Benzoic Acid SDS/MSDS (Safety Data Sheet)

3.1 Substances
Product name: Benzoic Acid
CAS Number: 65-85-0
PubChem CID: 243
Molecular formula: C7H6O2
Molecular weight: 122.12 g/mol
IUPAC name: benzoic acid

3.2 Mixtures
Not applicable (pure substance).

4.1 Description of first aid measures
Inhalation: Fresh air, rest.
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
Eye contact: First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention .

4.2 Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed
See Section 11 (Toxicological Information).

4.3 Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed
Treat symptomatically. Contact a poison control center or physician for severe exposure.

5.1 Extinguishing media
Suitable: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO2), alcohol-resistant foam.
Unsuitable: None known.

5.2 Specific hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Use water spray, powder, foam, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
If material on fire or involved in fire: Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may spread fire. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.

5.3 Advice for firefighters
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.
Fight fire from upwind. Cool containers with water spray until fire is extinguished.
Flash point: 250 °F (NTP, 1992)

6.1 Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (see Section 8).
Avoid breathing dust/vapor. Ensure adequate ventilation.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Keep people away from and upwind of spill.

6.2 Environmental precautions
Prevent product from entering drains, waterways, or soil.
Contain spill with inert absorbent material.

6.3 Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up
Personal protection: protective clothing and face shield. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered plastic containers. Carefully collect remainder in covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
Cover with soda ash or sodium bicarbonate. Mix and add water.
Environmental considerations: Land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, or holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be contained with a flexible impermeable membrane liner./ Cover solids with a plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or fire fighting water.
Environmental considerations: Water spill: If dissolved, in region of 10 ppm or greater concentration, apply activated carbon at ten times the spilled amount. Remove trapped material with suction hoses. Use mechanical dredges or lifts to remove immobilized masses of pollutants and precipitates.
Personal protection: protective clothing and face shield. Sweep spilled substance into covered plastic containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.
SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.
The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for benzoic acid: concentration process: biological treatment.
Incineration: Waste material can be burned in an approved incinerator with an afterburner, as a soln in a flammable solvent or as a solid packaged in paper, plastic or cardboard.
The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for benzoic acid: concentration process: activated carbon.
The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for benzoic acid: concentration process: resin adsorption.
SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.
SRP: Local exhaust ventilation should be applied wherever there is an incidence of point source emissions or dispersion of regulated contaminants in the work area. Ventilation control of the contaminant as close to its point of generation is both the most economical and safest method to minimize personnel exposure to airborne contaminants. Ensure that the local ventilation moves the contaminant away from the worker.
SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. The completeness of the cleaning procedures should be considered before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at the end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.
If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary.
For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for BENZOIC ACID (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

7.1 Precautions for safe handling
Store only in original container. Separated from incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Fireproof. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
The bulk material should be stored in well-closed container in a cool dry place.

7.2 Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Store only in original container. Separated from incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Fireproof. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
The bulk material should be stored in well-closed container in a cool dry place.
Store away from incompatible materials (see Section 10).
[Note: Specific storage temperature not available in public databases. Refer to supplier Certificate of Analysis (COA) for exact storage conditions.]

9.1 Information on basic physical and chemical properties
a) Appearance: Benzoic acid appears as a white crystalline solid. Slightly soluble in water. The primary hazard is the potential for environmental damage if released. Immediate steps should be taken to limit spread to the environment. Used to make other chemicals, as a food preservative, and for other uses.
b) Odor: Odorless or with a slight benzaldehyde odor
c) Odor threshold: No data available
d) pH: About 4 (solution in water)
e) Melting point/freezing point: 252.3 °F (NTP, 1992)
f) Initial boiling point and boiling range: 480 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
g) Flash point: 250 °F (NTP, 1992)
h) Evaporation rate: No data available
i) Flammability (solid, gas): No data available
j) Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits: No data available
k) Vapor pressure: 1 mmHg at 205 °F (NTP, 1992)
l) Vapor density: No data available
m) Relative density: 1.316 at 82.4 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
n) Water solubility: less than 1 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
o) Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water: Log P (n-octanol/water): 1.9
p) Auto-ignition temperature: 1063 °F (USCG, 1999)
q) Decomposition temperature: No data available
r) Viscosity: 1.26 cP at 130 °C
s) Explosive properties: No data available
t) Oxidizing properties: No data available

9.2 Other information
Topological Polar Surface Area (TPSA): 37.3 Ų
Complexity: 103

11.1 Information on toxicological effects
Acute toxicity:
No acute toxicity data available.
Skin corrosion/irritation:
Causes skin irritation (H315).
Serious eye damage/eye irritation:
Causes serious eye damage (H318).
Respiratory or skin sensitization:
No data available.
Germ cell mutagenicity:
No data available.
Carcinogenicity:
No data available.
Reproductive toxicity:
Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child (H361).
Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure):
H372, H373
Specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure):
No data available.
Aspiration hazard:
No data available.

