Name: 1-Decanol
Chemical formula: C10H22O
Other names: Decyl alcohol, Decanol, n-Decanol
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic mild odor
Common uses: Used in lubricants, plasticizers, surfactants production, and sometimes as an ingredient in flavorings and fragrances.
Physical hazards: Flammable in presence of open flames or high heat; can form combustible mixtures with air
Health risks: Prolonged skin contact leads to irritation, redness, and drying; contact with eyes can cause irritation and tearing; inhaling vapors in high concentrations may result in headaches, dizziness, and respiratory tract irritation; ingestion irritates the digestive system
Environmental effects: Toxic to aquatic life with possible long-term consequences in aquatic environments.
Sole component: n-Decanol (C10H22O), typically with over 98% purity in commercial lots; known impurities, if present, include other higher or lower chain alcohols at trace levels only.
Eye contact: Flush eyes gently with plenty of clean water for at least fifteen minutes, keeping eyelids open; seek medical attention if irritation or pain persists
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin immediately with soap and water; irritation may call for medical review
Inhalation: Take the person to fresh air promptly; monitor for cough, dizziness, or difficulty breathing; offer oxygen if breathing is difficult, get a doctor if symptoms persist
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; never induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel; drink water and seek medical help, especially after larger amounts.
Suitable extinguishing agents: Use dry chemical powder, foam, or carbon dioxide; water spray might help cool containers not directly exposed to fire
Hazardous combustion products: May give off carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide under intense heat
Personal protective equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing gear and full protective clothing in large fires; approach from upwind
Special procedures: Remove exposed containers if safe to do so; cool exposed surfaces with water spray to prevent rupture.
Personal precautions: Ventilate the area well; eliminate ignition sources; use protective gloves and eyewear
Environmental precautions: Prevent 1-Decanol from entering drains or waterways; block sewers and surface water access points if possible
Cleanup: Absorb with sand, earth, or non-combustible material; scoop up and containerize for proper disposal; wash spills with plenty of water after cleanup.
Handling: Use in ventilated spaces; avoid breathing vapors or mist; prevent skin and eye contact by wearing proper gear
Storage: Keep in a tightly closed, labeled container; store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from oxidizers, acids, and sources of ignition; avoid storing near food and drink materials.
Engineering controls: Local exhaust ventilation recommended to keep airborne concentrations low
Personal protection: Protective gloves and chemical-resistant eye protection necessary; long sleeves and aprons help against splashes; use respirators if workplace levels climb above recommended thresholds
Hygiene: Wash hands before breaks and after using 1-Decanol; don't smoke or eat around this chemical.
State: Liquid at room temperature
Color: Colorless
Odor: Mild, oily aroma
Boiling point: Around 230°C
Melting point: Approximately 6°C
Flash point: Roughly 95°C (close cup)
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and ether
Density: About 0.83 g/cm³ at 20°C
Vapor pressure: Low, less than 0.01 mmHg at 20°C.
Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures
Reactivity: Avoid contact with strong oxidizers; exposure to high heat or sparks increases fire risk
Decomposition: Intense heat can break the chemical down into toxic fumes, mainly carbon monoxide and dioxide.
Routes of exposure: Skin, eyes, inhalation, and ingestion
Acute effects: Skin and eye irritant; in sensitive people, may cause dermatitis after repeated skin contact; inhaling vapors irritates nose and throat; swallowing a large amount could lead to nausea and abdominal pain
Chronic effects: No evidence of carcinogenicity; not known to cause reproductive toxicity; repeated overexposure would mainly cause skin problems and possible liver stress
LD50/LC50: Oral LD50 in rats exceeds 4,000 mg/kg, indicating moderate toxicity.
Aquatic toxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms in high concentrations; risks greater in confined waters
Persistence: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions
Bioaccumulation: Tendency to accumulate in aquatic organisms is considered low due to moderate log Kow
Soil impact: Spills tend to remain near the surface, but infiltration into groundwater over time remains possible.
Waste methods: Use recognized chemical disposal services; never pour down drains or onto soil
Container disposal: Empty containers may carry hazardous residues; rinse and dispose in line with local hazardous waste protocols
Regulations: Follow region-specific hazardous waste disposal rules to reduce environmental risks.
UN Number: Generally shipped as a combustible liquid when in quantities above regulatory thresholds
Transport hazard class: Classified as combustible for road, sea, and air transit
Packaging: Secure tightly, use approved drums or canisters resistant to organic chemicals; avoid stacking to prevent leaks during shipment
Spill response: Carriers should be ready with absorbent, firefighting equipment, and gloves.
Labeling: Chemical hazard symbol for irritants; GHS (Globally Harmonized System) pictogram for skin/eye irritants
Restrictions: Subject to control as a hazardous chemical under global worker safety frameworks like OSHA, REACH, and CLP regulations; quantities above certain thresholds must be reported under spill and environmental release laws
Employer responsibility: Firms must train staff, provide access to safety gear, and maintain a spill response policy; environmental agencies require spill reporting and safe waste handling.