(phenylethyl)benzene

Storage stability and reactivity towards container material

Description of key information

The stability and corrosion characteristics was determined according to OPPTS Series 830 Sections 6317 and 6320 when stored in its commercial packaging, or the equivalent, over 12 months at 20°C (±2°C)

Additional information

For Month 0, the test substance was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) to determine the active ingredient content and was found to contain an average of 98.24% I-phenylethylbenzene. Physical characteristics of the test substance, including sample weights, were also assessed to establish a baseline description for comparison to subsequent observations. The test substance was described as a clear liquid. Also for Month 0, one sample of test substance per observation period was prepared for storage at 20°C to be analyzed four times over the one-year study (after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months). At each subsequent observation period, the appropriate test substance sample was removed from the incubator and weighed. The test substances were physically observed and the amount of the active ingredient was determined. All periodic results were averaged at each observation period and compared to baseline results. The corrosion characteristics of the test substance against its storage container were also assessed. Prior to exposure, coupons composed of container material (metal drum) were observed and accurately weighed to establish a baseline description for comparison to subsequent observations. Two container coupons were prepared for each observation period and were immersed in the test substance, while two control comparison coupons were not immersed in the test substance. The coupons and test substance samples were stored in glass jars with polypropylene lids. At each observation period, the appropriate coupons were cleaned, dried, weighed, and visually compared to baseline. After storage at 20°C, the samples were found to contain an average of 87.26%, 84.71 %, 80.07% and 92.04% 1-phenylethylbenzene at Months 3, 6, 9 and 12, respectively. At the Months 3, 6, 9 and 12 observations, the test substance samples appeared the same as the baseline and the container coupons exhibited no notable changes from baseline except for slight weight variations. Therefore, the test substance was analytically unstable but showed no signs of corrosion or deterioration.