UN/NA Number Reference
DOT Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods placard

UN 1990: Benzaldehyde

49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table·ERG 2024

DOT Classification and Shipping

UN 1990 is assigned the proper shipping name Benzaldehyde in the U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101). It is classified as a Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods material, Packing Group III. Required label(s): 9.

Packing group indicates the degree of danger within a hazard class: PG I is high danger, PG II medium, PG III low. The proper shipping name, hazard class, UN number, and packing group together form the basic shipping description that must appear on shipping papers and, where required, on the package and placard.

Emergency Response (ERG Guide 129)

Hazards: Flammable. Irritating vapor. May cause dizziness. Toxic if inhaled or absorbed through skin.

Fire: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, CO2, water spray.

Spill: Eliminate ignition sources. Ventilate area. Absorb with earth or sand.

Chemical and Physical Properties

Benzaldehyde appears as a clear colorless to yellow liquid with a bitter almond odor. Flash point near 145 °F. More denser than water and insoluble in water. Hence sinks in water. Vapors are heavier than air. The primary hazard is to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit spread to the environment. Easily penetrates the soil to contaminate groundwater and nearby waterways. Used in flavoring and perfume making.

CAS Number: 100-52-7
Molecular Formula: C7H6O
Molecular Weight: 106.12 g/mol
Color / Form: Strongly refractive liquid, becoming yellowish on keeping
Odor: Characteristic odor or volatile oil of almond
Boiling Point: 354 F
Melting Point: -15 °F (NTP, 1992)
Flash Point: 148 F
Autoignition: 378 °F (USCG, 1999)
Specific Gravity: 1.046 (sinks in water)
Vapor Pressure: 1 mmHg at 79.2 F
Vapor Density: 3.65 (heavier than air)
Water Solubility: less than 0.1 mg/mL at 67.1 F
Log P: log Kow = 1.48

Special Provisions

49 CFR 172.102 special provision codes for this entry: IB3, T2, TP1. These codes modify the general requirements (packaging, quantity limits, exceptions) for this specific material. Look up each code in 49 CFR 172.102 for the full text.

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Reference data compiled from the DOT Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101), the 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook, and public chemical databases (PubChem, NIOSH, EPA). Always verify the correct shipping description against the current regulation and the manufacturer's SDS Section 14 before shipping.