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.
hydroquinone
Also known as: hydroquinone · 123-31-9 · Benzene-1,4-diol · 1,4-benzenediol
- CAS No.
- 123-31-9
- Formula
- C6H6O2
- Molar mass
- 110.11 g/mol
- PubChem CID
- 785
Corrosive
Harmful / Irritant
Health hazard
Environmental hazard
Summary
hydroquinone (C6H6O2), CAS 123-31-9. Common in labs and industry. Read on for hazards, storage, PPE and mixing rules.
Background
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Physical properties
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Hazards
Attacks skin, eyes and materials.
May cause skin, eye or respiratory irritation.
Serious long-term health effects (CMR, respiratory sensitizer).
Toxic to aquatic organisms.
Hazard statements
- H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]
- H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]
- H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]
- H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]
- H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]
- H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]
- H312
- H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]
- H340: May cause genetic defects [Danger Germ cell mutagenicity]
- H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]
- H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]
- H316: Causes mild skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]
- H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning 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 hydroquinonePractical safety notes
- Corrosive. Wear chemical goggles, faceshield and chemical-resistant gloves. Have an eyewash within reach.
- 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 hydroquinone flammable?+
hydroquinone (CAS 123-31-9) 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 hydroquinone?+
Chemical-splash goggles and a faceshield, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or butyl) and an apron are the minimum. Work inside a fume hood or use a suitable respirator. Check SDS section 8 for material-specific breakthrough times.
How should hydroquinone be stored?+
Store hydroquinone (CAS 123-31-9) in tightly closed original containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials. Segregate acids from bases and keep away from metals that can be attacked.
Is hydroquinone dangerous for the environment?+
Yes. hydroquinone 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 hydroquinone?+
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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