Boxa Chemical Group Ltd
Knowledge

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Polycatechol

Identification

Product Name: Polycatechol
Chemical Family: Aromatic polymer
Chemical Formula: (C6H4(OH)2)n
Synonyms: Poly(1,2-dihydroxybenzene), polymerized catechol
Recommended Use: Research chemical, industrial applications
Manufacturer: Contact information available through purchasing documentation
Emergency Contact: Refer to local regulations and suppliers
CAS Number: Supplier-specific allocation; consult batch certificate

Hazard Identification

Classification: Irritant to eyes, respiratory tract, and skin; possible sensitizer
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin or eye contact
Hazard Statements: May cause skin irritation, serious eye irritation, respiratory discomfort, coughing, or wheezing; possible allergic skin reaction
Precautionary Statements: Wear gloves, eye protection, and suitable respiratory equipment; avoid breathing dust or vapors; wash thoroughly after handling
Signal Word: Warning
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, health hazard
Target Organs: Skin, eyes, respiratory tract

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Polycatechol
Concentration: ≥97% polymerized catechol; minor unreacted monomer possible
Impurities: Trace monomeric catechol, possible small molecular byproducts
Other Components: None intentionally added
Stabilizers: Not present
Decomposition Products: Phenolic compounds

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses, keep eyelid open, seek medical attention for persistent irritation
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash with soap and plenty of water; if rash or irritation appears, get medical advice
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, keep victim comfortable and warm, seek medical help for persistent cough or shortness of breath
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person, get medical attention
Most Important Symptoms: Skin redness, burning eyes, respiratory discomfort, allergic reactions
Medical Attention: Necessary for persistent or severe symptoms; inform responders about chemical involved

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Strong water jet may spread powder; avoid direct high-volume streams
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phenolic smoke
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear, positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Procedures: Remove containers from fire area if it can be done safely; cool with water mist
Explosion Hazard: Powder may pose dust explosion risk under certain conditions

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use gloves, safety goggles, and approved respirator; evacuate unprotected personnel
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, soil, and waterways; inform relevant authorities in case of significant spill
Containment Methods: Sweep up or vacuum into suitable sealed container, minimize dust generation
Cleanup Procedures: Clean area with damp absorbent material, ventilate area thoroughly, place residue in chemical waste drum
Disposal Guidelines: See dedicated Disposal Considerations section

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use mechanical exhaust and dust-proof workstations; avoid dust generation; handle with gloves and goggles
Avoid: Inhalation of dust, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, keep container tightly closed, protect from light and moisture
Incompatibilities: Oxidizers, strong acids, bases, reducing agents
Recommended Materials for Containers: High-density polyethylene, glass, stainless steel
Preventative Maintenance: Regularly inspect containers and storage area for leaks or deterioration

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limits established for polycatechol; monitor for monomeric catechol if residual present
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, dust suppression, mechanical handling aids
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, lab coat, chemical goggles, face shield, approved particulate respirator (P2 or N95 equivalent)
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area
Environmental Exposure Controls: Effluent filters, spill containment, air filtration as appropriate

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Brown-to-black granular or powder solid
Odor: Mild phenolic
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: 5–7 (20°C, 1% aqueous suspension—estimate based on polymeric phenolics)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Polymer decomposes before melting, decomposes >300°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: >180°C (estimate)
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability (solid): Combustible under direct flame, not highly flammable
Solubility: Insoluble in water, partially soluble in polar organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Relative Density: Approx. 1.4–1.6 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not established
Decomposition Temperature: >300°C
Viscosity: Not applicable (solid)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Not highly reactive under normal conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Contact with oxidizing agents, high heat sources, strong acids, bases
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids or bases, powerful oxidizers, peroxides
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phenols, other organics
Polymerization: Polymer is fully cured, no hazardous polymerization expected

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low oral and dermal toxicity expected due to polymeric form; unreacted monomer (catechol) is moderately toxic if present
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Potential skin irritant, especially if abraded
Eye Damage/Irritation: Can cause significant irritation, redness, pain
Respiratory Effects: Dust inhalation may cause irritation to nose, throat, and lungs
Sensitization: Potential for allergic skin reaction based on structure
Long-term Effects: No direct data; chronic inhalation of dust should be avoided
Carcinogenicity: No known carcinogenicity for polymer; see specific data for monomer catechol
Genotoxicity: Not classified
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence reported for polymer as such

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: No specific studies; general low mobility in soil, limited bioavailability; monomeric catechol is toxic to aquatic life
Persistence and Degradability: Partially persistent, slowly biodegradable in soil and aquatic environments
Bioaccumulative Potential: Polymer form expected not to bioaccumulate; monomeric catechol can bioaccumulate but likely minimal in polymer
Mobility in Soil: Limited, high adsorption to soil particles expected
Other Harmful Effects: Large spills may alter local pH and oxygen demand

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Incineration at approved facility; do not landfill except in compliance with local regulations
Product Waste: Collect into properly labeled drums for hazardous waste pickup
Contaminated Packaging: Triple-rinse containers, dispose as hazardous waste or as per law
Disposal Regulations: Must follow all local, national, and international regulations covering chemical waste
Do Not Discharge: Into drains, surface water, or soil

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated under standard UN numbers for transport of dangerous goods
Proper Shipping Name: Polymeric material, not otherwise specified
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous under most jurisdictions
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant
Transport Precautions: Use strong, sealed containers; avoid moisture ingress
Special Transport Notes: For bulk shipments, check regulations regarding potential dust

Regulatory Information

OSHA (US): Not classified as hazardous under standard OSHA criteria
TSCA (US): Listed as polymer; specific exemptions may apply
REACH (EU): Notified under polymer registration exemption; monomeric forms subject to registration
WHMIS (Canada): Not regulated
Other Regulations: Local workplace safety and chemical inventory rules apply
Labeling Requirements: Ensure clear hazard and precaution statements; safety data available on site
SARA Title III: Not listed as extremely hazardous