Catechol (CAS 120-80-9): storage and disposal
Catechol is a crystalline solid held in school, college and university stores, often bought for enzyme browning practicals. It is toxic if swallowed or in contact with skin, irritates skin and eyes, is suspected of causing genetic defects and may cause cancer. That last classification means records matter as much as shelving, and it is why a leftover jar should never sit unlogged.
- CAS number
- 120-80-9
- Form
- Solid
- Storage class
- Toxic
- Signal word
- Danger
- Usual EWC code
- 16 05 06*
Acute toxicity
Serious health hazard
What to do this week
- Check the label is readable and write down the opened date if it is not already there.
- Check it is stored as toxic stock and apart from the items listed under "Do not store with".
- If you no longer need it, add it to your disposal list so it goes on the next collection.
Safe storage in a school or lab
Check that the stock record and the jar agree. A classification of may cause cancer makes an unaccounted jar a bigger problem than an old one, so the amount held and the date of last use should be written down. It belongs in a locked cabinet away from food and drink areas, acids and oxidisers, with the lid tight and the jar on a tray. Classes that use small quantities should return the jar to the cabinet after each lesson and not leave it on a bench shelf among the other enzyme reagents. A scoop kept for this jar alone avoids cross contamination.
How to tell it has deteriorated
The cap and label come first. Catechol crystals are white or off white when fresh, and they darken with air and light, so a brown or grey tint around the cap, on the crystals nearest it or on the label tells of repeated opening or a poor seal. Caking, damp lumps and a crust on the thread are further signs. Stained labels, a missing date and a jar that no longer matches the stock record matter in their own right with a substance that may cause cancer. A jar with any of these features is left closed, recorded and kept locked until collection.
How it must be disposed of
By specialist collection only. It never goes down the drain or into general waste. It is normally packed in a toxic laboratory pack with compatible chemicals.
Waste code 16 05 06* is the code for laboratory chemicals in a lab pack, and the asterisk marks it as hazardous waste, which fits a substance classed as toxic by mouth and skin and as may cause cancer. Outside a lab pack, a discarded organic chemical takes 16 05 08*. The jar travels as UN 2811, packed with compatible solids. Record the amount, colour and any caking. It must not go to a drain or a bin, and nobody should try to treat residues before the carrier arrives.
| EWC code, laboratory chemicals | 16 05 06* |
|---|---|
| Discarded organic chemical, not a laboratory pack | 16 05 08* |
| Hazardous waste | Yes |
The code depends on where the waste came from and what it is mixed with. Use the waste code finder to see why.
Do not store with
- OxidiserToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
- AcidToxic stock is stored apart from acids. Several toxic salts release toxic gas in contact with acid.
Named chemicals to keep apart
- Acetic acidToxic stock is stored apart from acids. Several toxic salts release toxic gas in contact with acid.
- Calcium hypochloriteToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
- Hydrochloric acidToxic stock is stored apart from acids. Several toxic salts release toxic gas in contact with acid.
- Hydrogen peroxideToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
- Nitric acidToxic stock is stored apart from acids. Several toxic salts release toxic gas in contact with acid.
- Potassium nitrateToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
- Potassium permanganateToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
- Sulfuric acidToxic stock is stored apart from acids. Several toxic salts release toxic gas in contact with acid.
Common quantities we collect
Usually held as: solid.
Part-used bottles and full containers are both fine. Tell us the size and how many, and an estimate is enough for a first price.
Where it is commonly held
Hazard statements
- H301 Toxic if swallowed.
- H311 Toxic in contact with skin.
- H315 Causes skin irritation.
- H319 Causes serious eye irritation.
- H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects.
- H350 May cause cancer.
Precautionary statements
- P203 Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
- P262 Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
- P264 Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
- P264+P265 Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
- P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
- P301+P316 IF SWALLOWED: Get emergency medical help immediately.
- P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
- P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
- P316 Get emergency medical help immediately.
- P318 If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
- P321 Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instruction on this label).
- P330 Rinse mouth.
- P332+P317 If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
- P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
- P361+P364 Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
- P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
- P405 Store locked up.
- P501 Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional, national and international regulations.
Substance as classified, dilutions may differ.
Questions
Why is a jar of catechol treated as higher concern than an ordinary reagent?
Its classification includes may cause cancer and suspected of causing genetic defects, as well as toxicity by mouth and skin. That is why a stock record, a locked cabinet and a quick collection all matter.
Our department no longer runs the browning practical. What should we do with the jar?
Book collection rather than keeping it as spare stock. Keep it closed and locked until then, record the amount and its colour, and tell the team if the label or date is missing.
Do darkened crystals change how it is collected?
No. Brown or grey crystals are the usual effect of air and light and are collected as they are. Describe the colour and any caking when you book, and do not open the jar to inspect it.
