Educational content for trained professionals. Not a Safety Data Sheet, not medical advice. In an emergency, call your local poison control or emergency services immediately. Terms of use.
carbon tetrachloride
Also known as: CARBON TETRACHLORIDE · Tetrachloromethane · 56-23-5 · Perchloromethane
- CAS No.
- 56-23-5
- Formula
- CCl4
- Molar mass
- 153.8 g/mol
- PubChem CID
- 5943
Toxic
Harmful / Irritant
Health hazard
Environmental hazard
Summary
carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), CAS 56-23-5. Common in labs and industry. Read on for hazards, storage, PPE and mixing rules.
Background
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Hazards
May be fatal even in small doses.
May cause skin, eye or respiratory irritation.
Serious long-term health effects (CMR, respiratory sensitizer).
Toxic to aquatic organisms.
Hazard statements
- H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]
- H311: Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]
- H331: Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]
- H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]
- H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]
- H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]
- H420: Harms public health and the environment by destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere [Warning Hazardous to the ozone layer]
- H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]
- H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]
- H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]
- H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]
- H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]
Storage
Keep at room temperature, below 30 °C, out of direct heat.
Store somewhere well-ventilated and away from any ignition source.
Metal drums or tinted glass, tightly sealed.
Strong acids, strong bases and powerful oxidizers.
Personal protective equipment
Nitrile or butyl, at least 0.4 mm thick.
Safety goggles with side shields.
A2 organic-vapor cartridge if the room isn't well ventilated.
Occupational exposure limits (HSE)
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EU harmonised classification (ECHA C&L)
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Transport
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FDA recalls & enforcement
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Compatibilities
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Open comparator with carbon tetrachloridePractical safety notes
- Acute toxicity. Work under a fume hood, restrict access, keep a specific antidote plan available.
- Irritant / harmful. Ventilate the workspace and avoid skin contact.
- Serious health hazard (carcinogen, mutagen, reprotoxic, respiratory sensitizer). Substitute if possible; otherwise closed systems and medical surveillance.
- Environmental hazard. Do not release to sewers or waterways; collect for hazardous waste disposal.
Derived from the GHS classification shown above. These notes are generic guidance and do not replace the manufacturer's SDS or your local risk assessment.
FAQ
Is carbon tetrachloride flammable?+
carbon tetrachloride (CAS 56-23-5) does not carry the GHS02 flame pictogram in our records. Always confirm with the manufacturer's SDS section 9 (flash point) before assuming a product is non-flammable.
What PPE should I wear when handling carbon tetrachloride?+
Safety glasses with side shields and nitrile gloves are the baseline. Work inside a fume hood or use a suitable respirator. Check SDS section 8 for material-specific breakthrough times.
How should carbon tetrachloride be stored?+
Store carbon tetrachloride (CAS 56-23-5) in tightly closed original containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials.
Is carbon tetrachloride dangerous for the environment?+
Yes. carbon tetrachloride carries the GHS09 environment pictogram. Do not release to drains, soil or waterways; collect residues for hazardous-waste disposal in line with local regulations.
Where can I find the official Safety Data Sheet for carbon tetrachloride?+
Official, up-to-date SDS documents are published by each manufacturer (Sigma-Aldrich, Merck, Thermo Fisher, VWR, Carl Roth, etc.) and by regulators such as ECHA and NIOSH. This page is an educational summary and does not replace the manufacturer's SDS.
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