| Chemical Abstract Number (CAS #) |
58902
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| Synonyms | 2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol |
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Phenol, 2,3,4,6-tetrachloro- | Dowicide 6 |
| Analytical Methods |
EPA Method 8040A |
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EPA Method 8250A |
| Molecular Formula | C6H2Cl4O |
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| Use | PESTICIDE
SLIMICIDE FOR PAPER MILLS
PRESERVATIVE; COMPONENT IN PENTACHLOROPHENOL WOOD PRESERVATIVE
Fungicide
The alkali salts of 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol have been used in the USA for the control of sapstain
fungus in wood, which cause the wood to absorb water, leading to accelerated decay. Sodium
tetrachlorophenate has been used for this purpose in the USA for over 40 years but has been
replaced recently by sodium pentachlorophenate . Sodium 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenate
Tetrachlorophenol has been employed as a fungicide. Tetrachlorophenol
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| Apparent Color | NEEDLES FROM LIGROIN, ACETIC ACID ; BROWN FLAKES OR SUBLIMED
MASS ; LIGHT BROWN MASS
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| Odor | STRONG ODOR
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| Boiling Point | 64 deg C (3.0 kPa)
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| Melting Point | 70 DEG C
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| Molecular Weight | 231.89
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| Density | 1.83 @ 25 DEG C/4 DEG C
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| Odor Threshold Concentration | Odor threshold conc: 0.915-47.0 mg/l; detection: 0.6 mg/l.
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| Sensitivity Data | Solid & 10% aq suspensions are not primary skin irritants. Dust may irritate nose &
pharynx. Penta- and tetrachlorophenol
/Tetrachlorophenol dust has been found irritating to the nose and throat . Tetrachlorophenol
All chlorophenol dusts are irritating to the respiratory tract. Chlorophenols
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| Environmental Impact | 2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol enters the environment primarily in wastewater during its
production and use as a wood preservative. This use is no longer permitted. It also may be
released from the use of pentachlorophenol since it is a major impurity and degradation product of
that chemical. If released on land it would tend to leach into the groundwater unless the soil was
acidic where it would exist in the acid form rather than as an anion. No groundwater
contamination with tetrachlorophenol has been reported. If released in water, it will adsorb to
sediment and particulate matter and photodegrade in surface waters. Biodegradation can occur in
soil and water where acclimated microbial populations occur but it is apt to be slow, based on a
reported persistence of >72 days in a laboratory study using a soil inocculum. Moderate
bioconcentration in fish may occur based on a 24 hr log BCF of 2.30 in guppies in static
bioconcentration tests. If released into the atmosphere, 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol would
photodegrade, probably in somewhat over a day. Human exposure will primarily be from coming
into contact with penta- or tetrachlorophenol treated products. Occupational exposure may occur
via dermal or inhalation of contaminated dust.
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| Environmental Fate | TERRESTRIAL FATE: If spilled on soil, 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol would adsorb fairly
strongly under acidic conditions, but since it exists principally as a phenolate ion at neutral and
alkaline pHs, it would be expected to leach in soil. 2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol will biodegrade
where acclimated microbial populations occur but no rates of degradation are available.
AQUATIC FATE: If released into water, 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol will adsorb to sediment and
particulate matter in the water column. It will probably photolyze in surface waters and possibly
biodegrade very slowly if acclimated microorganisms are present. Volatilization would not be
expected to be an important loss process.
ATMOSPHERIC FATE: If released into the atmosphere, 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol would
photolyze. Although no half-lives are available, from data in other chlorophenols one might
estimate that the half-life might be somewhat longer than the 1.5 days measured for
pentachlorophenol.
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| Drinking Water Impact | SURFACE WATER: Rhine River, The Netherlands (med/max (frequency of occurrence
in %)) 1976- 0.14/0.38 ppb(88%); 1977- 0.08/.56 ppb(90%); 1979/1980- 0.07/0.20
ppb(92%)(1,2). Meuse and Ijssel Rivers, The Netherlands-(3 sites) 0.05-0.06 ppb . River-lake
system in Sweden-site of chlorophenol spill: immediately downstream from spill on following day
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