Diphenyl Ether
- IUPAC name
- phenoxybenzene
- Molecular formula
- C12H10O
- Molecular weight
- 170.21 g/mol
- Exact mass
- 170.073164938 Da
- XLogP3
- 4.2
- Topological polar surface area
- 9.2 Ų
- Hydrogen-bond donors
- 0
- Hydrogen-bond acceptors
- 1
- Covalent units
- 1
- Defined stereocentres
- 0
Also known as
16 more reported names
External database identifiers
- ChEBI:CHEBI:39258
- ChEMBL:CHEMBL38934
- EPA DTXSID:DTXSID9021847
- PubMed:28927721
- PubMed:23063062
- PubMed:23037812
- PubMed:22930034
- PubMed:22925448
- PubMed:22809777
- PubMed:22795751
- PubMed:22757645
- PubMed:22749501
- PubMed:22749190
- PubMed:22732301
- PubMed:22692395
Evidence from additional scientific databases
EMBL-EBI ChEBI
diphenyl ether
An aromatic ether in which the oxygen is attached to two phenyl substituents. It has been found in muscat grapes and vanilla.
- Formula
- C12H10O
- Average mass
- 170.211 g/mol
- Monoisotopic mass
- 170.07316 Da
- Formal charge
- 0
- aromatic ether — is a (CHEBI:35618)
- plant metabolite — has role (CHEBI:76924)
- plant metabolite — has role (CHEBI:76924)
- aromatic ether — is a (CHEBI:35618)
Additional curated names
Cross-references from this source
- CAS: 101-84-8 — NIST Chemistry WebBook
- CAS: 101-84-8 — ChemIDplus
- REGISTRY_NUMBER: 1364620 — Reaxys
- REGISTRY_NUMBER: 165477 — Gmelin
- MANUAL_X_REF: Diphenyl_ether — Wikipedia
- MANUAL_X_REF: HMDB0034446 — HMDB
Mapped by: Exact CAS cross-reference in the ChEBI compound record. Source updated: 2019-06-21. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record
NIH PubChem PUG-View
Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.
- Autoignition Temperature: 1148 °F (USCG, 1999) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Autoignition Temperature: 1144 °F (618 °C). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Autoignition Temperature: 610 °C Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Boiling Point: 496.27 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Boiling Point: 258 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Boiling Point: 258.00 to 259.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
- Boiling Point: 257 °C Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Boiling Point: 259 °C Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
- Boiling Point: 498 °F Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Boiling Point: 259 °C @760 [mm Hg] Source: PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
- Boiling Point: 498 °F Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Color/Form: Colorless crystals or liquid Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Color/Form: Colorless, crystalline solid or liquid (above 82 degrees F) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Density: 1.07 at 80.6 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Density: 1.0661 g/cu cm at 30 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Density: Percent in saturated air: 0.0028; Density of saturated air: 1.0014 (Air = 1) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Density: Relative density (water = 1): 1.08 Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Density: 1.071-1.075 Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
- Density: 1.08 Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Density: 1.0728 @ 20°C Source: PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
- Density: 1.08 Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Dissociation Constants: pK(BH+) = 5.79 at 25 °C /negative logarithm of ionization constant of protonated base/ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Flash Point: 239 °F (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Flash Point: [ACGIH] 115 °C Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Flash Point: 239 °F (115 °C) (Closed cup) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Flash Point: 115 °C (Closed cup); 96.11 °C (Open cup) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Flash Point: 115 °C c.c. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Flash Point: 239 °F Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Flash Point: 239 °F Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- LogP: log Kow = 4.21 Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- LogP: 4.21 Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
- LogP: 4.21 Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Melting Point: 80.3 °F (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Melting Point: 26.865 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Melting Point: 37 - 39 °C Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
- Melting Point: 28 °C Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Melting Point: 82 °F Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Melting Point: 82 °F Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Odor: Geranium-like odor Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Physical Description: Diphenyl oxide appears as colorless liquid with a mild pleasant odor. May float or sink in water. Freezing point is 81 °F. (USCG, 1999) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Physical Description: Liquid; CBI; Other Solid; Dry Powder Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Physical Description: Colorless, crystalline solid or liquid (above 82 degrees F) with a geranium-like odor; [NIOSH] Disagreeable odor; [ACGIH] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Physical Description: Solid Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
- Physical Description: COLOURLESS LIQUID OR CRYSTALS WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Physical Description: colourless long crystalline needles or colourless oily liquid, Harsh floral-green, metallic geranium type aroma Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
- Physical Description: Colorless, crystalline solid or liquid (above 82 °F) with a geranium-like odor. Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Physical Description: Colorless, crystalline solid or liquid (above 82 °F) with a geranium-like odor. Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Refractive Index: Index of refraction: 1.5787 at 25 °C/D Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Refractive Index: 1.578-1.583 Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
- Solubility: Insoluble (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Solubility: In water, 18 mg/L at 25 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Soluble in ethanol, ether, benzene, acetic acid; slightly soluble in chloroform Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: 0.018 mg/mL at 25 °C Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
- Solubility: Solubility in water, g/100ml: 0.002 (very poor) Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in oils Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
- Solubility: soluble (in ethanol) Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
