Biphenyl-Pesticide database

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(Also known as: diphenyl; phenylbenzene ; bibenzene )

Biphenyl is a fungicide which has a low aqueous solubility and a moderate volatility. Based on its physico-chemical properties it would not be expected to leach to groundwater. It is not persistent in soil systems but could persist in water systems under certain conditions. It has a low toxicity to mammals but may be a neurotoxin and liver toxicant. Biphenyl is also a skin sensitiser and a recognised skin, eye and respiratory irritant. It is moderately toxic to fish, algae and aquatic invertebrates.

The following alerts are based on the data in the tables below. An absence of an alert does not imply the substance has no implications for human health, biodiversity or the environment but just that we do not have the data to form a judgement.

Environmental fate	Ecotoxicity	Human health
Environmental fate Moderate alert: Drainflow: Slightly mobile; Potential for particle bound transport: Medium Warning: Significant data are missing	Ecotoxicity Moderate alert: Fish acute ecotoxicity: Moderate; Daphnia acute ecotoxicity: Moderate; Daphnia chronic ecotoxicity: Moderate Warning: Significant data are missing	Human health High alert: Neurotoxicant

GENERAL INFORMATION

An aromatic fungicide used mainly on citrus and other crops. Biphenyl is not effective against certain fungal pathogens such as stem-end rots.

Example pests controlled

Mainly active against Penicillium spp.

Example applications

Citrus; Grapes; Potatoes; Cucumbers; Tomatoes

Efficacy & activity

Availability status

Introduction & key dates

1944, first described

UK regulatory status

UK COPR regulatory status

Date COPR inclusion expires

UK LERAP status

No UK approval for use

EC Regulation 1107/2009 (repealing 91/414)

EC Regulation 1107/2009 status

Dossier rapporteur/co-rapporteur

Date EC 1107/2009 inclusion expires

EU Candidate for substitution (CfS)

Listed in EU database

Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 in the following EU Member States

ATAustria	BEBelgium	BGBulgaria	CYCyprus	CZCzech Republic	DEGermany	DKDenmark	EEEstonia	ELGreece

ESSpain	FIFinland	FRFrance	HRCroatia	HUHungary	IEIreland	ITItaly	LTLithuania	LULuxembourg

LVLatvia	MTMalta	NLNetherlands	PLPoland	PTPortugal	RORomania	SESweden	SISlovenia	SKSlovakia

Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 by Mutual Recognition of Authorisation and/or national regulations in the following EEA countries

ISIceland	NONorway

Additional information

Chemical structure

Chemical formula

Canonical SMILES

C1=CC=C(C=C1)C2=CC=CC=C2

Isomeric SMILES

International Chemical Identifier key (InChIKey)

ZUOUZKKEUPVFJK-UHFFFAOYSA-N

International Chemical Identifier (InChI)

InChI=1S/C12H10/c1-3-7-11(8-4-1)12-9-5-2-6-10-12/h1-10H

2D structure diagram/image available?

Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre diagrams

Common Name	Relationship	Link
biphenyl	-

Substance groups

Aromatic hydrocarbon compound

Minimum active substance purity

Known relevant impurities

Substance origin

Inhibits sporulation, lipid peroxidation

US EPA chemical code

CLP index number

PIN (Preferred Identification Name)

Other status information

Relevant Environmental Water Quality Standards

UK statutory standard for protection of inland, coastal and territorial waters for aquatic life 25 µg l⁻¹ as annual average

Herbicide Resistance Classification (HRAC)

Herbicide Resistance Classification (WSSA)

Insecticide Resistance Classification (IRAC)

Fungicide Resistance Classification (FRAC)

Examples of recorded resistance

Colourless crystals

Example manufacturers & suppliers of products using this active now or historically

Example products using this active

Formulation and application details

Supplied in a range of formulations including foliar sprays. For citrus biphenyl is often impregnated into paper wraps for individual fruits or for paper packagings to prevent storage rot.

