Product Name: N-Heptane
Chemical Formula: C7H16
Synonyms: Heptane, n-Heptan
CAS Number: 142-82-5
Manufacturer/Supplier: Contact relevant supplier
Recommended Use: Used in laboratories, fuel research, blending, solvents
Emergency Contact: Refer to local emergency services or Poison Control
Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 2), Acute toxicity (Inhalation), Serious Eye Irritation, Specific Target Organ Toxicity—single exposure
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable, causes skin irritation, may cause drowsiness or dizziness, harmful to aquatic life
Pictograms: Flame, exclamation mark, environment
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Symptoms: Headaches, nausea, dizziness, skin dryness, throat irritation
Main Component: N-Heptane, concentration >98%
Impurities: May include small percentages of hexanes, octanes
Other Additives: None specified for laboratory grade
Hazardous Components: N-Heptane qualifies as both the main component and hazardous component, supporting need for careful handling
Inhalation: Remove the person to fresh air. Seek medical attention for breathing difficulty. Oxygen may be needed in severe cases.
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, seek eye doctor for pain
Ingestion: Call a poison center or doctor immediately, do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel, rinse mouth with water if the person is conscious
Most Important Symptoms/Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, mild narcosis, skin dehydration, eye discomfort
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide extinguishers, do not use water jets
Physical Hazards: Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air, heavier than air, can travel to ignition sources and flashback
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear
Special Hazards: Combustion releases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and potentially irritating aldehydes
Fire Precautions: Remove containers from fire area if possible, cool nearby containers with water spray
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, keep unprotected persons away, ventilate area well, eliminate all ignition sources, avoid breathing vapors
Environmental Precautions: Keep material out of drains, surface water, and soil contact
Spill Containment and Clean-Up: Absorb spill with inert material (sand, earth), shovel up into closed containers, wash area with plenty of water if safe, dispose of contaminated material according to regulations
Handling: Ensure good ventilation, avoid sources of ignition (open flames, hot surfaces, sparks), keep container tightly closed, avoid prolonged skin contact or inhalation
Storage: Store in tightly sealed original containers, in cool, dry, well-ventilated spaces away from oxidizers and acids, use proper grounding and bonding for transfer operations, keep away from strong sunlight and extreme temperatures
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 500 ppm (2000 mg/m³), ACGIH TLV: 400 ppm
Engineering Controls: Use explosion-proof ventilation systems, local exhaust, and good general room airflow
Personal Protective Equipment: Use chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), splash-proof safety goggles or face shield, flame-resistant lab coat or coveralls, approved respirator in poorly ventilated areas
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking around chemical, shower and change clothes at end of shift if exposure was significant
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild gasoline-like odor
Odor Threshold: 0.1–1.0 ppm
pH: Not applicable (non-aqueous)
Melting Point: -91°C
Boiling Point: 98–99°C
Flash Point: -4°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: About 4.5 (BuAc=1)
Flammability: Easily flammable
Flammable Limits: 1.1% (LEL), 6.7% (UEL)
Vapor Pressure: 48 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: 3.5 (Air=1)
Density: 0.684 g/cm³
Water Solubility: Insoluble
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): ~4.66
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 204°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not determined
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions, can form peroxides over long storage
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong oxidizers, acids, halogens
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, flames, static electricity, sunlight, extreme temperature swings
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents (peroxides, nitrates), acids, chlorine
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, irritating aldehydes, other toxic vapors
Acute Toxicity: LD50 Oral (rat): >5,000 mg/kg, LD50 Dermal (rabbit): >2,000 mg/kg, LC50 Inhalation (rat, 4 hr): ca. 65,000 mg/m³
Chronic Exposure Effects: Long-term exposure leads to nervous system effects, headaches, dizziness, loss of coordination
Route-Specific Data: Inhalation—respiratory irritation, drowsiness; Skin—irritation and dryness; Eyes—transient irritation
Carcinogenicity: Not classed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity/Reproductive: No data showing mutagenicity or reproductive harm in standard tests at occupational exposure levels
Target Organs: Central nervous system, skin, eyes
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms, acute and long-term hazard to aquatic life
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent, expected to degrade in soil over weeks to months
Bioaccumulation: High potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic environments (log Kow >4)
Mobility in Soil: Low water solubility, will evaporate from soil and surface water, some leaching into groundwater possible under certain conditions
Other Environmental Information: Vapors contribute to photochemical smog; improper disposal and large spills can harm local environments
Waste Treatment: Dispose of content and container through licensed hazardous waste hauler
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers may retain vapors; treat as hazardous waste
Recycling: Recycle material if possible; incineration recommended if permitted by regulations
Regulatory Compliance: Dispose in accordance with federal, state, and local environmental control regulations
UN Number: UN1206
Proper Shipping Name: Heptanes
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquids)
Packing Group: II
Transport Labels: Flammable liquid
Marine Pollutant: Yes (per IMDG code)
Special Precautions for Transport: Keep away from heat, open flames, and oxidizing materials, secure containers to prevent movement
OSHA: Classified as hazardous, regulated under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
SARA Title III: Listed under sections 302, 304, and 313
RCRA: Regulated as hazardous waste if discarded
TSCA: Appears on the TSCA inventory
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Other Applicable Regulations: Complies with REACH, GHS classification, and other international guidelines
Workplace Control: Follow site-specific PPE and engineering provisions based on risk assessment
