Material Safety Data Sheet: N-Heptane

Identification

Product Name: N-Heptane
Chemical Name: Heptane
Synonyms: Dipropylmethane, Heptan, n-Heptan
CAS Number: 142-82-5
EC Number: 205-563-8
Molecular Formula: C7H16
Intended Use: Laboratory chemical, solvent, component for organic synthesis
Manufacturer/Supplier Contact: Company name, address, phone, emergency contact details

Hazard Identification

Classification (GHS/CLP): Flammable Liquids (Category 2); Aspiration Hazard (Category 1); Acute Toxicity, Inhalation (Category 4); Specific Target Organ Toxicity - Single Exposure, Narcotic Effects (Category 3); Skin Irritant (Category 2)
Labeling Elements: Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor; May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways; Causes skin irritation; May cause drowsiness or dizziness; Harmful if inhaled
Pictograms: Flame, Health hazard, Exclamation mark
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation may cause headaches, dizziness, respiratory irritation; Skin contact may cause redness, dryness; Swallowing or aspiration can cause lung injury or chemical pneumonitis; Eye exposure can lead to irritation

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: n-Heptane
Content: ≥99%
Impurities: Trace amounts of other hexanes, octanes, or isomers (if present)
CAS Number: 142-82-5
Molecular Weight: 100.2 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move exposed individual to fresh air. Keep breathing steady. If not breathing or breathing is difficult, seek emergency medical help right away.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin with plenty of soap and water for at least fifteen minutes. Remove any rings, jewelry. If skin irritation continues, get attention from medical staff.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with running water for at least fifteen minutes, holding eyelids apart. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Get medical attention if redness or discomfort remains.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, risk of aspiration and lung injury. Rinse mouth with water if person is alert. Seek immediate medical attention.
Most Important Symptoms: Dizziness, nausea, headache, drowsiness, difficulty breathing, skin redness or cracking, pulmonary issues in severe cases.
Advice to Physician: Treat symptoms. Aspiration hazard: stomach lavage or emesis may cause more harm than good.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. Water spray may not cool fire efficiently but can be used to cool containers exposed to heat.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water stream may spread fire.
Fire Hazards: Highly flammable vapor. Vapors can travel, accumulate, and ignite far from point of use. May form explosive air-vapor mix.
Special Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus required. Stay upwind. Avoid inhalation of toxic fumes.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other harmful vapors
Explosion Sensitivity: Vapors heavier than air, may collect in low areas. Containers may rupture from pressure if exposed to fire.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area if spilled in large amounts. Eliminate ignition sources. Keep unprotected people away. Ensure proper ventilation.
Protective Equipment: Chemical splash goggles, lab coats, solvent-resistant gloves, face protection. Wear respirator if vapor exceeds exposure limits.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spill. Avoid runoff to sewers, drains, waterways. Notify emergency services if large release occurs.
Containment Methods: Stop flow if safe. Use inert absorbent material (sand, earth, vermiculite) for cleanup. Place in chemical waste container.
Cleanup Procedures: Ventilate area. Wipe or scoop up material. Dispose as hazardous waste. Decontaminate spill surface with detergent and water.

