m-Terphenyl is a polychlorinated terphenyl used in electronic equipments, lubricants, sealants and other devices. It is also found as a global environmental contaminant.
Yellow solid. Mp 86-87°C; bp: 365°C. Density: 1.195 g cm-3. Insoluble in water. Usually shipped as a solid mixture with its isomers o-terphenyl and p-terphenyl that is used as a heat-transfer fluid.
1,3-Diphenylbenzene is non-flammable but combustible (flash point 403°F). Extremely stable thermally. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents but not very reactive at room conditions.
Moderately toxic by ingestion. Combustible.
Eye and upper respiratory tract irritant.
Moderately toxic by ingestion. Combustible when exposed to heat or flame. To fight fire, use water, CO2, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Purify it as for o-terphenyl above. [Beilstein 5 IV 2480.]
