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Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.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

Environmental fate & pathways

Endpoint summary

Administrative data

Description of key information

Additional information

2 -Vinylpyridine (2VP) has undergone biodegradation testing in several different protocols (301E Ready Biodegradation screening test, 301C Ready Biodegradation by the MITI protocol, and an inherent biodegradation test protocol where evaporation is prevented (CONCAWE inherent biodegradation protocol). All test results indicate poor biodegradation. These results are in contrast with a model prediction (BIOWIN, U. S. EPA) based on chemical structure.  The biodegradation assays and the model predictions are each discussed below.

The BIOWIN model contains seven predictive modules. Although the overall prediction for the ready biodegradability of 2VP was negative, the results from three of the modules were indicative of rapid biodegradability (BIOWIN 1, BIOWIN 3 and BIOWIN 7); the results of a seventh module (BIOWIN 4) indicated that the primary degradation timeframe is days to weeks. The primary structural feature shaping the prediction is the pyridine ring, a substance which has been demonstrated to be biodegradable.

The result of the CONCAWE inherent biodegradation test ("0" biodegradation) of 56 days duration suggests that 2VP has reacted with other substances or itself to autopolymerise. Reactivity is the hallmark of 2VP’s functionality as a commercial chemical; in order to maximize product quality, it is recommended to transport and distribute the substance in refrigerated stainless steel containers. Reactivity is also suggested by its corrosivity to biological tissues. Further testing in biodegradation test protocols is not indicated, as all test media will provide chemical substances which will react with 2VP or result in dilution of the polymerisation inhibitor.

As 2VP is not readily biodegradable, it is classified as “Persistent” in the environment.  However, classification of the material as "very Persistent" is premature until the degree of complexation, polymerization and /or reactivity which may be occurring is elucidated. The demonstrated biodegradability of the pyridine ring (the largest structural fragment in 2VP) and the predicted timeframe for primary biodegradability of 2VP (i.e., days to weeks, as determined by the BIOWIN 4 module) demonstrate that primary degradation of 2VP likely occurs in the environment and that the substance does not meet the criteria for classification as “very Persistent”.