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Use only in well-ventilated places. Ground containers and use antistatic solutions. Do not breathe vapor or mist. Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Do not smoke near containers or use around ignition sources.
Personal Hygiene: Wash hands after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Do not eat, drink, or smoke near the chemical.
Storage Requirements: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated, flame-proof building. Keep container tightly closed. Store away from incompatible materials including oxidizing agents, acids, or halogens.
Incompatible Substances: Strong acids, strong oxidizers, halogens
Separate Storage: Keep away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Avoid large inventories in work areas.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA TWA: 500 ppm (n-Heptane); ACGIH TWA: 400 ppm; ACGIH STEL: 500 ppm
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation to keep concentrations below recognized limits. Explosion-proof electrical equipment recommended.
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles or face shield
Skin Protection: Nitrile or butyl rubber gloves, solvent-resistant apron/coat
Respiratory Protection: Use approved air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridges or supplied air in areas of excessive vapor concentrations
Other Protective Measures: Safety showers, eyewash stations close to work site
Environmental Controls: Prevent release to environment. Monitor airborne concentration if risk of vapor buildup exists.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Colorless, clear liquid
Odor: Mild, gasoline-like
Boiling Point: 98 – 99°C (208 – 210°F)
Melting Point: –90.6°C (–131°F)
Flash Point: –4°C (25°F)
Autoignition Temperature: 204°C (399°F)
Flammability Limits: Lower: 1.05%, Upper: 6.7% (by volume in air)
Vapor Pressure: 48 mmHg at 25°C
Vapor Density: 3.5 (air = 1)
Density: 0.684 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 4.66
Viscosity: Approximately 0.41 cP at 25°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and recommended use conditions
Possible Hazardous Reactions: Violent reaction with strong oxidizing agents, acids, or halogens; forms explosive mixture with air
Situations to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flame, potential electrostatic discharge, direct sunlight
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, small amounts of toxic gases
Polymerization: Not expected to occur

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Ingestion or aspiration may cause severe lung injury, chemical pneumonitis; oral rat LD50 >5,000 mg/kg; inhalation rat LC50 (4hr) >25.2 mg/l
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause dermatitis, central nervous system effects (fatigue, confusion, drowsiness), liver or kidney stress
Skin Irritation: Causes moderate irritation, defatting, dryness
Eye Irritation: Mild, transient irritation
Sensitization: Not classified as a skin sensitizer
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity/Teratogenicity: No evidence in current available data
Other Notes: Aspiration into lungs while swallowing or vomiting can cause chemical pneumonia. Individuals with preexisting skin, respiratory, neurological conditions might experience aggravated effects.

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms; acute fish toxicity: LC50 (96h, Oncorhynchus mykiss) 4.9 mg/L; Daphnia EC50 (48h): 1.5 mg/L
Environmental Persistence: Moderate to low; evaporates quickly. Not likely to accumulate in soil or water but can bioaccumulate in aquatic life (log Kow 4.66)
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable; expected to degrade under aerobic circumstances
Mobility in Soil: Highly volatile, low persistence in water, limited leaching to groundwater
Other Effects: Dangerous if gets into waterways. Vapors can harm aquatic life even at low concentrations. Ozone formation possible from atmospheric breakdown.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect unused product, contaminated materials, and waste in well-sealed, labeled containers made of compatible material. Send to certified hazardous waste facility.
Incineration Suitability: Commercial licensed incinerator strongly preferred due to flammability and environmental hazard.
Waste Code: U070 (EPA Hazardous Waste Number)
Special Precautions: Follow federal, state, local regulations for hazardous chemical disposal. Empty containers retain residue, handle as though full.
Do Not: Pour down drains, sewers, land, or allow runoff to open water.

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 1206
Proper Shipping Name: Heptanes
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: II
DOT Labeling: Flammable Liquid
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Transport Precautions: Keep away from sources of ignition, secure containers during transport, avoid excessive heat or direct sun, label packages correctly. Emergency response guides must be available during shipment.
Regulatory Notes: International Air Transport (IATA/ICAO), Sea Transport (IMDG) rules apply. Verify local carrier instructions.

Regulatory Information

U.S. Regulations: SARA 302: Not listed; SARA 313: Not listed; CERCLA: Not listed; TSCA Inventory: Listed
OSHA Hazardous Chemical: Yes
California Proposition 65: Not listed
EU Regulations: Classified F, Xn, N; EC No. 205-563-8
REACH Status: Registered
Canada (DSL/NDSL): Listed on DSL
International Inventories: Compliant in Australia (AICS), China (IECSC), Japan (ENCS), Korea (KECL), Philippines (PICCS)
Container Labeling: Follow hazard communication standards, ensure all hazard and precautionary statements are present.