Product Name: Isoparaffin
Synonyms: Isoparaffinic hydrocarbon, Isoparaffinic solvent, Hydrogenated isoparaffin
CAS Number: 64742-48-9 (may differ based on grade)
Manufacturer/Supplier: Major chemical distributors and petroleum refiners
Recommended Use: Paint thinning, industrial cleaning, metalworking, consumer aerosols, personal care, automotive care
Emergency Contact Number: Check local supplier’s emergency line or CHEMTREC in the United States (1-800-424-9300)
Globally Harmonized System Classification: Aspiration toxicity (Category 1), Eye irritation (Category 2B), Skin irritation (Category 2), Specific target organ toxicity (narcotic effects, single exposure, Category 3)
Label Elements: Signal word 'Danger', skull and crossbones icon, exclamation mark
Hazard Statements: Can be fatal if swallowed and enters airways. Causes mild skin and eye irritation. May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Flammable liquid and vapor.
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from ignition sources and heat. Avoid breathing vapors. Use only in well-ventilated environments. Wear protective gloves and eye protection. Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
Hazards Not Otherwise Classified: Prolonged skin contact removes oils, increasing risk of dermatitis.
Potential Environmental Effects: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Chemical Name: Isoparaffin Hydrocarbons
Concentration: 100% or varies by blend, often >99%
CAS Number: 64742-48-9 (sometimes listed as Hydrotreated Light Naphtha, or similar)
Impurities or Stabilizing Additives: May contain residual aromatic hydrocarbons, less than 0.1% benzene (varies by distillation quality)
Type: Mixture of branched and cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbons, C9-C12 range most typical
Other Identifiers: None significant in technical grades
General Measures: Seek medical attention for all cases where hazardous contact is suspected.
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air. Keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. Seek medical help if symptoms like dizziness or headaches persist.
Skin Contact: Immediately wash skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. If irritation develops, consult healthcare provider.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, keeping eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present and easy. Continue rinsing. If redness or pain remains, call a doctor.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth. If person is conscious, offer small amounts of water. Get immediate medical attention. Aspiration hazard, so medical intervention is critical.
Note for Physicians: Gastric lavage and emesis increase risk of aspiration pneumonia. Treat symptomatically and observe for delayed effects.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray to cool containers
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jets may spread fire
Specific Hazards: Vapors are heavier than air and can travel to distant ignition sources. Burning may release toxic fumes, including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Protective Equipment: Full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighters.
Special Procedures: Remove containers from fire area if without risk. Apply water spray to cool containers exposed to flames. Prevent spillage from entering drains or water courses.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel. Use non-sparking tools and explosion-proof equipment. Wear gloves, protective eyewear, and chemical-resistant clothing.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains, sewers, or waterways. Notify appropriate authorities if significant environmental contamination is possible.
Containment: Stop leaks safely. Dike spilled material with inert absorbent (sand, earth, commercial absorbent pads).
Cleanup Methods: Collect used absorbent with non-sparking tools, shovel into approved waste containers for disposal. Ventilate area. Wash residues with plenty of water and remove to chemical waste collection.
Handling: Avoid inhalation and contact with skin and eyes. Use proper ventilation, do not eat, drink, or smoke when using. Ground/bond container and receiving equipment. Transfer only with explosion-proof pumps.
Storage: Store in tightly closed, properly labeled containers. Keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from heat, sources of ignition, strong oxidizing agents, acids. Storage temperature should stay below 49°C (120°F). Keep away from sunlight and out of reach of children.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, halogens.
Other Guidance: Use local exhaust to control vapor buildup. Maintain emergency shower and eyewash stations in work area.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV established for isoparaffins. Manufacturer recommends 1200 mg/m3 (197 ppm) TWA for total hydrocarbons as guidance.
Engineering Controls: Chemical fume hoods, general and local exhaust systems. Keep concentration below any nuisance thresholds.
Personal Protection:
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, paraffinic hydrocarbon odor
Odor Threshold: Not well defined
pH: Not applicable (non-aqueous)
Melting/Freezing Point: Typically -60°C or below
Initial Boiling Point and Boiling Range: 150–200°C (302–392°F)
Flash Point: Typically 41–60°C (106–140°F) for various grades
Evaporation Rate: Slower than ether
Flammability (solid/gas): Flammable liquid
Upper/Lower Explosion Limits: LEL 0.6%, UEL 7.0% (varies by composition)
Vapor Pressure: 1–6 mmHg @ 20°C
Vapor Density: Heavier than air (4.5–5.5)
Specific Gravity: 0.75–0.80 @ 20°C
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): High (log Kow 3–7)
Auto-ignition Temperature: 250–350°C (482–662°F)
Decomposition Temperature: Above 350°C
Viscosity: 1.0–2.5 cSt @ 25°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Possible Hazardous Reactions: None expected under normal use. Can react with oxidizing agents, leading to fire or explosion.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, hot surfaces, sparks, direct sunlight.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizers, halogens.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, small amounts of aldehydes and ketones during incomplete burning.
Acute Toxicity: Low oral, dermal, and inhalation toxicity in animal studies. LD50 (oral, rat) > 5,000 mg/kg. LC50 (inhalation, rat) > 5,000 mg/m3/4h.
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Can cause mild, reversible irritation. Extended contact increases risk.
Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause mild discomfort and transient redness.
Respiratory Sensitization: No evidence.
Skin Sensitization: Not a skin sensitizer.
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: No evidence.
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, OSHA.
Reproductive/Developmental Toxicity: No relevant effects reported under typical exposures.
Specific Target Organ Toxicity: High vapor concentrations cause central nervous system depression (drowsiness, headache, nausea). Aspiration into lungs may cause lethal chemical pneumonia.
Chronic Effects: Long-term skin contact depletes natural oils, increasing dryness and risk of dermatitis.
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. LC50 (fish, 96h): 10–100 mg/L typical range. EC50 (crustacea): similar values.
Persistence and Degradability: Hydrocarbons slowly removed from water through volatilization and biodegradation.
Bioaccumulation Potential: High log Kow (3–7) suggests rapid bioaccumulation in aquatic life.
Mobility in Soil: Low water solubility, mostly adsorbs to soil organic matter. Volatilizes from soil surfaces quickly.
Other Adverse Effects: Large releases form surface films that block oxygen transfer in water.
Waste Treatment Methods: Collect all waste in properly labeled, sealed containers. Do not pour into sewers or drains.
Recommended Disposal: Dispose through licensed hazardous waste facility. Incineration under controlled conditions preferred.
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers retain vapor and residue. Dispose according to local environmental regulations.
European Waste Catalogue: 07 06 04 (other organic solvents, washing liquids, and mother liquors)
UN Number: 3295
Proper Shipping Name: Hydrocarbons, Liquid, N.O.S. (includes isoparaffin)
Hazard Class: 3 (flammable liquid)
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant for bulk quantities
Special Precautions: Follow requirements for flammable liquids: Do not transport with incompatible goods. Inspect containers for leaks before shipping.
Transportation Label: Flammable liquid
OSHA Status: Not specifically regulated as hazardous, but general industry standards apply.
TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act): Listed and compliant.
SARA Title III Sections 302, 304, 311, 312, 313: Not subject to reporting.
California Proposition 65: Not listed as a carcinogen or reproductive toxicant, though some grades may contain trace benzene or toluene.
Canadian DSL: Listed.
REACH (Europe): Registered under global compliance rules for petroleum hydrocarbons.
Other Regulations: Local, state, and national regulations for flammable and hazardous liquids may apply. Regular compliance audits help with safety and environmental standards.
