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)