Registration Dossier

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Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.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

Chlorobenzene is not readily biodegradable but a primary degradation (>20%) has been observed in closed bottle tests (OECD 301D). Chlorobenzene can be degraded aerobically by adapted microorganisms in water and in aerated soil layers. Non-adapted microorganisms degrade the substance more slowly. Chlorobenzene is not degraded either in digested sludge or in sediment under anaerobic conditions.


Several Koc values have been published for chlorobenzene ranging from 233.9 to 291.4 depending on the used calculation method. These values indicate a low potential for bioaccumulation in biota, but an experimental bioconcentration study with Cyprinus carpio (OECD Guideline 305) showed a negligible potential for bioaccumulation (BCF of 40). Thus, chlorobenzene does not meet the criterion on bioaccumulation in the PBT assessment.


The half-life for photochemical oxidative degradation by OH radicals in the troposphere has been calculated at 18 - 24 days.


Direct photodegradation in water is not possible because chlorobenzene absorbs sunlight extremely weakly. Hydrolysis is also not expected under environmental conditions based on chemical structure.

Additional information