Substance: Flufenamic acid
Chemical Family: Anthranilic acid derivative, part of the fenamate group in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Common Uses: Historically used in pharmaceutical research; sometimes found in labs for anti-inflammatory and analgesic studies.
Synonyms: 2-[(3-Trifluoromethyl)anilino]benzoic acid, N-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)anthranilic acid.
Appearance: Off-white to yellow crystalline powder.
Odor: Odorless or mild chemical scent that does not linger.
Molecular Formula: C14H10F3NO2
Molecular Weight: 281.2 g/mol
Health Hazards: Prolonged skin or eye contact may cause irritation or redness; inhalation of dust or powder sometimes triggers coughing or respiratory discomfort.
Routes of Exposure: Noticeable risks through inhalation, ingestion, eye or skin contact.
Chronic Effects: Extended exposure remains poorly studied outside laboratory settings, but unnecessary risks can be curbed by good handling.
Environmental Hazards: Evidence shows compounds of this type may be toxic to aquatic life.
GHS Classification: Often not classified as hazardous according to major global systems, though basic caution remains smart.
Chemical Name: Flufenamic acid
Concentration: Usually present as pure substance in laboratory settings.
Impurities: Trace organic or solvent residues may persist from synthesis, but analytical labs rarely leave more than parts per million.
Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water after accidental exposure; remove contaminated clothing.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes for several minutes under running water; prompt removal of contact lenses can reduce sting and redness.
Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air for recovery from any coughing or shortness of breath.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; medical advice works best if accidental swallowing leads to symptoms.
Advice for Clinicians: Symptomatic treatment; keep watch for rare allergic reactions.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical powder, foam, or carbon dioxide; water spray for surrounding fire only.
Hazards from Combustion: Combustion may release toxic fumes such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen fluoride; staying upwind and keeping gear handy pays off.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should bring self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing.
Personal Precautions: Limit dust formation; ventilate areas well.
Spill Response: Wearing disposable gloves and dust mask reduces risk; swoop up carefully with a dustpan, not hands.
Environmental Protection: Avoid releasing into water drains—this chemical can stress local ecosystems.
Cleanup: Place collected material in a rigid, labeled waste container for prompt disposal.
Handling: Work in a fume hood or ventilated area; avoid inhaling powder or brushing your face till after washing up.
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and face, avoid eating or drinking in storage or handling areas.
Storage: Keep container tightly sealed in a cool, dry place, away from sources of ignition or sunlight; clearly label containers.
Incompatibilities: Store away from oxidizing agents, strong bases, and acids to prevent unwanted reactions.
Engineering Controls: Laboratory fume hoods clear the air of stray particles.
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile gloves protect skin; safety glasses with side shields or goggles prevent eye contact; lab coats keep powder off personal clothes.
Respiratory Protection: Dust masks or particulate respirators minimize breathing in small amounts of airborne material.
Environmental Controls: Work over trays or mats to catch spills in busy spaces.
Appearance: Crystalline powder
Color: Off-white to yellow
Odor: Practically odorless
Solubility: Soluble in ethanol and acetone, little solubility in water
Melting Point: 124–125°C
Boiling Point: Over 300°C (decomposes before boiling)
pH: Slightly acidic in suspension
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Partition Coefficient: Moderate (Log P around 4)
Chemical Stability: Stable under ordinary laboratory and storage conditions.
Hazardous Reactions: Unlikely under ambient conditions; aggressive oxidizing agents can spark dangerous reactions.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: High heat breaks down the molecule, giving off toxic and corrosive fumes such as hydrogen fluoride.
Conditions to Avoid: Open flames, high heat, sources of ignition.
Acute Toxicity: Animal studies show moderate toxicity by ingestion; unlikely to be highly toxic in humans at small accidental doses.
Chronic Effects: Exposure may cause kidney or liver stress at higher doses during experimental use.
Routes of Exposure: Irritation likely with repeated skin or eye contact; inhalation may provoke short-term discomfort.
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as carcinogenic.
Mutagenicity and Teratogenicity: Studies remain limited, so conservative handling remains wise.
Aquatic Toxicity: Laboratory studies on similar NSAIDs suggest hazard to fish and aquatic plants; avoid releases to water bodies.
Persistence and Biodegradability: Moderate persistence in the environment; microbial breakdown can be slow.
Bioaccumulation: Molecule has potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic species.
Waste Management: Small lab samples should go into approved chemical waste containers for collection by hazardous waste vendors.
Avoid: Flushing down sinks or draining into sewers.
Regulatory Rules: Local, regional, and national regulations may require incineration or special landfill arrangements.
DOT/ADR/IATA: Not classified as a dangerous good at the quantities typically shipped for laboratories.
Packaging: Leak-proof containers with clear hazard labeling; keep cool during transport.
Precautionary Steps: Prevent containers from breakage or spillage.
Global Listings: Not registered as a controlled substance but subject to workplace chemical safety laws.
Labelling: Label with GHS compliant pictograms and warnings describing irritation and environmental risk.
Worker Protection Laws: Covered by chemical safety rules requiring exposure controls and training.
Community Right-To-Know: US OSHA, EU REACH, and similar regulators stress hazard communication and recordkeeping.