Material Safety Data Sheet for N-Tetradecane

Identification

Product Name: N-Tetradecane
Synonyms: Normal tetradecane, Tetradecane
Chemical Formula: C14H30
CAS Number: 629-59-4
Recommended Uses: Laboratory reagent, solvent in research, industrial manufacturing
Supplier: Chemical distributors, bulk chemical suppliers
Emergency Contact: Local emergency information providers, Poison Control

Hazard Identification

Hazard Class: Flammable liquid, Category 3
Signal Word: Warning
Physical Hazards: Can catch fire easily if exposed to ignition sources, vapors can form explosive mixtures with air
Health Hazards: May be harmful if swallowed or inhaled, causes mild skin and eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation at high concentrations, prolonged exposure linked to central nervous system effects
Environmental Hazards: Can be toxic to aquatic life, persistent in the environment if released in large amounts
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation mark

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: N-Tetradecane
Chemical Family: Alkane hydrocarbons (paraffins)
Molecular Formula: C14H30
Purity: Typically ≥99%
Impurities: Lower and higher molecular weight alkanes (trace quantities)
Other Ingredients: None reported

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult, seek medical advice if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and water, consult a doctor if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with plenty of water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if worn and continue rinsing, get medical attention if effects last
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical support, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person
Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, nausea, mild skin reddening

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, foam, water spray for larger fires
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid direct water streams, as these may spread the fire
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, smoke
Protective Equipment: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Fire/Explosion Hazards: Vapors can travel to source of ignition and flash back, closed containers may rupture if exposed to heat

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use non-sparking tools, avoid open flames, evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff to sewers, surface water, or soil
Cleaning Methods: Contain and collect spill with absorbent materials (sand, earth, inert substance), place in designated waste container
Disposal: Follow local and federal disposal guidelines to prevent environmental contamination

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, and open flames, avoid breathing vapors
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers made of compatible materials, keep in cool, dry, and well-ventilated storage area, separate from oxidizers and strong acids
Incompatibilities: Powerful oxidizing agents, strong acids
Special Precautions: Ground containers to prevent static build-up, use explosion-proof electrical equipment where handling large quantities

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, keep air concentrations low, install explosion-proof equipment
Personal Protection: Wear protective gloves and safety goggles, use laboratory coats or aprons, provide face shield for splashing
Respiratory Protection: Wear suitable respirator for high vapor concentrations, especially in poorly ventilated situations
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during use, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse
Exposure Limits: No OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits established for n-tetradecane, control exposure through engineering measures

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless liquid
Odor: Mild hydrocarbon odor
Melting Point: 5.9 °C (42.6 °F)
Boiling Point: 253 °C (487 °F)
Flash Point: 95 °C (203 °F, closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: 0.17 mmHg at 25 °C
Density: 0.759 g/mL at 20 °C
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in most organic solvents
Viscosity: 2.5 cP at 25 °C
Evaporation Rate: Slow (compared with acetone)
Partition Coefficient: log Kow = 7.6

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage conditions
Reactivity: Can react strongly with oxidizing chemicals
Hazardous Reactions: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air under certain conditions
Decomposition Products: Produces carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide at high temperature or fire
Polymerization: Not expected to occur

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity by ingestion, skin contact, and inhalation based on animal studies
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mild irritant, may cause dryness with repeated or prolonged contact
Eye Irritation: Mild irritation possible
Respiratory Effects: Can cause dizziness, headache at high vapor concentrations
Chronic Effects: No reliable evidence for carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or developmental toxicity
Other Health Effects: Prolonged exposure may cause central nervous system depression

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: May be harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects, fish and aquatic invertebrates show sensitivity to pure compound
Persistence: Degrades slowly in the environment, not quickly broken down by sunlight
Bioaccumulation: High potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Low water solubility, tends to partition to soil and sediment
Other Information: Prevent access to surface waters, sewage, and soil to reduce long-term impacts

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Method: Place liquid or absorbent material in containers for proper disposal at authorized hazardous waste sites
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers retain chemical residues, must follow disposal regulations, recycle if possible
Regulatory Compliance: Conform to local, regional, national, and international hazardous waste disposal standards
Precautions: Do not discharge to sewage systems or natural waters without approval

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 3295
UN Proper Shipping Name: Hydrocarbons, Liquid, n.o.s. (N-Tetradecane)
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: III
Label: Flammable liquid
Marine Pollutant: Yes, according to IMDG
Transport Precautions: Secure containers, avoid heat and sparks during transport

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Not listed as hazardous by OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA: Listed in the U.S. TSCA Inventory
SARA 311/312: Classified as a fire hazard under Section 311/312
REACH: Registered substance under EU REACH regulations
WHMIS: Classified as a Class B2 – Flammable Liquid in Canada
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Other Regulations: Subject to international regulations covering flammable liquids and environmental contaminants