Chemical Properties
Yellow Solid
Chemical Properties
4-Nitrobiphenyl exists as yellow plates or needles..
Uses
Formerly used as an intermediate for
4-aminobiphenyl
Uses
4-Nitrobiphenyl has some uses as a plasticizer, fungicide, and
wood preservative.
Uses
Formerly in preparation of p-biphenylamine, q.v.
Definition
ChEBI: 4-Nitrobiphenyl is a member of biphenyls.
General Description
White to yellow needle-like crystalline solid with a sweetish odor.
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
4-Nitrobiphenyl is incompatible with the following: Strong reducers .
Hazard
Toxic by ingestion and skin contact. Confirmed carcinogen.
Health Hazard
p-Nitrobiphenyl (PNB) is a
urinary bladder carcinogen in dogs.
Safety Profile
Confirmed carcinogen
with experimental carcinogenic,
neoplastigenic, and tumorigenic data. Poison
by intraperitoneal route. Moderately toxic by
ingestion. Mutation data reported. When
heated to decomposition it emits toxic
fumes of NOx. See also NITRO
COMPOUNDS OF AROMATIC
HYDROCARBONS.
Toxicology
4-Nitrobiphenyl is no longer manufactured or used in the United States. Limited information is available on the health effects of 4-nitrobiphenyl. Acute (short-term) exposure to 4-nitrobiphenyl in humans results in irritation of the eyes, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Chronic (long-term) exposure to high concentrations of 4-nitrobiphenyl in workers has resulted in effects on the peripheral and central nervous systems as well as the liver and kidney. No information on the reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of 4-nitrobiphenyl in humans is available. EPA has not classified 4-nitrobiphenyl for carcinogenicity. 4-Nitrobiphenyl is no longer manufactured, imported, used, or sold in the United States.
Potential Exposure
4-Nitrobiphenyl was formerly used in
the synthesis of 4-aminodiphenyl. It is presently used only
for research purposes; there are no commercial uses.
Carcinogenicity
The case for the carcinogenicity of PNB
is supported by (1) the induction of urinary
bladder cancer in dogs after administration of
PNB; (2) the evidence that PNB is metabolized
in vivo to 4-aminobiphenyl (a potent carcinogen);
and (3) the possibility that the cases of
human urinary bladder cancer attributed to 4-
aminobiphenyl may also have been induced by
exposure to PNB.1
Shipping
UN2811 Toxic solids, organic, n.o.s., Hazard
Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical
Name Required.
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with strong reducing agents
such as hydrides, oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides,
permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine,
etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away
from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids,
epoxides.
Waste Disposal
Incineration @ 982℃/2.0 seconds
(minimum) with scrubbing for nitrogen oxides
abatement.
