Benzo[a]pyrene

Description

Benzo[a]pyrene · CAS 50-32-8 · C20H12. UNII 3417WMA06D. Boiling Point: 887 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992); Boiling Point: BP: 310-312 °C at 10 mm Hg; Boiling Point: 496 °C.

Identification

CAS Registry Number	50-32-8
PubChem CID	2336
Molecular formula	C20H12
IUPAC name	benzo[a]pyrene
UNII (FDA)	3417WMA06D

Computed Descriptors

Molecular Weight	252.3
XLogP3	6
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count	0
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count	0
Rotatable Bond Count	0
Exact Mass	252.093900383
Monoisotopic Mass	252.093900383
Topological Polar Surface Area	0
Heavy Atom Count	20
Formal Charge	0

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling Point	887 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point	BP: 310-312 °C at 10 mm Hg
Boiling Point	496 °C
Boiling Point	5612 °F
Melting Point	349.7 to 351.5 °F (NTP, 1992)
Melting Point	179 °C
Melting Point	178.1 °C
Melting Point	3497-3515 °F
Melting Point	181.1 °C
Solubility	In water, 1.62X10-3 mg/L at 25 °C

Physical description & handling notes

• Benzo[a]pyrene appears as a liquid. Presents a threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limits its spread to the environment. Easily penetrates the soil and contaminates groundwater or nearby waterways.
• Other Solid
• Yellowish solid; Practically insoluble in water; [Merck Index] Yellow crystals; Insoluble in water; [MSDSonline]
• PALE YELLOW CRYSTALS.
• Odorless, silver-gray to black solid.
• Pale yellow monoclinic needles from benzene and methanol

Regulatory Status

Regulatory & Food Contact	CONTAMINANT: Food Contaminant TRS 806-JECFA 37/27 FAS 28-JECFA 37/301

GHS Hazard Classification

Reported hazard statements	H317, H340, H350, H400, H410, H360 (94.5%), H373, H315

Documented Uses

• Used as a research chemical; Not commercially used in the US; [HSDB] Formed during incomplete combustion of organic compounds; Highest levels in aluminum production (up to 100 ug/m3), then roofing and paving (10-20 ug/m3), then lowest exposures: coal liquefaction, coal-tar distillation, wood treatment with creosote, chimney sweeping, and power plants; [Reference #1]
• Aluminum Producing [Category: Industry]
• Steel Producing [Category: Industry]
• Forging [Category: Heat or Machine]
• Metal Preparation and Pouring [Category: Foundry]
• Petroleum Production and Refining [Category: Industry]

Synonyms

benzo[a]pyrene; 50-32-8; 3,4-Benzopyrene; benzo[pqr]tetraphene; BENZO(A)PYRENE; 3,4-Benzpyrene; Benzpyrene; benzo[def]chrysene; 6,7-Benzopyrene; 3,4-Benz[a]pyrene; Benz[a]pyrene; 3,4-BP; 3,4-Benzopirene; 3,4-Benzpyren; Benz(a)pyrene; Benzo(d,e,f)chrysene

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the CAS number and molecular formula of Benzo[a]pyrene?

CAS 50-32-8; molecular formula C20H12; molecular weight — g/mol.

What other names is Benzo[a]pyrene known by?

benzo[a]pyrene, 50-32-8, 3,4-Benzopyrene, benzo[pqr]tetraphene, BENZO(A)PYRENE, 3,4-Benzpyrene.

What is the regulatory status of Benzo[a]pyrene?

Documented regulatory listings: CONTAMINANT: Food Contaminant; TRS 806-JECFA 37/27; FAS 28-JECFA 37/301.

Is Benzo[a]pyrene classified as hazardous?

Hazard statements reported: H317, H340, H350, H400, H410.

What are the key physical properties of Benzo[a]pyrene?

Boiling Point: 887 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992); Boiling Point: BP: 310-312 °C at 10 mm Hg; Boiling Point: 496 °C; Boiling Point: 5612 °F.

Facts on this page are taken from PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) and Wikidata. Grade-specific data — assay, moisture, particle size, packaging, shelf life — is issued per batch on the COA and is not published here.