n-Heptane – Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Last Updated: April 29, 2015 n-Heptane is a highly flammable solvent supplied by USA Lab. It is classified as a Flammable Liquid (Category 1), Skin Irritant (Category 2), and Aquatic Toxicant (Category 1). It may cause drowsiness or dizziness and is very toxic to aquatic life.
Link to Safety Data Sheet (PDF)
Quick Facts
- Product Name: n-Heptane
- Other Names: Heptane (n-Heptane)
- Product Codes: NHEP-1QT, NHEP-1G, NHEP-5G, NHEP-55G, NHEP-250, HEPTANE-1QT, HEPTANE-1G, HEPTANE-5G, H-61-55, H-61-250
- CAS Number: 142-82-5
- Type: Solvent
- Supplier: USA Lab
- Address: 12400 Belden Ct, Livonia, MI 48150
- Phone: 734-855-4890
- Emergency Phone: CHEMTREC 1-800-424-9300
- GHS Classification:
- Flammable Liquids – Category 1
- Skin Irritation – Category 2
- STOT (Single Exposure, Narcotic Effects) – Category 3
- Aquatic Acute Toxicity – Category 1
- Aquatic Chronic Toxicity – Category 1
- Signal Word: Danger
- NFPA Ratings: Health (1), Flammability (3), Reactivity (0)
Hazards & Safety
- Hazard Statements:
- Extremely flammable liquid and vapor.
- May form explosive mixtures with air.
- Causes skin irritation.
- May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
- Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
- Precautionary Statements:
- Read label before use. Keep out of reach of children.
- Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames – no smoking.
- Use explosion-proof electrical and ventilating equipment.
- Use only non-sparking tools.
- Avoid release to the environment.
- Avoid breathing vapor or mist.
- Wear protective gloves and eye protection.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
- Store locked up in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
- Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- California Prop 65: Not listed.
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Remove to fresh air and keep at rest in a comfortable position. If not breathing or breathing is irregular, administer artificial respiration. Seek medical attention immediately.
- Skin Contact: Flush contaminated skin with plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing and wash thoroughly. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
- Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids. Remove contact lenses if present. Continue rinsing for at least 10 minutes. Seek medical attention.
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Seek medical attention immediately.
- Note to Physicians: Treat symptomatically. May cause CNS depression.
Fire & Explosion Data
- Flash Point: –3.89 °C (25 °F, Closed Cup)
- Auto-Ignition Temperature: 285 °C (545 °F)
- Flammable Limits: Lower: 1.05% | Upper: 6.7%
- Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO₂, foam, or water spray (fog).
- Unsuitable Media: Do not use a direct water jet.
- Specific Hazards: Extremely flammable; vapors may travel to ignition sources and flash back. Containers may explode when heated.
- Protective Gear: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
- Hazardous Decomposition: Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Handling & Storage
- Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames. No smoking.
- Use explosion-proof electrical equipment.
- Ground and bond containers during transfer.
- Store in original container, tightly sealed, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
- Avoid contact with oxidizers and strong acids.
- Store locked up and out of direct sunlight.
Exposure & PPE
- Component: Heptane (CAS 142-82-5)
- Exposure Limits:
- ACGIH TWA: 400 ppm | STEL: 500 ppm
- NIOSH TWA: 85 ppm | CEIL: 440 ppm
- OSHA PEL: 500 ppm (2000 mg/m³)
- Eyes/Face: Chemical splash goggles.
- Skin: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or equivalent).
- Body: Flame-retardant or antistatic clothing.
- Respiratory: Use NIOSH-approved respirator if ventilation is inadequate.
- Ventilation: Explosion-proof local exhaust systems.
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
- Odor: Characteristic
- Boiling Point: 98.5 °C (209 °F)
- Melting Point: –90.6 °C (–131 °F)
- Flash Point: –3.89 °C (25 °F, Closed Cup)
- Evaporation Rate: 3.18 (butyl acetate = 1)
- Vapor Pressure: 4.6 kPa @ 20 °C
- Vapor Density: 3.46 (Air = 1)
- Relative Density: 0.68
- Solubility: Not available (insoluble in water)
- Partition Coefficient (log Pow): 4.66
- Auto-Ignition Temperature: 285 °C (545 °F)
- Viscosity: 0.00641 cm²/s (room temperature)
Stability & Reactivity
- Stable under normal storage and handling.
- Avoid all ignition sources.
- Incompatible with oxidizing agents.
- Decomposition may release CO and CO₂.
- Hazardous polymerization will not occur.
Toxicology & Ecology
- Acute Toxicity: LC₅₀ (rat, inhalation) = 48,000 ppm (4h)
- Skin Irritation: Causes skin irritation.
- Eye Irritation: Causes serious eye irritation.
- STOT (Single Exposure): May cause drowsiness or dizziness (narcotic effects).
- Aquatic Toxicity: LC₅₀ (fish, 96h) = 375 mg/L (Oreochromis mossambicus)
- Bioaccumulation: Log Pow = 4.66 (potential bioaccumulative).
- Persistence: May persist in environment; toxic to aquatic life.
Transport & Disposal
- UN Number: 1206
- Proper Shipping Name: Heptanes
- Hazard Class: 3 – Flammable Liquid
- Packing Group: II
- Marine Pollutant: Yes
- Disposal: Dispose of product and container in accordance with all local, state, and federal regulations. Do not release into drains or waterways.
Regulatory Status
- TSCA: Listed
- SARA 311/312: Fire Hazard, Immediate (Acute) Health Hazard
- SARA 313: Not listed
- CERCLA: Not applicable
- California Prop 65: Not listed
- Canada WHMIS: Class B-2 (Flammable Liquid); Class D-2B (Toxic Material)
- NFPA Ratings: Health (1), Flammability (3), Reactivity (0)