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Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.

The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.

Diss Factsheets

Ecotoxicological information

Endpoint summary

Administrative data

Description of key information

3 acute studies and an activated sludge study are available. In a study performed to guidelines similar to OECD 203, ferrocene manifests itself as moderately acutely toxic in the fish test only when using a solubiser (acetone) giving an EC50 (48hr) = 24.5 mg/l. We must take into consideration here that the LC0 is greater than the solubility of ferrocene in water. As the study is not according to the current guidelines of 96h, the value for the CSA has to be amended, therefore the value is halved for 96h to LC50 (96h) = 12.3 mg/l.

3 forms of ferrocene were tested in a study performed that was similar to OECD Guideline 202. Between the 3 different forms, EC50 values showed no hugely significant differences. Technical grade product diluted in Acetone gave EC50 24hr = 4 mg/l, sublimed and uncrystallised products both diluted in acetone gave EC50 24hr = 1.5 mg/l. They show however, that in acute tests daphnia magna are somewhat more sensitive to ferrocene than fish. For a CSA value as this study was only performed for 24 hours, the EC50 values have been decreased by 50% to allow for 48 hour exposure. Therefore technical grade product diluted in Acetone has an EC50 48hr = 2 mg/l with sublimed and uncrystallised products both diluted in acetone, having EC50 48 hr = 0.75mg/l. Value used in CSA is EC50 (48hr) = 1.17 mg/l.

In a Study performed to OECD Guideline 201, ferrocene produced an EC50 (72hr) = 1.03 mg/l and an EC10 (72hr) = 0.14 mg/l. The values ​​of the algal growth inhibition are in accordance with the data in and of the same magnitude as the values ​​ for daphnia acute toxicity.

Ferrocene was tested in a study designed to assess the effect it has on the toxicity to microorganisms (activated sludge). It was found to have a NOEC (6 hr) > 87.6mg/l (respiration rate).

Two Chronic studies are available. In a Study performed to OECD Guideline 204, ferrocene has a NOEC 1.5 mg/L. The only effect was a weight change (decrease) in the higher dosage groups. In a Study performed to OECD Guideline 211 ferrocene produced these results: NOEC (reproduction) = ca. 0.0015 mg/L, NOEC (first appearance of young) = 0.005 mg/l, LC50 = 0.2 mg/l. Daphnia magna appear to be very sensitive to ferrocene regarding effects on reproduction. The high sensitivity in terms of the reproduction of daphnia magna may suggest a specific effect of ferrocene.

Acute aquatic studies were available for three trophic groups. The lowest reported effect concentration was an EC50 of 1.03 mg/L reported for algae.

Chronic aquatic studies were available for two trophic groups. The lowest reported NOEC was 0.0015 mg/L reported for daphnia (effect of reproduction).

Exposure to sediment and soil organisms is not expected so no PNECsediment and PNECsoil were derived.

Additional information