks that trip people up the most.
Appearance: Pale yellow solid
Melting Point: About 105°C
Boiling Point: Data not widely reported, decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Low in water, soluble in organic solvents like ethanol or dichloromethane
Vapor Pressure: Very low at room temperature
Getting to know these physical traits saves headaches. Misjudging a chemical’s solubility, reactivity, or volatility leads to wasted samples and potentially hazardous mixtures. Hands-on experience often reveals reality is less forgiving than the datasheet makes it seem.
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended conditions, light-sensitive, may oxidize slowly in air
Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with strong oxidizing agents
Friends in synthetic chemistry stress the importance of never growing complacent about stability. Even “stable” chemicals can degrade, react, or form peroxides unnoticed if left sitting around. Regular checks on storage and treating all unknowns as potentially dangerous keeps surprises to a minimum.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Acute Effects: Can cause irritation to skin, eyes, respiratory tract
Chronic Effects: May provoke sensitization reactions upon repeated exposure
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by major agencies
Anecdotes from researchers highlight how even trace exposures over long periods take a toll. Those who wore gloves and goggles faithfully avoided symptoms, while hasty colleagues with “just this once” lapses complained of rashes and coughs. Habit trumps bravado every single time.
Aquatic Toxicity: Limited information, likely harmful to aquatic life
Persistence and Degradability: Expected to be persistent, not readily biodegradable
Bioaccumulation Potentials: Potential for accumulation in living organisms
Small spills add up in research facilities. The people who went out of their way to contain and properly dispose of even minor amounts protected their local environment and kept their conscience clear. Thinking about downstream effects helps remind users their responsibilities extend past the lab door.
Methods: Place residues in sealed, labeled containers; dispose in accordance with local hazardous waste regulations
Avoid: Direct release to drains, soil, or municipal waste systems
Professionals know shortcuts here are recipes for headaches. Regularly scheduled pickups and training sessions keep staff aware and motivated to dispose of waste properly. The goal is to stop contamination at the source, long before waste has a chance to leak into the broader environment.
UN Number: Not classified as a dangerous good under major transport regulations
Transport Precautions: Store in secure, well-sealed containers, avoid high heat, impacts, or humidity during transit
Transport is a vital link where small mistakes can snowball. From my experience, clear chain-of-custody, correct packaging, and thorough documentation edge out speed every time. Risk mitigation starts before shipment leaves the building and never ends until it arrives safely.
Chemical Inventory Status: Listed in major national chemical inventories
Regulatory Restrictions: Usage allowed but subject to occupational safety, environmental protection, and waste management regulations
Compliance might sound like paperwork, yet the reality is people’s health and company reputation ride on following the rules. I have seen agencies take a hard line with non-compliance, and rightly so. Long-term thinking — staying current with legal updates, training new staff, keeping clean logs — shapes a company’s future more than nearly any other action.
