Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – 1-Chlorohexane
Identification
Product Name: 1-Chlorohexane
Chemical Formula: C6H13Cl
Synonyms: Hexyl chloride, n-Hexyl chloride
CAS Number: 544-10-5
Molecular Weight: 120.63 g/mol
Recommended Uses: Solvent in chemical synthesis, intermediate in organic manufacturing
Supplier: Contact manufacturer or distributor for specific contact details
Emergency Number: Refer to local Poison Control and Emergency Service
Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Flammable liquids (Category 3), Acute toxicity – oral (Category 4), Skin irritation (Category 2), Eye irritation (Category 2A), Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure (Category 3)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor. Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin and eye irritation. May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces. No smoking. Avoid breathing vapors. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. Wear protective gloves, clothing, eye and face protection.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact.
Specific Hazards: May release toxic fumes under fire conditions; inhalation of vapors can depress the central nervous system.
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical: 1-Chlorohexane
Concentration: > 99% by weight
Impurities: Usually presents as traces of other chloroalkanes
Other Components: No significant non-hazardous components present
Additional Information: Ensure all process and storage practices prevent cross-contamination with incompatible compounds such as strong oxidizing agents
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Immediately move victim to fresh air. Provide oxygen if breathing is difficult. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash affected area with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical advice if irritation persists.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for several minutes, holding eyelids apart. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Seek medical attention if irritation occurs.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting unless advised by medical personnel. Seek immediate medical attention.
Most Important Symptoms: May include sore throat, headache, dizziness, burning sensations, nausea, vomiting, and, in case of prolonged exposure, central nervous system depression.
Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically and provide supportive care. Monitor for pulmonary complications and chemical pneumonitis.
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or water spray. Avoid direct application of water streams.
Special Hazards: Can produce hydrogen chloride, phosgene, and carbon oxides if involved in a fire. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.
Specific Methods: Use water to cool exposed containers and dilute spills. Prevent runoff from entering drains and waterways.
Explosion Data: Vapors heavier than air and can accumulate in low areas. Explosive mixtures possible with air above flash point.
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Evacuate non-essential personnel, ventilate area, and eliminate all ignition sources. Use chemical splash goggles, gloves, and suitable respiratory protection.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from reaching drains, surface water, or soil. Notify authorities in the event of a large spill.
Methods for Containment and Cleanup: Absorb spill with inert material (sand, earth, vermiculite). Collect residue in appropriate waste containers for disposal. Clean spill area with water and detergent after material pickup.
Decontamination Procedures: Double-check that all surfaces are free of residue and that appropriate waste containers are sealed and labeled for hazardous waste removal.
Handling and Storage
Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Do not breathe vapors or mists. Keep away from sources of ignition and static discharge. Use explosion-proof electrical equipment.
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials (oxidizers, acids, bases). Ground all equipment to prevent static discharge. Keep containers out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
Hygiene Practices: Wash thoroughly after handling. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area. Maintain good chemical hygiene.
Special Considerations: Regularly check containers for leaks and corrosion. Label all containers clearly and keep in secondary containment if possible.
Exposure Controls / Personal Protection
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA, NIOSH, or ACGIH exposure limits for 1-Chlorohexane. In the absence of official limits, control vapor concentrations using general and local ventilation.
Engineering Controls: Use fume hoods or local exhaust to control airborne concentrations.
Personal Protective Equipment:
Respiratory: Use NIOSH-approved organic vapor respirators where engineering controls are inadequate.
Skin: Wear chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing.
Eye: Use safety goggles or face shields.
Other: Eye-wash stations and safety showers accessible in area of use.
Environmental Exposure Controls: Follow best practices to prevent release into environment, including closed-system transfers and spill containment strategies.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: Colorless liquid
Odor: Characteristic, sweet chloroalkane odor
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point/Freezing Point: -73°C
Boiling Point/Range: 148-150°C
Flash Point: 38°C (Closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Not determined
Flammability: Flammable
Upper/Lower Flammability or Explosive Limits: Lower 1.1%; Upper data not determined
Vapor Pressure: 6 mmHg at 25°C
Vapor Density: 4.2 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 0.89 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in ethanol, ether
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Log Kow ≈ 3.4
Auto-ignition Temperature: 245°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not available
Viscosity: Not determined
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions. Decomposes when heated above decomposition temperature.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flames, static discharge, direct sunlight, and incompatible materials.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, alkali metals, powdered metals.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, phosgene, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.
Hazardous Reactions: Under certain conditions, may react with alkali metals and produce heat or flammable gases.
Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity: Ingestion in large amounts causes gastrointestinal distress, central nervous system depression, and potentially liver or kidney effects. LC50 (rat, inhalation): not well defined; LD50 (rat, oral): approx. 1,670 mg/kg.
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes irritation on contact; possible dermatitis with repeated exposure.
Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation: Causes pain and irritation.
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Not classified as a sensitizer. Prolonged vapors may lead to dizziness, respiratory discomfort.
Long-term Effects: Liver and kidney damage reported in cases of chronic overexposure.
Mutagenicity/Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA. No adequate studies showing mutagenic or reproductive toxicity in humans.
Other Information: Exposures beyond recommended limits may worsen symptoms of pre-existing skin, liver, or kidney disorders.
Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: Moderately toxic to aquatic life; LC50 (fish, 96 h): 14.9 mg/L.
Persistence and Degradability: Does not readily biodegrade in soil or water; potential to persist in the environment.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Potential to bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms due to log Kow above 3.
Mobility in Soil: Limited mobility; may adsorb to soil particles.
Other Adverse Effects: No known significant ozone depletion, photochemical, or greenhouse gas effects at this time.
Addition Information: Given persistence and moderate toxicity, spills or improper disposal pose a risk to aquatic systems. Monitoring and immediate containment help reduce long-term environmental impact.
Disposal Considerations
Waste Treatment Methods: Incineration in a suitable facility with appropriate air pollution controls preferred. Chemical must not be poured down drains or released into the environment.
Disposal of Containers: Triple rinse empty containers, puncture, and offer for recycling or disposal at an approved hazardous waste facility.
Local Regulations: Dispose as hazardous waste according to federal, state, and local regulations.
Precautions: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment during disposal procedures. Retain chemical residue and rinseate for collection by licensed hazardous waste contractors.
Special Considerations: Consult local waste authorities to determine suitable disposal practices and transportation requirements.
Transport Information
UN Number: UN 1993
UN Proper Shipping Name: Flammable liquid, n.o.s. (contains 1-Chlorohexane)
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant; see IMDG code for specific labeling requirements
Special Precautions for User: Use approved packaging and labeling. Vehicles must be properly placarded. Segregate from incompatible materials.
Land Transport (ADR/RID): Regulated; must use hazard communication standards
Sea Transport (IMDG): Regulated as a marine pollutant; emergency procedures apply
Air Transport (ICAO/IATA): Regulated; packing instruction 355; may require special handling by airline carriers
Regulatory Information
TSCA (USA): Listed
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
REACH (EU): Substance registered; use restrictions may apply
OSHA Hazards: Flammable liquid, irritant
SARA Title III Sections 302, 304, 311/312, 313: Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance; check for updates
California Proposition 65: Not on Proposition 65 list as of latest data
Other Regulations: Comply with all workplace chemical safety standards. Restricted usage may apply in sensitive or regulated areas.
Labeling Requirements: Ensure correct and updated hazard communication per GHS, OSHA, and applicable local rules.