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Diphenylmethane chemical structure, C13H12, CAS 101-81-5
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

Appearance
Orthorhombic needles
Melting point
25.4 °C
Boiling point
264.5 °C
Density
1.3421 at 10 °C/4 °C (solid), 1.0008 at 26 °C/4 °C (liquid)
Flash point
130 °C
HS code
290290
Category
Impurities and reference standards
Illustrative photo, closed jumbo bulk bags in a warehouse in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Diphenylmethane?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Diphenylmethane is a diarylmethane that is methane substituted by two phenyl groups.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
benzylbenzene
CAS number
101-81-5 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
202-978-6
Molecular formula
C13H12
UNII
K3E387I0BC
MDL number
MFCD00004781
INCI name
DIPHENYL METHANE
InChIKey
CZZYITDELCSZES-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C13H12/c1-3-7-12(8-4-1)11-13-9-5-2-6-10-13/h1-10H,11H2
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C1=CC=C(C=C1)CC2=CC=CC=C2

Synonyms

  • Benzylbenzene
  • Ditan
  • Ditane
  • Benzene, 1,1'-methylenebis-
  • Diphenyl methane
  • Methane, diphenyl-
  • 1,1'-Dimethylenebis(benzene)
  • Benzene, (phenylmethyl)-
  • 1,1'-Methylenebisbenzene
  • 2,4-dibromo-6-((2,3-dibromo-4,5-dihydroxyphenyl)methyl)benzene-1,3,5-triol
  • Benzene, benzyl-
  • 1,1'-methylenedibenzene
  • (phenylmethyl)benzene
  • Diphenylmethan
  • alpha-phenyltoluene
  • Methadone Impurity 27
  • Toluene, alpha-phenyl-
  • Methylenedibenzene
  • Benzylphenyl
  • Benzyl benzene
  • benzyl-benzene
  • Diphenylmethane, 99%
  • Benzene,1'-methylenebis-
  • Diphenylmethane, >=99%
  • 1,1 inverted exclamation mark -Methylenebisbenzene
Show all 27 synonyms
  • Diphenylmethane Solution in Acetonitrile, 1000ug/mL
  • Diphenylmethane Solution in Acetonitrile, 100ug/mL

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Orthorhombic needlesexp.
Odour
Odor of orangesexp.
Melting point
25.4 °Cexp.
Boiling point
264.5 °Cexp.
Density
1.3421 at 10 °C/4 °C (solid), 1.0008 at 26 °C/4 °C (liquid)exp.
Flash point
130 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
485 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, 14.1 mg/L at 25 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
1 mm Hg at 76 °C, 10 mm Hg at 122.8 °C, 40 mm Hg at 157.8 °C, 100 mm Hg at 186.3 °C, 400 mm Hg at 237.5 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
168.24 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
168.0939 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
3.28calc.
Topological polar surface area
0 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
0calc.
Rotatable bonds
2calc.
Heavy atoms
13calc.
Rings
2calc.
Aromatic rings
2calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.08calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, c1ccc(Cc2ccccc2)cc1

c1ccc(Cc2ccccc2)cc1

2 rings, 13 atoms. This chemical is the scaffold itself.

8,982 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Warning
GHS09: Hazardous to the environment
Hazardous to the environment
110NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H400Very toxic to aquatic life.
  • H410Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary statements (3)
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.
  • P391Collect spillage.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Diphenylmethane suppliers

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Where suppliers are based

87 suppliers in 14 countries

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Diphenylmethane price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Diphenylmethane is used in the fragrance industry both as a fixative and in scenting soaps. It can serve as a synergist for pyrethrin in pesticides and insecticides. Diphenylmethane is recommended as a plasticizer to improve the dyeing properties, as a solvent for dyes, and as a dye carrier for printing with disperse dyes. The addition of diphenylmethane to saturated, linear polyesters improves their thermal stability, and its addition to jet fuels increases their stability and lubricating properties.

Organic synthesis.

As a component of solvents for cellulose lacquers.

In the manufacturing of hexachlorophene.

Industrial uses: Intermediate.

Consumer uses: Heat transferring agent.

Use classes: Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name DIPHENYL METHANE(fragrance, solvent)

Functional uses

  • Deodorizer
  • Dye
  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance
  • Solvent
  • Surface modifier

Cosmetic functions

  • Fragrance
  • Solvent

How it is made

The Friedel-Craft reaction of benzyl chloride with benzene in the presence of aluminum chloride is an important method for production of diphenylmethane ... Other known catalysts of this process are elemental aluminum, iron(III) chloride, antimony pentachloride, zinc chloride-hydrogen chloride and boron fluoride dihydrate. When sulfuric acid is used as a condensation agent diphenylmethane yields are 83% and with polyphosphoric acid yields are over 90%. Condensation of benzene with formaldehyde in presence of 85% sulfuric acid yields 79% diphenylmethane.

Prepared from methylene chloride and benzene with aluminum chloride as catalyst.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Diphenylmethane is traded under.

HS 2902.90Indicative HS code

Cyclic hydrocarbons, other

World exports in 2024
$612M
−6.1% vs 2023, imports $670M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China28.0%
  2. Germany13.9%
  3. India * partner reported12.6%
Top importers
  1. Germany11.1%
  2. United States10.6%
  3. South Korea8.3%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Diphenylmethane is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Diphenylmethane, based on the data on this page

What is Diphenylmethane?

Diphenylmethane is a diarylmethane that is methane substituted by two phenyl groups.

What is the CAS number of Diphenylmethane?

The CAS registry number of Diphenylmethane is 101-81-5.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Diphenylmethane?

The molecular formula of Diphenylmethane is C13H12 and its molar mass is 168.24 g/mol.

What is Diphenylmethane used for?

Diphenylmethane is used in the fragrance industry both as a fixative and in scenting soaps. It can serve as a synergist for pyrethrin in pesticides and insecticides.

Is Diphenylmethane hazardous?

Diphenylmethane carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: very toxic to aquatic life, very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Diphenylmethane?

Diphenylmethane is usually classified under HS code 290290 (Cyclic hydrocarbons, other). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Diphenylmethane?

CompoundList lists 87 suppliers of Diphenylmethane in China, United States, India, United Kingdom and 10 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Diphenylmethane in India?

12 suppliers in India list Diphenylmethane on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Diphenylmethane?

Suppliers quote Diphenylmethane on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Diphenylmethane

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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