ENVIRONMENTAL FATE

Source; quality score; and other information

Solubility - In water at 20 °C (mg l⁻¹)

V3 V = ChemID Online Databases; Chemspider; PubChem. (ChemID )
3 = Unverified data of known source

Solubility - In organic solvents at 20 °C (mg l⁻¹)

Melting point (°C)

L3 L = Pesticide manuals and hard copy reference books / other sources
3 = Unverified data of known source

Boiling point (°C)

L3 L = Pesticide manuals and hard copy reference books / other sources
3 = Unverified data of known source

Degradation point (°C)

Flashpoint (°C)

L3 L = Pesticide manuals and hard copy reference books / other sources
3 = Unverified data of known source

Octanol-water partition coefficient at pH 7, 20 °C

V3 V = ChemID Online Databases; Chemspider; PubChem. (ChemID )
3 = Unverified data of known source

Fat solubility of residues

Density (g ml⁻¹)

L3 L = Pesticide manuals and hard copy reference books / other sources
3 = Unverified data of known source

Dissociation constant pKa) at 25 °C

Vapour pressure at 20 °C (mPa)

Q2 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources
2 = Unverified data of unknown source

Highly volatile

Henry's law constant at 25 °C (Pa m³ mol⁻¹)

V3 V = ChemID Online Databases; Chemspider; PubChem. (ChemID )
3 = Unverified data of known source

Moderately volatile

Maximum UV-vis absorption L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹

Surface tension (mN m⁻¹)

Source; quality score; and other information

General biodegradability

Soil degradation (days) (aerobic)

DT₅₀ (typical)

Q2 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources
2 = Unverified data of unknown source

DT₅₀ (lab at 20 °C)

DT₅₀ (field)

DT₉₀ (lab at 20 °C)

DT₉₀ (field)

DT₅₀ modelling endpoint

Literature estimates DT₅₀ range 1.5-7 days

Dissipation rate RL₅₀ on plant matrix

Dissipation rate RL₅₀ on and in plant matrix

Aqueous photolysis DT₅₀ (days) at pH 7

Aqueous hydrolysis DT₅₀ (days) at 20 °C and pH 7

P3 P = Other non-EU, UK or US Governments and Regulators
3 = Unverified data of known source

Water-sediment DT₅₀ (days)

Water phase only DT₅₀ (days)

Soil adsorption and mobility

Source; quality score; and other information

R3 R = Peer reviewed scientific publications
3 = Unverified data of known source

Slightly mobile

Notes and range

K_oc range 870-3,300 mL g⁻¹

Notes and range

Source; quality score; and other information

GUS leaching potential index

Low leachability

SCI-GROW groundwater index (μg l⁻¹) for a 1 kg ha⁻¹ or 1 l ha⁻¹ application rate

Potential for particle bound transport index

Potential for loss via drain flow

Slightly mobile

Bio-concentration factor

BCF (l kg⁻¹)

R3 R = Peer reviewed scientific publications
3 = Unverified data of known source

Threshold for concern

CT₅₀ (days)

Known metabolites

None

Terrestrial ecotoxicology

Source; quality score; and other information

Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

V3 V = ChemID Online Databases; Chemspider; PubChem. (ChemID )
3 = Unverified data of known source

Mammals - Short term dietary NOEL

Mammals - Chronic 21d NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Birds - Acute LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

Birds - Short term dietary (LC₅₀/LD₅₀)

Birds - Chronic 21d NOEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Earthworms - Acute 14 day LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

Earthworms - Chronic NOEC, reproduction (mg kg⁻¹)

Soil micro-organisms

Acute LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

Chronic NOEC (mg kg⁻¹)

Non-target plants

Honeybees (Apis spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Unknown mode acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Bumblebees (Bombus spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Mason bees (Osmia spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Other bee species (1)

Acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg insect⁻¹)

Mode of exposure

Other bee species (2)

Acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg insect⁻¹)

Mode of exposure

Beneficial insects (Ladybirds)

Beneficial insects (Lacewings)

Beneficial insects (Parasitic wasps)

Beneficial insects (Predatory mites)

Beneficial insects (Ground beetles)

