General Description
Colorless liquid with a mild pleasant odor. May float or sink in water. Freezing point is 81°F.
Reactivity Profile
DIPHENYL OXIDE(101-84-8) can react with oxidizing materials. . A vigorous reaction occurred between the ether and chlorosulfuric acid.
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Health Hazard
Inhalation may cause nausea because of disagreeable odor. Contact of liquid with eyes causes mild irritation. Prolonged exposure of skin to liquid causes reddening and irritation. Ingestion produces nausea.
Fire Hazard
This chemical is combustible.
Chemical Properties
Diphenyl ether has a harsh, floral-green, metallic geranium-type odor.
Chemical Properties
Diphenyl Ether has not been observed in nature. It is a colorless liquid or a crystalline solid (mp 26.8°C) with an odor reminiscent
of geranium leaves. Diphenyl ether is obtained as a by-product in the production
of phenol by high-pressure hydrolysis of chlorobenzene. Because of its stability
and low price, diphenyl ether is used in large quantities in soap perfumes.
Chemical Properties
Diphenyl oxide is a practically colorless crystalline solid with a strong geranium-like odor. clear pale yellowish liquid after melting. It is almost completely insoluble in water, but dissolves in most of the common organic solvents. Its high thermal stability at temperatures as high as 350 to 400°C. together with its noncorrosiveness and general chemical inertness make it eminently suitable as a component of high-boiling heat transfer media.
Physical properties
Colorless solid or liquid with a geranium-like odor. An experimentally determined odor threshold
concentration of 100 ppbv was reported by Leonardos et al. (1969).
Occurrence
Reported found in muscat grapes, grilled beef, green tea, potato chips, buckwheat, Bourbon vanilla and lemon balm.
Definition
ChEBI: An aromatic ether in which the oxygen is attached to two phenyl substituents. It has been found in muscat grapes and vanilla.
Preparation
By heating potassium phenolate with bromobenzene or with chlorobenzene at elevated temperatures.
Aroma threshold values
Aroma characteristics at 1.0%: grassy, musty, powdery, dry, terpy, ocimenelike, aromatic and hoplike with
green juniper berry nuances.
Taste threshold values
Taste characteristics at 10 ppm: dry chemical, floral rosey with carrot, tropical and hoplike terpy notes and
a green vegetative and woody nuance.
Flammability and Explosibility
Nonflammable
Chemical Reactivity
Reactivity with Water No reaction; Reactivity with Common Materials: No reaction; Stability During Transport: Stable; Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Not pertinent; Polymerization: Not pertinent; Inhibitor of Polymerization: Not pertinent.
Potential Exposure
Strong oxidizers may cause fire andexplosions. Attacks some plastics, rubber, and coatings.
First aid
Wear protective gloves andclothing to prevent any reasonable probability of skin contact. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can providerecommendations on the most protective glove/clothingmaterial for your operation. All protective clothing (suits,gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available eachday, and put on before work. Contact lenses should not beworn when working with this chemical. Wear splash-proofgoggles and face shield if working with the liquid or dustproof chemical goggles and face shield if working with thecrystalline material, unless full face-piece respiratory protection is worn. Employees should wash immediately withsoap when skin is wet or contaminated. Provide emergencyshowers and eyewash.Respirator Selection: 2
Carcinogenicity
Phenyl ether was not mutagenic in the
Ames Salmonella assay with or without metabolic activation.
storage
Color Code—Green: General storage may be used.Prior to working with diphenyl oxide you should be trainedon its proper handling and storage. Before entering confinedspace where this chemical may be present, check to makesure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Store intightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated areaaway from oxidizers. Store in tightly closed containers in acool, well-ventilated area away from heat. Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibitedwhere this chemical is used, handled, or stored in a mannerthat could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Metalcontainers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more ofthis chemical should be grounded and bonded. Drums mustbe equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuumbungs, and flame arresters. Use only nonsparking tools andequipment, especially when opening and closing containersof this chemical.
Shipping
The name of this material is not in the DOT listof materials for label and packaging standards. However,based on regulations, it may be classified as anEnvironmentally hazardous substances, solid, n.o.s. Thischemical requires a shipping label of “CLASS 9.” It falls inHazard Class 9 and Packing Group III.[20,
Purification Methods
Crystallise the ether from 90% EtOH. Melt it, wash it with 3M NaOH and water, dry it with CaCl2 and fractionally distil it under reduced pressure. Fractionally recrystallise it from its melt and store over P2O5. [Beilstein 6 IV 562.]
Toxics Screening Level
The initial threshold screening level (ITSL) for diphenyloxide (also known as phenyl ether) is 70 μg/m3 based on an eight hour averaging time.
