Chemical Properties
off-white crystals or powder
Uses
Bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulfone is used as a precursor to prepare 4,4'-diamino-diphenyl sulfone and polysulfone plastics. It is also used to prepare rigid and temperature resistant polymers such as PES or Udel through polymerization with bisphenol-A and bisphenol-S. Further, the udel polymer finds applications in plumbing pipes, printer cartridges and automobile fuses.
Uses
4,4’Dichlorodiphenyl Sulfone is an impurity of Dapson (D193250), an antibacterial used in the treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis.
General Description
Crystals or off-white powder.
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
4,4'-Dichlorodiphenyl sulfone is incompatible with strong oxidizers.
Health effects
4,4'-Dichlorodiphenyl sulfone (DCDPS) is not expected to be irritating to the eyes and skin and is not expected to be sensitizing. Accidentally swallowing DCDPS one time in a small amount is not likely to cause injury. However, swallowing DCDPS repeatedly over a long period of time, has been shown to cause effects on the liver in animals. DCDPS is not considered a carcinogen (cancer-causing). DCDPS does not have a toxic effect on fertility or a developing child.
Fire Hazard
Flash point data for 4,4'-Dichlorodiphenyl sulfone are not available; however, 4,4'-Dichlorodiphenyl sulfone is probably combustible.
Flammability and Explosibility
Non flammable
Safety Profile
Mildly toxic by ingestion. When heated to decomposition it emitsvery toxic fumes of Cl- and SOx.
Environmental Fate
4,4'-Dichlorodiphenyl sulfone (DCDPS) is not sold to the general public. The chemical has properties indicating it may be a hazard to the environment. DCDPS is consumed during the formation of the polymer, which means that it is unlikely that there is any unreacted or free DCDPS in final consumer products. DCDPS is considered stable in water (will not degrade in water). DCDPS has been experimentally demonstrated to be not readily biodegradable in soil and sediment (activated sludge). This means it is not easily broken down by bacteria or enzymes in soil and sediment.