Aquatic ecotoxicology

Source; quality score; and other information

Fish - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

F4 F = U.S. EPA ECOTOX database / U.S. EPA pesticide fate database / Miscellaneous WHO documents / FAO data, IPCS INCHEM data (US EPA Databases Related to Pesticide Risk Assessment )
4 = Verified data

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Fish - Chronic 21 day NOEC (mg l⁻¹)

Aquatic invertebrates - Acute 48 hour EC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

F4 F = U.S. EPA ECOTOX database / U.S. EPA pesticide fate database / Miscellaneous WHO documents / FAO data, IPCS INCHEM data (US EPA Databases Related to Pesticide Risk Assessment )
4 = Verified data

Daphnia magna

Aquatic invertebrates - Chronic 21 day NOEC (mg l⁻¹)

F4 F = U.S. EPA ECOTOX database / U.S. EPA pesticide fate database / Miscellaneous WHO documents / FAO data, IPCS INCHEM data (US EPA Databases Related to Pesticide Risk Assessment )
4 = Verified data

Daphnia magna

Aquatic crustaceans - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Chronic 28 day NOEC, static, water (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Chronic 28 day NOEC, sediment (mg kg⁻¹)

Aquatic plants - Acute 7 day EC₅₀, biomass (mg l⁻¹)

Algae - Acute 72 hour EC₅₀, growth (mg l⁻¹)

V3 V = ChemID Online Databases; Chemspider; PubChem. (ChemID )
3 = Unverified data of known source

Chlamydomonas angulosa

Algae - Chronic 96 hour NOEC, growth (mg l⁻¹)

Mesocosm study data

NOEAEC mg l⁻¹

NOEAEC mg l⁻¹

HUMAN HEALTH AND PROTECTION

Source; quality score; and other information

Threshold of Toxicological Concern (Cramer Class)

High (class III)

Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

V3 V = ChemID Online Databases; Chemspider; PubChem. (ChemID )
3 = Unverified data of known source

Mammals - Dermal LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹ body weight)

Mammals - Inhalation LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

L2 L = Pesticide manuals and hard copy reference books / other sources
2 = Unverified data of unknown source

Other Mammal toxicity endpoints

ADI - Acceptable Daily Intake (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications )
5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes

ARfD - Acute Reference Dose (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications )
5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes

AAOEL - Acute Acceptable Operator Exposure Level (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

AOEL - Acceptable Operator Exposure Level - Systemic (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

A5 A = EU regulatory and evaluation data as published by EC, EFSA (RAR, DAR & Conclusion dossiers), EMA (e.g. EU Annex III PIC DGD) (EU - Pesticides database; EFSA Scientific Publications )
5 = Verified data used for regulatory purposes

Dermal penetration studies (%)

Dangerous Substances Directive 76/464

Exposure Routes

EU MRL pesticide database

GB MRL Register

Drinking Water Standards

Drinking Water MAC (μg l⁻¹)

Mammalian dose elimination route and rate

Specific human health issues

Endocrine disruptor

XNo, known not to cause a problem

A3 A = Chromosome aberration (EFSA database)
3 = Negative

B0 B = DNA damage/repair (EFSA database)
0 = No data

C0 C = Gene mutation (EFSA database)
0 = No data

D0 D = Genome mutation (EFSA database)
0 = No data

E0 E = Unspecified genotoxicity type (miscellaneous data source)
0 = No data

Reproduction / development effects

Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor

XNo, known not to cause a problem

✓Yes, known to cause a problem

Respiratory tract irritant

Skin sensitiser

✓Yes, known to cause a problem

✓Yes, known to cause a problem

?Possibly, status not identified

✓Yes, known to cause a problem

General human health issues

Exerts toxic effects on the central nervous system and liver
May cause skin sensitization or dermatitis

Handling issues

Value and interpretation

Prevent generation of dust and vapours

CLP classification 2013

Health: H315, H319, H335
Environment: H400, H410

WHO Classification

III (Slightly hazardous)

Waste disposal & packaging

Shelf-life, storage, stability and reactivity

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