DIOXIN

Dioxins refers to a group of toxic chemical compounds that share certain chemical structures and
biological characteristics. Several hundred of these chemicals exist and are members of three
closely related families:

 Chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (CDDs),

 Chlorinated dibenzofurans (CDFs) and
 Certain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

CDDs and CDFs are not created intentionally, but are produced as a result of human activities
like the backyard burning of trash. Natural processes like forest fires also produce CDDs and
CDFs. PCBs are manufactured products, but they are no longer produced in the United States.

Structure and IUPAC

 Chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins Chlorinated dibenzofurans polychlorinated biphenyls

(CDDs) (CDFs) (PCBs)

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p- 2,3,7,8- 3,3',4,4',5,5'-

dioxin Tetrachlorodibenzofuran Hexachlorobiphenyl
Functional Group
Alcohol No
Ether Yes
Aldehyde No
Ketone No
Carboxylic Acid No
Ester No

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance : White crystals or tan crystalline powder

Odor : No data available
Odor Threshold : No data available
pH : No data available
Melting Point : 563° F
Boiling Point : Decomposes at 932° F
Flash Point : 4 deg C (39 deg F)
Evaporation Rate : No data available
Flammability (Solid, Gas) : No data available
Explosive Limit : No data available
Vapor Pressure : Vapour pressure at 25°C: negligible
Vapor Density : No data available
Relative Density : 1.8 g/cm³
Water Solubility : 2X10-4 mg/L at 25 deg C
Partition Coefficient: n-octanol/water : No data available
Auto-ignition temperature : No data available
Decomposition temperature : No data available
Viscosity : No data available
Explosive properties : No data available
Oxidizing properties : No data available
Application Uses

Dioxin is not produced or used commercially. It is a contaminant formed in the production of

some chlorinated organic compounds, including a few herbicides such as silvex.

Hazard Identification

Signal: Danger
GHS Hazard Statements
H300: Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]
H310: Fatal in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]
H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]
H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]
H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]
H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]
H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]
H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]
H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target
organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

Sources

https://www.epa.gov/dioxin/learn-about-dioxin

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Tetradioxin#section=3D-Conformer

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Tetradioxin#section=Computed-Properties

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Tetradioxin#section=Hazards-Identification