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n-Heptane, Carbon Chemistry – Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Last Updated: March 6, 2018  n-Heptane is a clear, colorless, and highly flammable liquid hydrocarbon solvent supplied by Carbon Chemistry Ltd. It is primarily used in laboratory and industrial applications as a non-polar solvent.

Link to Safety Data Sheet (PDF)


Quick Facts

  • Product Name: n-Heptane
  • Synonyms: Aliphatic Hydrocarbon, Dipropylmethane, Heptane (n-Heptane)
  • CAS Number: 142-82-5
  • Type: Solvent (Non-Polar)
  • Supplier: Carbon Chemistry Ltd.
  • Address: 34501 E Quincy Ave Bldg 28, Watkins, CO 80137
  • Phone: +1 (888) 446-8421
  • Emergency Phone: CHEMTREC CCN832309 (800-424-9300, 24-hour)
  • GHS Classification:
    • Flammable Liquid – Category 2
    • Skin Irritation – Category 2
    • STOT (Single Exposure, Drowsiness/Dizziness) – Category 3
    • Aspiration Toxicity – Category 1
    • Aquatic Acute – Category 1
    • Aquatic Chronic – Category 1
  • Signal Word: Danger
  • NFPA Ratings: Health (2), Flammability (3), Physical Hazard (0)

Hazards & Safety

  • Hazard Statements:
    • H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
    • H315: Causes skin irritation.
    • H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
    • H304: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.
    • H400: Very toxic to aquatic life.
    • H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
  • Precautionary Statements:
    • Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces – no smoking.
    • Keep container tightly closed.
    • Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
    • Use explosion-proof electrical and non-sparking tools.
    • Avoid breathing vapors or mist.
    • Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
    • Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.
    • Avoid release to the environment.
    • Wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye/face protection.
    • Store in a cool, well-ventilated place. Keep locked up.
    • Dispose of contents and container according to local, state, and federal regulations.
  • California Prop 65: Not listed.

First Aid Measures

  • Inhalation: Move victim to fresh air. If breathing becomes difficult, administer oxygen. Seek medical attention.
  • Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse.
  • Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
  • Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Seek immediate medical attention.
  • Note to Physicians: Treat symptoms and reduce overexposure. Aspiration hazard if swallowed.
  • Symptoms: May cause skin irritation, drowsiness, or dizziness.

Fire & Explosion Data

  • Flash Point: 25 °F (–4 °C)
  • Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not available
  • Extinguishing Media: Dry powder, alcohol-resistant foam, dry sand, or CO₂. Do not use water jet.
  • Explosion Sensitivity: Not sensitive to static discharge or mechanical impact.
  • Protective Gear: Firefighters should wear SCBA and full protective gear.
  • Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides.

Handling & Storage

  • Ground and bond all equipment and containers during transfer.
  • Use non-sparking tools and explosion-proof equipment.
  • Store tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from ignition sources.
  • Keep drums upright and properly labeled.
  • Avoid strong oxidizing agents and heat.

Exposure & PPE

  • Component: n-Heptane (CAS 142-82-5)
  • Exposure Limits:
    • ACGIH TWA: 400 ppm
    • OSHA PEL: 500 ppm (2000 mg/m³)
  • Eyes: Safety glasses required.
  • Skin: Protective gloves recommended.
  • Respiratory: Use NIOSH-approved respirator if ventilation is inadequate.
  • Body: Lab coat or protective overalls.

Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Appearance: Colorless liquid
  • Odor: Petroleum-like odor
  • Boiling Point: 98 °C (208 °F)
  • Flash Point: 25 °F (–4 °C)
  • Evaporation Rate: <1 (ether = 1)
  • Specific Gravity: 0.684 g/mL @ 20 °C
  • Viscosity: 0.42 cP @ 20 °C
  • Solubility: Practically insoluble in water
  • Vapor Pressure: Not available
  • Vapor Density: Not available
  • Flammability: Highly flammable liquid and vapor

Stability & Reactivity

  • Stable under normal storage and handling conditions.
  • Avoid heat, flames, and sparks.
  • Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
  • Decomposition may release carbon oxides.
  • Hazardous polymerization will not occur.

Toxicology & Ecology

  • Acute Toxicity: LC₅₀ (rat, inhalation, 4h): 103,000 mg/m³
  • Irritation: Causes skin irritation; may cause eye irritation.
  • STOT – Single Exposure: May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
  • Aspiration Hazard: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.
  • Carcinogenicity: Not listed by OSHA, IARC, or NTP.
  • Aquatic Toxicity: LC₅₀ (goldfish, 24h): 4 mg/L | LC₅₀ (tilapia, 96h): 375 mg/L | EC₅₀ (daphnia, 48h): 1.5 mg/L
  • Persistence: Not readily biodegradable (BOD/ThBOD 3.5%).
  • Bioaccumulation: High potential for bioaccumulation (log Pow > 4).

Transport & Disposal

  • UN Number: 1206
  • Proper Shipping Name: Heptanes
  • Hazard Class: 3 – Flammable Liquid
  • Packing Group: II
  • Marine Pollutant: Yes
  • ERG Number: 128
  • Disposal: Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. Avoid release into the environment. Follow all local, state, and federal regulations.

Regulatory Status

  • TSCA: Listed
  • SARA 311/312: Fire Hazard; Acute Health Hazard
  • SARA 313: Not subject to reporting
  • CERCLA RQ: None
  • California Prop 65: Not listed
  • Canada DSL/NDSL: Listed
  • NFPA Ratings: Health (2), Flammability (3), Physical Hazard (0)