Benzophenone
Description
Benzophenone (CAS 119-61-9), also known by its FEMA 2134 designation in flavor applications, is an aromatic ketone used across coatings, polymer, and printing industries as a photoinitiator and UV stabilizer.
It initiates photopolymerization reactions when exposed to UV light, enabling rapid curing in surface coatings, inks, and adhesives. In UV-curable printing inks and packaging coatings, it acts as a Type II photoinitiator.
The compound absorbs UV radiation to trigger cross-linking and deliver fast, durable surface finishes. Polymer formulators incorporate it as a UV stabilizer in plastics to slow photodegradation and extend service life.
This is particularly effective for automotive and outdoor components. In adhesives and sealants, it supports UV-cure systems where thermal curing is impractical, reducing processing time on production lines.
The compound also functions as a fragrance fixative in select industrial and consumer formulations. In these specific applications, its regulatory status governs the permitted use levels for manufacturers.
Benzophenone is supplied as white crystalline flakes or powder. Technical and industrial grades are the most common commercial forms, with purity levels typically at 99% or above for standard industrial use.
Food-grade and flavor-compliant material is available for applications governed by specific guidelines. Our material meets rigorous quality benchmarks to ensure consistent performance across all chemical processing applications.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 48.5 °C |
| Boiling Point | 305.4 °C @ Press: 760 Torr |
| Density | 1.1108 g/cm³ @ Temp: 18 °C |
| Flash Point | >230 °F |
| Appearance | Benzophenone is a combustible, white, crystalline solid with a rose-like odor |
| Color | White to off-white |
| Odor | Characteristic. |
| Form | Crystalline Powder or Flakes |
| Water Solubility | insoluble (<0.1 g/100 mL at 25 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | 1 mm Hg ( 108 °C) |
| Refractive Index | 1.5893 |
| Log P | 3.18 at 25℃ |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29143900 |
| UN Number | 3077 |
| ADR Class | 9 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Storage Class | 6.1C - Combustible acute toxic Cat.3 toxic compounds or compounds which causing chronic effects |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Documentation
Other Names
α-oxodiphenylmethane|phenyl ketone|diphenyl-methanon|diphenyl ketone|di(phenyl)methanone|benzoyl-benzene|alpha -oxodiphenylmethane|Methanone, diphenyl-
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