Product Name: Isohexadecane
Chemical Family: Hydrocarbon
Synonyms: Isohexadecane isoparaffin, hydrogenated C16 isoparaffin
CAS Number: 4390-04-9
Recommended Use: Skin conditioning agent in cosmetics, solvent in personal care products, industrial cleaning agent
Supplier Details: Company name, address, phone number, emergency contact number available on product packaging and shipment documents
Emergency Contact: Chemtrec: 1-800-424-9300 (USA); local poison control center numbers for international locations
Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200
Signal Word: None required
Hazard Statements: May cause mild skin or eye irritation with direct and prolonged contact; inhalation of mist or vapor can cause respiratory irritation if heated to decomposition
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors, use in well-ventilated areas, prevent contact with eyes and skin
Physical Hazards: Flammable liquid and vapor at high temperatures
Health Hazards: Low acute toxicity, chronic exposure not expected to cause harmful effects in humans or animals under normal use patterns
Environmental Hazards: May be harmful to aquatic organisms if released in large quantities
NFPA Ratings: Health - 1, Flammability - 2, Instability - 0
Chemical Name: Isohexadecane
CAS Number: 4390-04-9
Concentration: 100%
Impurities: Typical product contains trace levels of alkanes, isoparaffins, and other hydrocarbons below relevant regulatory thresholds
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; lift eyelids occasionally; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse; contact healthcare professional for persistent irritation
Inhalation: Move individual to fresh air; administer oxygen if breathing is difficult; call a doctor if symptoms develop
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth with water; seek medical attention right away, particularly if a large amount is swallowed or symptoms appear
Note to Physicians: Symptoms are expected to be mild; treat symptomatically; no known antidote
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide; water spray can be used to cool exposed containers but may spread product
Fire Hazards: Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air at high temperatures; combustion may generate carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, smoke, and unidentified organic compounds
Special Protective Equipment: Wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus for fires involving this chemical
Firefighting Instructions: Approach fire from upwind side; keep unnecessary personnel away; water runoff can cause environmental contamination
Unusual Fire Hazards: Empty containers may contain product residues, including flammable vapors
Personal Precautions: Evacuate nonessential personnel; avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing; wear protective equipment including gloves, safety goggles, and suitable clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, or waterways using sand or earth diking as needed; notify local authorities if product enters public waters
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spill with inert material (such as sand, earth, or clay), place in appropriate container for disposal; wash spill area with detergent and water to remove residue
Special Handling for Large Spills: Eliminate sources of ignition; ventilate area; use non-sparking tools
Handling: Avoid prolonged or repeated skin or eye contact; avoid inhalation of vapor, especially at elevated temperatures; use only in well-ventilated areas; keep container tightly closed when not in use
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, sources of ignition, oxidizing agents and strong acids; containers must be kept tightly sealed to prevent contamination and evaporation
Storage Temperature: Maintain temperatures between 10°C and 30°C (50°F - 86°F) to safeguard product quality
Storage Life: Under proper conditions, remains stable for at least two years; monitor for signs of degradation, changes in odor or appearance
Exposure Limits: No Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) or American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV) established for isohexadecane
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation to keep vapor concentrations below recommended exposure limits
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles or glasses with side shields, and protective clothing as appropriate
Respiratory Protection: For high vapor concentrations, use a NIOSH-approved organic vapor respirator
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands, forearms and face thoroughly after handling; avoid eating, drinking or smoking during use
Appearance: Clear, colorless, oily liquid
Odor: Mild, characteristic hydrocarbon odor
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point/Range: -50°C (-58°F) or lower
Boiling Point/Range: Approximately 270°C (518°F)
Flash Point: 110°C (230°F) (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Very low
Flammability (solid, gas): Not applicable
Upper/Lower Flammability Limits: 0.6% - 7% (by volume in air)
Vapor Pressure: <0.01 mm Hg at 20°C
Vapor Density: 8.2 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 0.78 g/cm³ (water = 1)
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): log Kow > 6.0
Auto-ignition Temperature: > 230°C (446°F)
Decomposition Temperature: Not available
Viscosity: 2.0-6.0 cSt at 25°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of handling and storage; no hazardous decomposition occurs at room temperature
Reactivity: Non-reactive in normal use; can react with strong oxidizing agents leading to fire or explosion hazards
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flames, sparks, and static discharge
Materials to Avoid: Strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Burning may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and various hydrocarbons
Acute Toxicity: Not expected to be toxic by oral, dermal, or inhalation routes; LD50 (oral, rat) > 5,000 mg/kg; LD50 (dermal, rabbit) > 2,000 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Slight to mild irritation possible based on composition and use experience
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Mild irritation possible upon direct contact
Respiratory Sensitization: Not expected to be a respiratory sensitizer
Skin Sensitization: Not expected to sensitize skin
Chronic Effects: Long-term use in cosmetics and personal care products shows very low risk, not considered to produce systemic effects
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No data indicate reproductive or developmental toxicity
Mutagenicity: No evidence of mutagenic potential
Other Information: Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause drying
Aquatic Toxicity: Considered low toxicity for fish, daphnia, and algae with LC50 (fish, 96h) > 100 mg/l
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable; slow degradation in water and soil
Bioaccumulative Potential: High log Kow (>6) suggests potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility in soil due to low water solubility and high Koc
Other Adverse Effects: Large spills or chronic releases can cause harm to aquatic life and may disrupt sediment quality
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations; incineration under controlled conditions preferred
Product Waste: Avoid release to the environment; do not discharge to surface water or sewer system
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers may contain hazardous residues; dispose of in approved facilities or via licensed waste disposal contractor
Special Instructions: Consult applicable waste authority for guidance on appropriate handling and disposal options
UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous goods by DOT, IMDG, IATA for typical quantities and packaging in consumer/commercial use
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not classified
Transport Hazard Class(es): Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Precautions for User: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and avoid release to waterways
Transport Label: Not required under normal shipping conditions for this product
OSHA Status: Non-hazardous under 29 CFR 1910.1200
TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act): Listed
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
SARA Title III Sections 302/304: Not a listed extremely hazardous substance
SARA Title III Section 311/312: No hazard categories identified
SARA Title III Section 313: Not subject to reporting
RCRA Status: Not a hazardous waste under federal law; local variations may apply
California Proposition 65: Not listed as a chemical known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm
REACH (EU): Registered and compliant for cosmetic and industrial uses; ensure downstream users receive up-to-date safety information
