3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine (ortho-Dianisidine) and its salts
3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine (ortho-Dianisidine) and its salts is listed in Annex II as a prohibited substance for cosmetic products placed on the EU market.
Chemical identity and properties

Dianisidine
3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine appears as colorless crystals or a light brown powder. Turns violet on standing. Carcinogen. — CAMEO Chemicals
- IUPAC name
- 4-(4-amino-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-methoxyaniline
- Molecular formula
- C14H16N2O2
- Molecular weight
- 244.29 g/mol
- Exact mass
- 244.121177757 Da
- XLogP3
- 2.2
- Topological polar surface area
- 70.5 Ų
- Hydrogen-bond donors
- 2
- Hydrogen-bond acceptors
- 4
- Covalent units
- 1
- Defined stereocentres
- 0
Also known as
16 more reported names
External database identifiers
- ChEBI:CHEBI:82321
- ChEMBL:CHEMBL398363
- EPA DTXSID:DTXSID3025091
- PubMed:22629605
- PubMed:22291696
- PubMed:21925205
- PubMed:21852827
- PubMed:21852826
- PubMed:21754702
- PubMed:21207998
- PubMed:21089864
- PubMed:21089863
- PubMed:20879048
- PubMed:20822104
- PubMed:20473639
Evidence from additional scientific databases
NIH PubChem PUG-View
Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.
- Color/Form: LEAFLETS OR NEEDLES FROM WATER Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Color/Form: Colorless crystals that turn a violet color on standing. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Flash Point: 403 °F (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Flash Point: 206 °C Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Flash Point: 206 °C (403 °F) (closed cup) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Flash Point: 206 °C c.c. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Flash Point: 403 °F Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Flash Point: 403 °F Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- LogP: log Kow = 1.81 Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- LogP: 1.81 Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Melting Point: 279 to 280 °F (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Melting Point: 137 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Melting Point: 137.5 °C Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Melting Point: 279 °F Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Melting Point: 137 °C Source: PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
- Melting Point: 279 °F Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Physical Description: 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine appears as colorless crystals or a light brown powder. Turns violet on standing. Carcinogen. Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Physical Description: Colorless crystals that turn a violet color on standing; Note: Used as a basis for many dyes; [NIOSH] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Physical Description: COLOURLESS CRYSTALS. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Physical Description: Colorless crystals that turn a violet color on standing. Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Physical Description: Colorless crystals that turn a violet color on standing. [Note: Used as a basis for many dyes.] Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Solubility: less than 0.1 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Solubility: Sol in alc, benzene, ether Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Sol in chloroform, acetone Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: PROBABLY SOL IN MOST ORG SOLVENTS AND LIPIDS Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: In water, 60 mg/l @ 25 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Solubility in water, g/100ml at 25 °C: 0.006 Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Solubility: Insoluble Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Vapor Pressure: negligible Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- pH: WEAK BASE Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- IARC Carcinogenic Agent: 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine (ortho-Dianisidine) Source: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
- IARC Carcinogenic Classes: Group 2B: Possibly carcinogenic to humans Source: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
- IARC Monographs: Volume 4: (1974) Some Aromatic Amines, Hydrazine and Related Substances, N-Nitroso Compounds and Miscellaneous Alkylating Agents; Volume Sup 7: Overall Evaluations of Carcinogenicity: An Updating of IARC Monographs Volumes 1 to 42, 1987; 440 pages; ISBN 92-832-1411-0 (out of print) Source: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
- Publication Year: 1987 Source: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
- Evaluation Year: 1987 Source: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
- Exposure Routes: The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Exposure Routes: inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknow Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- First Aid: (General first aid procedures); Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.; Skin: Soap wash immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.; Breathing: Respiratory support; Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Signal: Danger Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
- GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P264, P270, P280, P301+P317, P318, P330, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
- Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- GHS Hazard Statements: H302 (100%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H350 (100%): May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P264, P270, P280, P301+P317, P318, P330, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 50 reports by companies from 5 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
- GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]; H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]; H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P260, P264, P270, P280, P301+P317, P318, P319, P330, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
- Signal: Warning Source: NITE-CMC
- GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]; H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]; H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
