Product Name: Benzimidazole
Chemical Formula: C7H6N2
Synonyms: 1H-Benzimidazole, Benzimidazol
Recommended Use: Chemical intermediate, research and laboratory applications
Manufacturer: Refer to the label or safety contact for the specific supplier; manufacturers differ by region and industry
Contact Information: Safety office or chemical supplier’s emergency response phone number—common protocol dictates clear labeling on primary and secondary containers
Relevant Identifiers: CAS Number 51-17-2, EC Number 200-081-4, molecular weight 118.14 g/mol
GHS Classification: Not considered highly hazardous, but presents risks upon ingestion, inhalation, and contact with skin or eyes
Label Elements: Irritant symbol, avoid breathing dust or vapors, keep away from children, warning about specific target organ toxicity by repeated exposure
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation, prolonged or repeated exposure may cause liver or kidney injury
Precautionary Statements: Use gloves and goggles, maintain ventilation, wash thoroughly after handling, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking near the material
Signal Word: Warning
Specific Risks: Dust and particulates can aggravate preexisting respiratory conditions
Chemical Name: Benzimidazole
Purity: Typically above 98% in laboratory grade
Impurities: Minor trace organic or inorganic impurities from synthesis may exist—specify based on supplier SDS
Formulation: No mixture; single chemical substance in most applications unless combined for proprietary blends
Component Concentration: Benzimidazole, up to 100% by weight
Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air, keep at rest, and seek medical attention if coughing or discomfort persists
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water, do not use solvents
Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with water for 15 minutes, lift eyelids occasionally, get medical help if redness or pain lasts
Ingestion: If swallowed, rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, get prompt medical help
Symptoms: May cause irritation, coughing, redness, nausea, and, if significant exposure occurs, headaches or dizziness
Special Notes for Physicians: Symptomatic treatment, manage respiratory or allergic symptoms as needed
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, water spray
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jets can spread chemical or dust
Specific Hazards: Combustion generates toxic fumes, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need chemical-resistant suits and self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Precautions: Remove containers from the fire area if risk allows, avoid inhaling combustion gases, cool containers with water spray if exposed to fire
Personal Precautions: Wear full protective gear, avoid breathing dust, restrict area to trained responders
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runaway material from entering drains or waterways; alert authorities if large quantities escape
Spill Containment: Use inert absorbent materials such as sand, gather in suitable chemical waste drums; ventilate area
Cleanup Methods: Scoop or sweep spilled powder carefully, minimize dust, dispose of as hazardous chemical waste
Decontamination: Wash area with mild detergent and water once solid material is collected
Handling Precautions: Use only in well-ventilated areas or under a fume hood, avoid raising dust, keep away from sparks and flame
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke during use; wash hands thoroughly after handling; keep work clothes separate from personal garments
Storage Conditions: Store in a tightly closed container, in a cool, dry, ventilated location, preferably away from strong acids or bases
Incompatibilities: Avoid storage near oxidizing materials, acids, and alkalis
Storage Life: Chemical remains stable over several years if kept cool and dry with minimal light exposure
Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits; employer must evaluate air concentrations, especially in labs
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, chemical hoods, and dust capture systems
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved dust respirator if airborne concentrations risk inhalation
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shield
Hand Protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves
Skin Protection: Laboratory coat or chemical apron, closed-toe shoes
General Protective Measures: Keep emergency safety shower and eyewash stations nearby
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Nearly odorless
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH: Not applicable in solid form; weak base in aqueous solution
Melting Point: 171-174 °C
Boiling Point: Decomposes above 360 °C
Flash Point: Not easily flammable; above 180 °C in open cup
Flammability: Not classified as highly flammable, but dust may support combustion
Vapor Pressure: Negligible (<0.1 mmHg at 20 °C)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (0.018 g/100 ml at 20 °C), soluble in alcohol and ether
Density: Approximately 1.23 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 0.96
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not determined
Decomposition Temperature: Above 360 °C
Viscosity: Not applicable for solid
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive moisture, strong heat, open flame, contact with strong oxidizers
Materials to Avoid: Strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides upon combustion
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Not likely under normal handling; avoid mixing with incompatible materials
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 in rats reported at 940 mg/kg (varies by source)
Skin Contact: Prolonged exposure causes irritation; not easily absorbed
Eye Contact: Dust or powder irritates eyes, causes watering, pain, redness
Inhalation: High levels irritate mucous membranes; chronic exposure may affect liver, kidneys
Chronic Effects: Some animal studies show potential for liver or renal toxicity upon chronic, high dose exposure
Sensitization: No strong evidence of sensitization in workers, though dust should not be inhaled
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Data do not suggest major risks at normal exposure, but remain cautious due to lack of comprehensive human data
Aquatic Toxicity: Low solubility limits immediate risk, but spills in water courses require regulatory reporting
Persistence and Degradability: Persists in soil over time; may degrade slowly by microbial action
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low due to modest log Kow and poor absorption through skin or gills
Soil Mobility: Slight movement through surface but most adheres to organic matter
Other Risks: Accumulation in aquatic environments poses small but real risk to sensitive species
Disposal Methods: Collect in suitable sealed containers; send to approved chemical waste facility
Do Not Dispose: Never pour down the drain or mix with general refuse, as local rules may classify it as hazardous
Regulatory Compliance: Dispose according to local, state, and federal environmental regulations; report large releases to authorities
UN Number: Not regulated by international transport conventions for dangerous goods in most countries
Proper Shipping Name: Benzimidazole
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous for road, air, or sea, unless in very large quantities
Packing Group: Not required
Special Precautions: Avoid packaging damage and spillage during handling
Environmental Hazards: None expected during proper transport
Global Inventories: Listed in TSCA (USA), EINECS (EU), DSL (Canada); registrations vary by jurisdiction
Chemical Safety Assessment: Employer or responsible party should conduct site-specific assessment
Labeling Requirements: Follows OSHA, WHMIS, CLP guidelines for classification and precautionary phrases
SARA/Title III: Not subject to reporting under Sections 302, 304, or 313
Other Information: Compliance with local occupational health standards is essential
