Biphenyl (1,1-biphenyl): Overview
Description
Its major uses are in the production of heat-transfer fluids (for example, as an intermediate for polychlorinated biphenyls) and dye carriers for textile dyeing. Lesser uses are as a mould retardant in citrus fruit wrappers, in formation of plastics, optical brighteners, and hydraulic fluids.
Substance details
Substance name: Biphenyl (1,1-biphenyl)
CASR number: 92-52-4
Molecular formula: C12H10
Synonyms: phenylbenzene; 1,1'-biphenyl; 1,1'-diphenyl; diphenyl; bibenzene; lemonene; phenador-x; phph; xenene
Physical properties
Biphenyl is a colourless to yellow solid with a pleasant odour. It is soluble in alcohol, ether, benzene, methanol, carbon tetrachloride, carbon disulfide, and most organic solvents. It is very slightly soluble in water.
Formula mass: 154.21
Melting Point: 70°C
Boiling Point: 255°C
Specific Gravity: 0.991
Vapour Density: 5.31
1 ppm = 6.3 mg/m3
Chemical properties
Biphenyl is one of the most thermally stable of all organic compounds. It is combustible at high temperatures producing carbon dioxide and water when combustion is complete. Partial combustion produces carbon monoxide, smoke, soot, and low molecular weight hydrocarbons.
Further information
The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) holds data for all sources of biphenyl emissions in Australia.
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