p-Terphenyl

Description

p-Terphenyl · CAS 92-94-4 · C18H14. UNII GWP218ZY6F. Boiling Point: 761 °F at 760 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024); Boiling Point: 376 °C; Boiling Point: 761 °F.

Identification

CAS Registry Number	92-94-4
PubChem CID	7115
Molecular formula	C18H14
IUPAC name	1,4-diphenylbenzene
UNII (FDA)	GWP218ZY6F

Computed Descriptors

Molecular Weight	230.3
XLogP3	5.6
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count	0
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count	0
Rotatable Bond Count	2
Exact Mass	230.109550447
Monoisotopic Mass	230.109550447
Topological Polar Surface Area	0
Heavy Atom Count	18
Formal Charge	0

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling Point	761 °F at 760 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024)
Boiling Point	376 °C
Boiling Point	761 °F
Melting Point	415 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
Melting Point	210.1 °C
Melting Point	415 °F
Flash Point	405 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
Flash Point	405 °F
Density	1.234 AT 0 °C
Density	1.234 @25 °C

Physical description & handling notes

• P-terphenyl appears as white or light-yellow needles or leaves. mp: 212-213 °C, bp 376 °C. Density: 1.23 g/cm3. Insoluble in water. Soluble in hot benzene. Very soluble in hot ethyl alcohol. Usually shipped as a solid mixture with its isomers o-terphenyl and m-terphenyl that is used as a heat-transfer fluid.
• White or light-yellow solid; [NIOSH]
• White or light-yellow solid.
• COLORLESS OR LIGHT-YELLOW SOLID
• Crumbly, wax-like flakes at room temperature and light amber liquids above the melting point /Commercial terphenyl mixtures/
• Insoluble (NIOSH, 2024)

Regulatory Status

GHS notification summary	6.5% (4 / 62)

GHS Hazard Classification

GHS notification summary	6.5% (4 / 62)
Reported hazard statements	H315 (77.4%), H319 (91.9%), H335 (74.2%), H400 (67.7%), H413 (14.5%)

Documented Uses

• Terphenyl mixtures are used as heat transfer media, dye carriers, and in the production of lubricants; [ACGIH]
• POLYMERIZED WITH STYRENE TO MAKE A PLASTIC PHOSPHOR; SINGLE CRYSTALS USED AS SCINTILLATION COUNTERS
• CHEM INT IN MFR OF NONSPREADING LUBRICANTS; AS NUCLEAR REACTOR COOLANTS; HEAT STORAGE & TRANSFER AGENTS; HAS BEEN USED AS COMPONENT OF SUNSCREEN LOTION
• Terphenyl mixtures are used industrially as heat storage and transfer agents, as textile dye carriers, and as intermediates in the production of nonspreading lubricants. From 1960-1970, technical grade terphenyls were used as coolants for nuclear reactors, whereas contemporary use has been in solar-heating systems. /Terphenyl mixtures/
• FROM PARA-DIBROMOBENZENE OR BROMOBENZENE & SODIUM. METHOD OF PURIFICATION: ZONE-MELTING.
• Terphenyls are byproducts in the production of biphenyl by dehydrocondensation of benzene; they are found in the high-boiling fraction of the pyrolysis products. The o-derivative is readily separated from the terphenyl isomer mixture by distillation; m- and p-terphenyl distill together and the pure isomers can be obtained by zone refining.

Synonyms

p-Terphenyl; 92-94-4; 1,4-Diphenylbenzene; 1,1':4',1''-TERPHENYL; p-Diphenylbenzene; p-Triphenyl; 4-Phenylbiphenyl; para-terphenyl; 4-Phenyldiphenyl; Biphenyl, 4-phenyl-; Tannin from pyrogallol; 1,1'-Biphenyl, 4-phenyl-; NSC 6810; DTXSID6029121; GWP218ZY6F; NSC-6810

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the CAS number and molecular formula of p-Terphenyl?

CAS 92-94-4; molecular formula C18H14; molecular weight — g/mol.

What other names is p-Terphenyl known by?

p-Terphenyl, 92-94-4, 1,4-Diphenylbenzene, 1,1':4',1''-TERPHENYL, p-Diphenylbenzene, p-Triphenyl.

Is p-Terphenyl classified as hazardous?

6.5% of GHS notifications report no hazard classification (4 of 62).

What are the key physical properties of p-Terphenyl?

Boiling Point: 761 °F at 760 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024); Boiling Point: 376 °C; Boiling Point: 761 °F; Melting Point: 415 °F (NIOSH, 2024).

Facts on this page are taken from PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) and Wikidata. Grade-specific data — assay, moisture, particle size, packaging, shelf life — is issued per batch on the COA and is not published here.