ANTHRACENE OIL

Definition

A coal tar fraction boiling in the range 270–360C, a source of anthracene and similar aromatics. Also used as a wood preservative and pesticide, except on food crops.

General Description

Low-boiling liquid separated from coal tar by distillation. Contains benzene, toluene, xylenes, cumenes, coumarone and indene, among other substances. Colorless to yellow with a pleasant odor. Floats on water. Irritating vapor . Flash point is typically below 80° F

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable.

Reactivity Profile

COAL TAR OIL contains phenols, which react as weak organic acids and are incompatible with strong reducing substances such as hydrides, nitrides, alkali metals, and sulfides. Flammable gas (H2) is often generated, and the heat of the reaction may ignite the gas. Phenols also generate heat with bases. Such heating may initiate polymerization. Phenols are exothermically sulfonated very readily (for example, by concentrated sulfuric acid at room temperature) and are also nitrated very rapidly, even by dilute nitric acid. Nitrated phenols can explode when heated and form metal salts that may detonate when shocked.

Hazard

A carcinogen.

Health Hazard

Vapor causes slight irritation of nose and throat, smarting of eyes. Liquid may irritate skin on prolonged contact.