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Substance: Eicosanoic Acid Methyl Ester
Common Synonyms: Methyl arachidate
Chemical Formula: C21H42O2
CAS Number: 1120-28-1
General Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid, oily texture
Odor: Slight, fatty scent that may not be immediately apparent in a ventilated space
Uses: Found as a reference standard in laboratories for fatty acid analysis, occasionally present in specialized intermediates for chemical synthesis, limited applications in fragrance or cosmetic materials, though rarely seen in common consumer goods
Main Hazards: Low toxicity profile, limited irritation potential, unlikely carcinogenic activity based on available studies
Skin Exposure: May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals upon repeated or prolonged contact
Eye Exposure: Possible mild, transient irritation, often manageable by simple rinsing
Inhalation: Minimal vapor pressure, inhalation risks are low except during heating or aerosol formation, which can trigger mild respiratory tract irritation for some workers
Flammability: Combustible at elevated temperatures
Environmental Risks: Persistence in the environment remains moderate, potential for mild aquatic toxicity at high concentrations due to poor water solubility
Main Component: Eicosanoic Acid, methyl ester (>95%)
Impurities: Trivial amounts of other methyl esters of long-chain fatty acids may appear; these present comparable safety profiles
Additives: None, as this substance occurs neat for most technical and laboratory-grade preparations
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of clean water, seek medical attention if irritation remains
Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air, monitor for symptoms and seek help if discomfort persists, which is rare under normal handling
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, seek medical advice if a large amount has been consumed or symptoms develop, though significant health effects are unlikely from accidental ingestion of small volumes
Suitable Extinguishers: Use foam, carbon dioxide, dry powder, or water mist (avoid water jets for larger fires as the substance floats over water and can spread flames)
Fire Hazards: Combustion generates hazardous fumes, likely including carbon oxides, minimizing exposure protects firefighters and nearby workers
Personal Protection: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing, especially in confined or poorly ventilated areas
Special Advice: Move containers from fire if possible, cool with water spray from a safe distance, watch for slippery surfaces from any spill residue
Spill Control: Absorb liquid with earth, sand, or other inert material, collect in containers for disposal
Personal Protection: Wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing to prevent prolonged contact
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains or waterways, notify relevant environmental authorities if a significant release occurs
Cleanup Advice: Clean area completely to remove slippery residues, ventilate workspace to avoid any unseen buildup of fumes, wash with mild detergent if appropriate
Handling: Maintain good industrial hygiene, avoid direct contact, ensure ventilation where liquid is handled or heated
Avoiding Hazards: No special static control measures required under ordinary conditions, though care improves workplace routine
Storage: Store in a cool, well-ventilated place, keep the container tightly sealed, protect from direct sunlight, segregate away from strong oxidizers to minimize reactivity risk
Storage Materials: Use containers made from compatible materials such as glass or certain plastics to avoid degradation
Engineering Controls: Basic ventilation or localized exhaust at point of use helps reduce any vapor or mist exposure, which tends to be negligible at room temperature
Respiratory Protection: No special respirator needed during normal operation, although a particle mask may help if the substance is misted or sprayed
Eyes and Face: Use splash-proof goggles when transferring or cleaning spills
Skin Protection: Wear gloves made of nitrile or another chemical-resistant material, along with standard industrial work clothing
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before meals or breaks, keep food or drink away from chemical areas
Appearance: Clear, pale yellow oil with mild fatty odor
Molecular Weight: About 326.56 g/mol
Melting Point: Approximately 23°C (solidifies near room temperature in cool climates)
Boiling Point: Close to 345°C at standard atmospheric pressure
Flash Point: Estimated in the range of 170°C
Solubility in Water: Practically insoluble, floats on the surface
Solubility in Other Solvents: Miscible with many organic solvents, typical for fats and long-chain esters
Vapor Pressure: Extremely low at ambient temperature
Stability: Stable in the absence of strong acids or bases, resists slow oxidation at room temperature
Reactivity: Slow reaction possible with strong oxidizers, inappropriate storage with such chemicals poses unnecessary risks
Decomposition: Heating or fire conditions cause breakdown to carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and acrid smoke
Polymerization: Will not polymerize or present instability under ordinary storage conditions
Acute Toxicity: Very low, ingestion of small to moderate accidental doses produces little or no effect in healthy adults
Skin and Eye Effects: Cases of irritation occur in sensitive users, usually minor and reversible
Chronic Exposure: No clear evidence of significant health effects based on existing animal data and related compound histories
Inhalation: No recorded adverse effects from low-level exposures, though high-temperature mist may bother airways
Cancer and Mutagenicity: Lack of studies indicating measurable cancer risk or genetic toxicity, but no guarantee in the absence of extensive long-term data
Persistence and Degradability: Expected to degrade slowly, especially in soil and aquatic systems due to its high molecular weight and poor solubility in water
Bioaccumulation: Possible accumulation in sediment and organic matter owing to lipid solubility, but little evidence of hazardous buildup
Aquatic Toxicity: Minimal risk expected at typical environmental concentrations, substantial releases should be avoided to protect aquatic life
Mobility in Soil: Strong adhesion to soils and organic material limits transport into groundwater
General Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local regulations, typically handled as non-hazardous chemical waste in most jurisdictions
Incineration: Permitted in chemical waste incinerators if compatible with site permits
Avoid: Release to drains or surface waters, uncontrolled dumping onto soil
Packaging: Containers should be completely emptied before disposal or recycling, rinse residues if required by facility policy
Regulatory Status: Not classified as dangerous for most forms of land, sea, or air transport based on current international guidelines
Handling in Transit: Ship in properly labeled containers, shield from extreme heat or puncture to avoid leaks
Packaging Group: Not regulated for packaging; use leak-proof, durable containers
Transport Precautions: Prevent tipping or physical damage, no special marking required under normal transport conditions
International Listings: Recognized in registries for chemical substances in North America, Europe, and Asia
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under most systems, no special labeling required beyond standard workplace chemical symbols
Worker Safety Laws: General chemical hygiene and PPE rules apply, with no specific exposure limits or restrictions for this ester
Environmental Restrictions: Releases to the environment discouraged; handlers should comply with broad laws governing chemical discharges and waste management
Consumer Use: Unlikely to have prescribed labeling since this methyl ester rarely enters markets targeting everyday users or consumers