- NFPA Health Rating: 0 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, would offer no hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible materials. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- NFPA Fire Rating: 1 - Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- NFPA Instability Rating: 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Target Organs: Skin, kidneys, liver, thyroid, liver Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 5 was calculated for 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine(SRC), using a log Kow of 1.81(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 230(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 1.81(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine is expected to have moderate mobility in soil(SRC). The first pKa of 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine is estimated as 4.2(SRC), using an estimation method based on perturbed molecular orbital theory and linear free energy (LFER) methods(4). This estimated pKa indicates that 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine will partially exist in the protonated form under acidic conditions and cations have greater adsorption to soils than neutral molecules(SRC). Furthermore, 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine is an aromatic amine which may form covalent bonds with humic materials resulting in relatively immobile quinone-like complexes(5). Volatilization of the neutral species of 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 4.7X10-11 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(6). The conjugate acid of 3,3-dimethoxybenzidine will not volatilize since cations are non-volatile(SRC). 3,3'-Dimethox Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 230(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 1.81(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). The frist pKa of 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine is estimated as 4.2(SRC), using an estimation method based on perturbed molecular orbital theory and linear free energy (LFER) methods(4). This estimated pKa indicates that 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine will partially exist in the protonated form under acidic conditions and cations have greater adsorption to suspended solids and sediment than neutral molecules(SRC). Volatilization of the free base from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 4.7X10-11 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(5). The conjugate acid of 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine will not volatilize since cations are non-volatile(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 5(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). No information on t Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 1.2X10-7 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2), is expected to exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 3 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.3X10-10 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C (SRC)determined using a structure estimation method(3). Since 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine absorbs light greater than 290 nm(4), it may be susceptible to direct photolysis in the environment(SRC). Particulate-phase 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine is used as an intermediate for the production of dyes and pigments. Source: EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
- Sources/Uses: Used as a chemical intermediate in the production of dyes and dianisidine diisocyanate; Also used to dye leather, paper, plastics, rubber, and textiles; [HSDB] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Pulp and Paper Processing [Category: Industry]; Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Uses: CHEMICAL INTERMEDIATE IN PRODN OF O-DIANISIDINE DIISOCYANATE ... ; FOR DETECTION OF PRESENCE OF THIOCYANATES, NITRITES & A NUMBER OF METALS. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: USED IN DYEING LEATHER, PAPER, PLASTIC, RUBBER, TEXTILES Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: CHEM INT FOR PIGMENTS, EG, PIGMENT ORANGE 16; DYE FOR ACETATE RAYON (FORMER USE) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: Azo dye intermediate Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: Chemical intermediate in the production of azo dyes Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: Substance listed with specific concentration in tattoo ink and/or permanent make up according to EU Commission Regulation 2020/2081. The concentration limit (by weight) is 0.0005%. Source: NORMAN Suspect List Exchange
Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record
Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.
Additional source coverage and match status
| Source | Result | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| NIH PubChem PUG-View | Exact match | 2026-08-31 |
A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.
Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.
Record details
Chemical name
3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine (ortho-Dianisidine) and its salts
Chemical / IUPAC name
ortho-Dianisidine
Regulatory information
SCCS opinions
- Opinion concerning Chemical Ingredients in Cosmetic Products classified as Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Toxic to Reproduction according to the Chemicals Directive 67/548/EECC
- Opinion concerning Chemical Ingredients in Cosmetic Products classified as Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Toxic to Reproduction according to the Chemicals Directive 67/548/EEC
CMR
| Category | Carcinogenic | Mutagenic | Reprotoxic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat. 1B | ✓ | — | — |
Key data
Related records for 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine (ortho-Dianisidine) and its salts
Direct matches are limited for this record, so nearby entries from Annex II are shown as well.
4,4'-Methylenedi-o-toluidine
4,4'-(4-Iminocyclohexa-2,5-dienylidenemethylene) dianiline hydrochloride
[[1,1'-Biphenyl]-4,4'-diyl]diammonium sulphate
1-Methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine dihydrochloride
1,4,5,8-Tetraaminoanthraquinone (Disperse Blue 1)
What Annex II means for 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine (ortho-Dianisidine) and its salts
3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine (ortho-Dianisidine) and its salts is listed as a prohibited substance under Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and must not be intentionally added. Article 17 separately addresses unintended small quantities that are technically unavoidable under good manufacturing practice and compatible with the Article 3 safety requirement.
Formulators must screen their ingredients and raw materials to ensure none contain this substance. Suppliers should provide documentation confirming absence when requested.
The page also surfaces 12 related annex records with overlapping identifiers, annex logic or naming patterns.
Compliance checklist
- Verify this substance is absent from all raw materials and finished formulations.
- Request absence confirmation or CoA from raw material suppliers.
- Document the screening result in the Product Information File (PIF).
- This substance has CMR classification. Review the CMR table above and verify current Annex II/III status before use.
Frequently asked questions
Source note for Annex II record 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine (ortho-Dianisidine) and its salts
This page summarizes one Annex II record for 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine (ortho-Dianisidine) and its salts from public European Commission cosmetic materials and adds linked inventory or identifier matches when available.
Use this record page to review Annex II conditions for 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine (ortho-Dianisidine) and its salts, but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.
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