MSDS: 1-Chlorohexadecane

Identification

Product Name: 1-Chlorohexadecane
Chemical Formula: C16H33Cl
Synonyms: Hexadecyl chloride, Cetyl chloride
CAS Number: 4860-03-1
Intended Use: Organic synthesis, surface-active agent, research and development, and specialty chemical formulations
Manufacturer: Please refer to packaging or certificate of analysis for supplier details
Emergency Contact Number: Refer to local poison control or company emergency response Lab Safety

Hazard Identification

Classification: Skin irritant, Eye irritant, Harmful if swallowed, Environmental hazard
GHS Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed, H315: Causes skin irritation, H319: Causes serious eye irritation, H401: Toxic to aquatic life
GHS Symbols: Exclamation mark, aquatic toxicity symbol
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or vapors, Do not get in eyes on skin or clothing, Wash thoroughly after handling, Avoid release into the environment
Potential Health Effects: May irritate respiratory tract with inhalation, causes burns or persistent redness with skin contact, can damage mucous membranes and may cause gastrointestinal distress if swallowed

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: 1-Chlorohexadecane
CAS Number: 4860-03-1
EC Number: 225-626-5
Concentration: ≥ 98% (by weight)
Impurities: <2% long-chain alkyl halides or hydrocarbons
Stabilizers or Additives: None listed

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, support breathing, seek medical attention if difficulty persists, monitor for irritation or coughing
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin thoroughly with water for 15 minutes, use mild soap if available, get medical guidance for any persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Flush gently with water continuously for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids open, contact an ophthalmologist for any ongoing discomfort
Ingestion: Rinse mouth carefully, do not induce vomiting, seek medical advice with urgency, keep person calm and monitor for symptoms like nausea or abdominal pain
Most Important Symptoms: Redness, stinging, swelling, difficulty breathing, throat irritation, GI upset
Notes for Physician: Treat symptomatically, control airway and support respiration as needed, monitor for delayed pulmonary symptoms from aspiration

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, regular foam, do not use water jets on burning liquid
Hazardous Combustion Products: Hydrogen chloride gas, phosgene, carbon oxides, chlorinated decomposition byproducts
Specific Hazards: Product is combustible but not highly flammable, can generate toxic gases if involved in fire
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear full turnout gear, self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical-resistant gloves and boots
Additional Advice: Cool unopened containers with spray water, evacuate area if fire grows, avoid entry of run-off from fire control into drains

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear chemical splash goggles, impervious gloves, long sleeves, ensure adequate ventilation, restrict access to area until clean-up finishes
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spills from reaching surface water, drains or soil, notify relevant authorities about significant release
Methods for Clean-Up: Absorb with sand, earth, or other inert material, place in suitable tightly sealed container, decontaminate affected area with mild detergent, ventilate area well.
Disposal of Waste: Follow all local, state, and national regulations for hazardous chemical disposal, treat as halogenated organic waste

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid direct contact with liquid or vapor, use in chemical fume hood, never eat or drink near the material, wash hands after handling, keep working container tightly sealed between uses
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, well-ventilated location, separate from strong oxidizers, acids, or alkalis, away from sources of heat, ignition or direct sunlight.
Storage Packaging: Use corrosion-resistant, tightly-sealed containers clearly labeled with contents and hazard pictograms
Incompatibilities: Reacts with strong oxidizing agents, may corrode certain metals over time

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, chemical fume hood, or explosion-proof ventilated enclosure
Personal Protection: Splash-resistant safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene recommended), face shield for large transfers, lab coat or chemical apron, closed-toe shoes
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator when vapor or dust generation likely
Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits established by OSHA, ACGIH or NIOSH; maintain airborne concentrations as low as reasonably achievable
Environmental Controls: Prevent emission of vapors or aerosols into workplace air, isolate drains, keep spill-kits ready

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Mild, characteristic haloalkane odor
Molecular Weight: 260.90 g/mol
Melting Point: 15–19°C
Boiling Point: 330–340°C
Flash Point: >140°C (closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Water Solubility: Negligible
Density: 0.86–0.87 g/cm³ at 20°C
Viscosity: Moderate, will flow
Partition Coefficient (Log Kow): Estimated ~7-8
Autoignition Temperature: Not readily available, likely above 250°C
Explosive Limits: Not established (does not form explosive vapor-air mixtures under normal conditions)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at normal temperatures, limited reactivity with most materials under ambient conditions
Reactivity: Halogenated alkane may react with strong oxidizers, powdered metals, and alkali
Conditions to Avoid: High heat, open flame, contact with acids, alkalis, or oxidizing substances
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phosgene in fire situations
Polymerization: Does not undergo hazardous polymerization

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Potential for gastrointestinal distress, skin redness, moderate eye irritation; estimated oral LD50 (rat) >2500 mg/kg
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged or frequent exposure may cause dermatitis, no conclusive evidence for carcinogenicity or mutagenicity in humans
Irritation/Sensitization: Causes noticeable skin and eye irritation, especially in sensitive individuals
Symptoms: Burning, stinging, inflammation of skin and mucous membranes, coughing, headache after large vapor exposure
Other Data: No evidence for bioaccumulation in short-term exposures, but persistent absorption possible

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects, potential for persistence in aquatic environments
Mobility: Very low in soil due to strong hydrophobicity, highly unlikely to reach groundwater
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, may linger in environment for years in the absence of drastic weathering
Bioaccumulation: May bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms due to high lipid solubility
Aquatic Toxicity Data: Limited data available, analog studies suggest LC50 (fish, 96h) between 1-10 mg/L for structurally similar compounds

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Treat as hazardous halogenated organic waste, incinerate in approved chemical incinerator with afterburner and scrubber
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse and puncture before disposing or offer to licensed drum recycler
Local, State, and Federal Regulations: Adhere to all applicable hazardous waste disposal rules and permit requirements for chemical substances containing chlorine
Do Not: Release untreated into drains, surface water, soil or municipal waste streams

Transport Information

UN Number: 3082
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally Hazardous Substance, Liquid, N.O.S. (contains 1-Chlorohexadecane)
Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous Hazardous Material)
Packing Group: III
Labels Required: Miscellaneous Hazard, Marine Pollutant
Special Precautions: Avoid breakage during transport, secure containers upright, handle per chemical shipping regulations
Transportation by Sea (IMDG): Marine pollutant code applies
Air Transport (IATA): Consult current IATA regulations for packing instructions and limitations

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Not listed as hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, but treat as hazardous due to irritation and aquatic hazard profile
TSCA Inventory: 1-Chlorohexadecane is listed
SARA Title III: Not classified as a section 313 chemical, may require reporting if released in significant quantities
REACH Registration: Compliant if supplied by EU registrants, check supply chain documentation
WHMIS (Canada): Classified as D2B—Toxic Material causing other toxic effects
Additional International Regulations: Subject to country-specific regulations for storage, transport, and use; always refer to local lawful requirements before usage