- Solubility: Insoluble Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Vapor Pressure: 0.02 mmHg at 77 °F (NIOSH, 2024) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Vapor Pressure: 0.02 [mmHg] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Vapor Pressure: Vapor pressure = 0.0213 mm Hg at 25 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Vapor Pressure: 0.0225 mm Hg at 25 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Vapor Pressure: Vapor pressure, Pa at 25 °C: 2.7 Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Vapor Pressure: 0.02 mmHg at 77 °F Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Vapor Pressure: (77 °F): 0.02 mmHg Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Viscosity: 3.4909X10-3 Pa-sec at melting point Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Exposure Routes: inhalation, 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. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shou 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 promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, promptly wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and wash the skin with soap and water. Get medical attention promptly.; Breathing: Respiratory support Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 0.5% (12 of 2199) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Signal: Warning Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- GHS Hazard Statements: H319 (84.8%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H400 (16.1%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H410 (10.3%): Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]; H411 (78.8%): Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P264+P265, P273, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P317, P391, 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 2199 reports by companies from 45 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 12 of 2199 reports by companies.; There are 44 notifications provided by 2187 of 2199 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; 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: H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]; 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, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P318, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
- Signal: Warning Source: NITE-CMC
- GHS Hazard Statements: H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: NITE-CMC
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P273, P391, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
- GHS Hazard Statements: H303: May be harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H316: Causes mild skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation] Source: NITE-CMC
- NFPA Health Rating: 1 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause significant irritation. 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: Eyes, skin, respiratory system Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Diphenyl ether exists as a colorless crystalline solid or liquid with a unpleasant odor. It is insoluble in water and soluble in ether, benzene and acetic acid. The odor is extremely unpleasant. It is used in large quantities in soap perfumes and its main application is as a heat transfer medium (eutectic mixture with diphenyl) and as a chemical intermediate for reactions such as halogenation, acylation, alkylation; it is also used as a dye carrier. Employed as a processing aid in the production of polyesters. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Contact with a commercial product containing diphenyl ether has caused burning of the eyes, irritation of the respiratory tract, and severe nausea along with skin irritation. Oral exposure to a commercial product containing this chemical has caused severe degenerative changes in the liver and kidney. Prolonged exposure of skin to liquid causes reddening and irritation. Occupational exposure to diphenyl ether occurs through dermal contact and inhalation of vapor. Its use in various soap, detergent, creams, lotion, and perfume formulations results in general population exposure through inhalation and dermal contact. Diphenyl Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Bioconcentration: Using a 4-day exposure period, a diphenyl ether steady-state BCF of 195 was measured in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)(1). A steady-state BCF of 470 has also been reported for rainbow trout after 7 day exposure period at 16 ug/L(2). Using a 4-day exposure period a BCF of 590 was measured in rainbow trout(3). BCF ranges of 112-583 and 49-594 were calculated using carp (Cyprinus carpio) which were exposed to 0.3 and 0.03 ppm, respectively, over an 8-week period(4). According to a classification scheme(5), these data suggest that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate to high(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), a Koc value of 1950(2), indicates that diphenyl ether is expected to have low mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of diphenyl ether from moist soil surfaces may be an important fate process(SRC) given its Henry's Law constant estimated as 2.8X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure, 2.25X10-2 mm Hg(3), and water solubility, 18 mg/L(4). Diphenyl ether is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 2.25X10-2 mm Hg at 25 °C(3). A 6.3% of theoretical BOD using activated sludge in the Japanese MITI test(5) suggests that biodegradation is not an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), a Koc value of 1950(2), indicates that diphenyl ether is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces may be expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.8X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) derived from its vapor pressure, 2.25X10-2 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 18 mg/L(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 4 hours and 6 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), experimental BCF values of 195, 470 and 590, suggest that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate to high(SRC). A 6.3% of theoretical BOD using activated sludge in the Japanese MITI test(5) suggests that biodegradation is not an important environmental fate process in water(SRC). 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), diphenyl ether, which has a vapor pressure of 2.25X10-2 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase diphenyl ether 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 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 9.8X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Diphenyl ether contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Consumer Uses: Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Fragrance Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Industry Uses: Intermediate; Fragrance; Heat transferring agent; Processing aids not otherwise specified; Surfactant (surface active agent) Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Sources/Uses: Used as a heat transfer medium, Dowtherm A, and as a chemical intermediate for surface active agents and lubricants; [ACGIH] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Uses: Perfumery, particularly soaps; heat-transfer medium resins for laminated electrical insulation; chemical intermediate for such reactions as halogenation, acylation, alkylation. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: Commonly used dye carrier. /From table/ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: ... Employed as a processing aid in the production of polyesters; several polybromine derivatives of diphenyl ether are used as fire retardants. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: ... Used in large quantities in soap perfumes. However, its main application is as a heat-transfer medium (eutectic mixture with diphenyl). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for DIPHENYL ETHER (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| EMBL-EBI ChEBI | Exact match | 2026-08-31 |
| 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 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.