Pentane-2,4-dione

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

The investigation performed on the acute toxicity of the substance after administration by the oral, dermal and inhalation route show that 2,4-pentanedione has to be regarded as harmful if swallowed and toxic by inhalation and in contact with skin .

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Acute toxicity: via oral route

Endpoint conclusion

Dose descriptor:

LD50

Value:

570 mg/kg bw

Acute toxicity: via inhalation route

Endpoint conclusion

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Value:

5 100 mg/m³ air

Acute toxicity: via dermal route

Endpoint conclusion

Dose descriptor:

LD50

Value:

790 mg/kg bw

Additional information

The acute toxicity of 2,4-pentanedione was investigated by the oral, dermal and inhalation route. By either route of administration the material proved to be moderately toxic to the animals tested. After oral administration to Wistar rats the animals showed sluggishness, tremors, kyphosis, lacrimation, unsteady gait, comatose appearance and prostration.

Cervical lymph nodes in most animals were enlarged. The LD50-values determined in females and males in this investigation were 570 and 760 mg/kg bw (Ballantyne et al. 1986, Union Carbide Corp. Bushy Run Research Center 1985).

After inhalation in Wistar rats (4 hours; 628, 919, 1231 and 1508 ppm, respectively, corresponding to 2619; 3832; 5133 and 6288 mg/m3) mortalities were observable in animals of the two highest dose groups. Animals showed reduced reflexes, respiratory difficulties, tremor as well as periocular, perioral and perinasal wetness and encrustation. The combined LC50-value for males and females, respectively, was determined to be 1224 ppm (5.1 mg/l/4h; Ballantyne et al. 1986, Union Carbide Corp. Bushy Run Research Center 1984).

The LD50 of an acute dermal toxicity study after application of 2,4-pentanedione to the skin of rabbits was 790 and 1370 mg/kg bw for female and male animals. Animals showed salivation, dilated pupils and convulsions. In dead animals red mottled lungs and congestion of the tracheal mucosa were observed. Local effects were erythema, edema, scab formation and necrosis (Ballantyne et al. 1986, Union Carbide Corp. Bushy Run Research Center 1985). [modified from OECD SIDS Dossier].

Justification for classification or non-classification

All the investigation performed on the acute toxicity of the substance after administration by the oral, dermal and inhalation route show that 2,4-pentanedione has to be regarded as harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed according to GL 67/548/EEC which is harmful if swallowed and toxic by inhalation or if in contact with skin under the new classification and labelling scheme (GHS).