Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Octadecylamine

Identification

Chemical Name: Octadecylamine
Synonyms: Stearylamine, n-Octadecylamine
CAS Number: 124-30-1
Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₃₉N
Recommended Use: Emulsifier, Corrosion inhibitor, Chemical intermediate
Manufacturer/Supplier: Typically listed with manufacturer contact details, emergency contact number, address for safety queries or emergencies

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Skin corrosion/irritation (Category 1B), Acute Oral Toxicity (Category 4), Serious Eye Damage (Category 1), Aquatic Acute Hazard (Category 1)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; toxic to aquatic life; harmful if swallowed;
Pictograms: Corrosion, Exclamation mark, Environmental hazard
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust and fumes, wear protective gloves and eye protection, avoid release to environment, wash thoroughly after handling
Symptoms of Exposure: Burns to skin and eyes, shortness of breath, abdominal pain if ingested

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical: Octadecylamine
Concentration: Typically 98% or higher (pure form)
Impurities/Additives: Minor impurities may include other aliphatic amines or saturated hydrocarbon residues, depending on source and manufacturer

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, support breathing as needed, seek medical attention promptly
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with plenty of water for several minutes, seek immediate medical advice if irritation or burns occur
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids to ensure thorough flushing, get medical help urgently
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, get emergency medical help right away
Symptoms: Burning sensation, pain, redness, swelling, possible blistering, nausea

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, sand
Special Hazards from Combustion: May release toxic fumes including nitrogen oxides, ammonia, hydrocarbons
Special Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear
Firefighting Procedures: Cool containers with water spray to prevent pressure build-up and explosion risk, move containers from fire area if possible
Unusual Fire/Explosion Hazards: Vapors are heavier than air, may spread along surfaces to distant ignition source;

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, protective clothing, ensure sufficient ventilation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent flow into water bodies, sewers, or confined spaces, inform authorities if major spillage leads to environmental contamination
Containment/Cleanup: Absorb with dry earth or spill-control material, collect residue in sealable containers for safe disposal, wash area with water (avoid runoff); avoid creating dust or aerosol

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Use only in well-ventilated locations, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, wash hands before breaks and after handling, do not breathe dusts or vapors
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, halogens, acid chlorides
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, keep away from food and beverages, place in cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, protect from sources of ignition or direct sunlight
Special Requirements: Ground and bond containers when transferring, store containers at floor-level secondary containment to reduce spillage spread

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No explicit OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV set specifically for octadecylamine; workplace controls should keep concentrations as low as reasonably achievable
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, closed handling systems, regular environmental monitoring
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical safety goggles, face shield, NIOSH-certified respirator for vapor/dust, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), lab coat/apron
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke during use, wash thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing immediately

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to pale yellow waxy solid, mild amine odor
Odor Threshold: Characteristic, low threshold
pH: Strong alkaline in solution
Melting Point: 48 – 52°C
Boiling Point: 349°C
Flash Point: Approx. 180°C (closed cup)
Decomposition Temperature: Above 200°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in ethanol, benzene, chloroform
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Density: About 0.78 g/cm³ at 20°C
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Estimated at 8.6, indicating strong tendency to bioaccumulate

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and use conditions
Reactivity: Readily reacts with strong acids, oxidizers, acid chlorides
Hazardous Decomposition: Nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, ammonia upon heating or combustion
Hazardous Polymerization: Does not polymerize
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, sources of ignition, open flames, incompatible chemicals

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD₅₀ (rat) ranges from 1000-2000 mg/kg, causes strong irritation to respiratory tract, digestive tract, and skin
Skin & Eye Irritation: Causes severe burns, risk of permanent eye injury and blindness
Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure may lead to dermatitis, respiratory sensitization, and potential effects on liver and kidneys
Carcinogenicity: Not identified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity/Teratogenicity: No significant data on mutagenic or teratogenic risk in humans

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects, LC₅₀ (Fish, 96h): 0.15–0.3 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, tends to persist in environment
Bioaccumulative Potential: High potential due to strong affinity for organic matter, log Kow above 8
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility, binds tightly to organic soil components
Other Adverse Effects: May cause damage to aquatic organisms at low concentrations, contributes to bioaccumulation in food chains

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose via federal, state, and local guidelines, use professional waste disposal contractor
Product Disposal: Incineration is preferred if possible, avoid landfill unless in sealed containers
Contaminated Packaging: Triple-rinse then dispose as hazardous waste if not recyclable, follow regulations
Precautions: Do not discharge into drains, soil, or water bodies, keep waste separate from incompatible substances

Transport Information

UN Number: 2810
UN Proper Shipping Name: Toxic liquid, organic, n.o.s. (contains Octadecylamine)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant
Special Transport Precautions: Keep tightly closed, avoid mixing with incompatible goods, handle as regulated hazardous material for land, sea, and air shipment

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Not specifically listed, but general duty clause applies
TSCA: Listed on Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
EU (REACH): Registered and subject to specific restrictions
CANADA (DSL/NDSL): Present on Domestic Substances List
SARA Title III: Not a Section 302 or 313 chemical
RCRA: Considered hazardous waste when discarded in bulk
Other Lists: May be subject to regional chemical control legislation such as WHMIS in Canada, CLP in the EU, and IMDG for marine shipments