11.2 Additional information
Carcinogen classification:
No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
Exposure routes:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, by ingestion and through the skin.
Oral (L277) ; inhalation (L277) ; dermal (L277)
Signs and symptoms of exposure:
Sore throat. Cough.
Redness. Swelling. Itching.
Redness. Pain. Corneal damage.
Abdominal pain. Nausea. Vomiting.
Breathing high levels of copper can cause irritation of the nose and throat. Ingesting high levels of copper can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and respiratory difficulty. (L278, L279)
Data source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) via PubChem.

12.1 Toxicity
LC50; Species: Colinus virginianus (Northern bobwhite quail) diet >5620 ppm for 8 days
LC50; Species: Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard duck) diet >5620 ppm for 8 days
LD50; Species: Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard duck) oral via capsule >2510 mg/kg
EC50; Species: Anabaena inaequalis (Cyanobacteria); Conditions: static; Concentration: 9 mg/L for 14 days; Effect: cell multiplication inhibition
For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for BENZOIC ACID (16 total), please visit the HSDB record page.
/AQUATIC SPECIES/ 0.5 mg/L of benzoic acid did not affect growth of blue-green alga, Anabaena flosaquae.
/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Lethal to goldfish in 7-96 hr at 200 mg/L; lethal to orange spotted sunfish in 1 hr at 550-570 mg/L. /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/
/AQUATIC SPECIES/ EC50/LC50 values (24-96 hr) for most of the other aquatic species tested (protozoa, molluscs, crustaceans, fish, amphibians) were in the range of 100-1291 mg/L. As seen with daphnids, the pH value of the test medium influences the toxicity of benzoic acid, which proved to be more toxic at lower pH levels.
/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Developmental toxicity effects seen in frog (Xenopus) embryos were craniofacial defects, especially microcephaly, and abnormal gut coiling.
For more Ecotoxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for BENZOIC ACID (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.
2.50e+05
3.30e+06
7.50e+04
5.00e+00
1.50e+01
4.00e+00
Volatile
Mutagen
1
0.1
7.60e+05
9.80e+06
2.30e+05
5.00e+00
4.00e+00
Volatile

12.2 Persistence and degradability
No data available.

12.3 Bioaccumulative potential
Log P (n-octanol/water): 1.9
Low potential for bioaccumulation (Log P < 3).

12.4 Mobility in soil
No data available.

12.5 Results of PBT and vPvB assessment
PBT/vPvB assessment not available.

12.6 Other adverse effects
This substance is classified as hazardous to the aquatic environment.

13.1 Waste treatment methods
Waste Treatment Methods: Waste material must be disposed of in accordance with national and local regulations. Leave chemicals in original containers and do not mix with other waste. Handle uncleaned containers in the same manner as the product itself.

14.1 UN number
Not regulated as dangerous goods (research quantities typically exempt).

14.2 UN proper shipping name
Not subject to transport regulations (small quantities for research use).

14.3 Transport hazard class(es)
Not classified as dangerous goods for transport (research quantities).

14.4 Packing group
Not applicable (not regulated as dangerous goods in typical research quantities).

14.5 Environmental hazards
Marine pollutant: No (not classified as environmentally hazardous per GHS).

14.6 Special precautions for user
Transport in original packaging. Ensure containers are tightly sealed.
For bulk or commercial quantities, consult applicable transport regulations (DOT, IATA, IMDG).

14.7 Transport in bulk according to Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 and the IBC Code
Not applicable.

15.1 Safety, health and environmental regulations/legislation specific for the substance or mixture
US EPA / TSCA: Subject to EPA TSCA regulations
EU ECHA / REACH: Registered (REACH Active)

SARA 302 Components:
No chemicals in this material are subject to the reporting requirements of SARA Title III, Section 302.
SARA 313 Components:
This material does not contain any chemical components with known CAS numbers that exceed the threshold (De Minimis) reporting levels established by SARA Title III, Section 313.
SARA 311/312 Hazards:
Acute (short-term) health hazard
Chronic (long-term) health hazard
Environmental hazard

Massachusetts Right To Know Components:
This material contains components subject to the Massachusetts Right to Know Act. See Section 2 for hazard classification.
Pennsylvania Right To Know Components:
This material contains components subject to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Act. See Section 2 for hazard classification.
New Jersey Right To Know Components:
This material contains components subject to the New Jersey Right to Know Act. See Section 2 for hazard classification.

California Prop. 65 Components:
This product does not contain any chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or any other reproductive harm.

Other regulatory listings:
- The Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals: Chemical: Benzoic acid
- EFSA Legal Basis: Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 (amended)
- Status Regulation (EC): 04/30/EC, Reg. (EU) 2016/2016, Reg. (EU) 2017/1113, Reg. (EU) No 540/2011, Reg. (EU) No 823/2012
- New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act: The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)
- Atmospheric Standards: This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to us

15.2 Chemical safety assessment
A chemical safety assessment has not been carried out for this substance.
For research-use-only compounds, no CSA is required under REACH Annex I.

Revision Date: 2026/09/09
Further Information: The information provided is believed to be correct but is not exhaustive and should be used only as a guideline based on current knowledge. It does not represent a guarantee of the properties of the product. Selleck Chemicals Corporation and its Affiliates shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or contact with the product.