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Product Name: Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide
Synonyms: Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, Cetrimide, CTAB
Chemical Formula: C19H42BrN
CAS Number: 57-09-0
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, phase transfer catalyst, surfactant in biochemistry
Manufacturer/Supplier: List the supplier or manufacturer, address, emergency phone number, email, and website for direct user reference
Emergency Contact: Local poison control, or the number provided by the manufacturer on the container label.
Molecular Weight: 364.45 g/mol
Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), Skin irritation, Eye damage, Aquatic toxicity
GHS Label Elements: Danger symbol, Skull and crossbones, Exclamation mark, Environment
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled, Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, mist, vapors; Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using; Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated area; Avoid release to the environment; Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, eye contact
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing skin and respiratory disorders
Chemical Name: Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide
Common Name/Synonyms: CTAB, Cetrimide
CAS Number: 57-09-0
Concentration: ≥ 98% pure (Lab grade may vary)
Impurities or Stabilizing Additives: Typically absent in reagent grade; check supplier documentation for process impurities
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop such as coughing, shortness of breath, or irritation.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with plenty of water. Do not induce vomiting. Give water to drink if conscious. Immediate medical attention recommended.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation persists, contact a physician.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing and seek medical help immediately.
Most Important Symptoms: Burning sensation, redness, blisters, coughing, breathing difficulty, upset stomach.
Note to Physician: Symptomatic treatment and supportive therapy.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Do not use strong water jets directly on the material.
Specific Hazards from Fire: Produces toxic fumes under fire conditions, including hydrogen bromide, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear.
Special Procedures: Contain and collect water used to fight fire for later disposal. Avoid release to sewers or waterways.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area. Ensure adequate ventilation. Avoid dust and contact with skin and eyes. Wear suitable personal protective equipment.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent leakage or spillage into drains, watercourses, or ground. Notify authorities if significant quantities enter waterways.
Methods for Containment: Sweep up gently to avoid dust. Collect in a suitable, labeled, sealed container.
Cleaning Methods: Use damp cloth or mop for small spills. Dispose of collected material in accordance with local regulations. Wash contaminated area thoroughly after material pickup is complete.
Precautions for Safe Handling: Handle in a well-ventilated area or under a suitable fume hood. Avoid breathing powder. Avoid direct contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Use dedicated equipment when working with strong surfactants.
Hygienic Practices: Wash hands and face after using this material. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling.
Storage Recommendations: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Keep away from incompatible materials like strong oxidizing agents and acids. Protect from light and moisture.
Incompatibilities: Avoid contact with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases to prevent hazardous reactions.
Exposure Limits: Not established specific to CTAB, but minimizing dust exposure recommended.
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels below recommended exposure limits.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Eye Protection: Chemical safety goggles
- Hand Protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves
- Skin and Body Protection: Lab coat, long sleeves, closed shoes
- Respiratory Protection: Dust respirator if handling powder or material is not adequately ventilated
- Environmental Exposure Control: Use containment to avoid environmental contamination.
Appearance: White, crystalline powder
Odor: Mild, soap-like
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: 6-8 (1% solution in water)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: 237-240°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not pertinent (solid)
Flammability (solid, gas): Not flammable
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Bulk Density: ~ 0.45-0.55 g/cm3
Solubility in Water: 36 g/L at 20°C
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not self-igniting
Decomposition Temperature: Decomposes above 240°C
Viscosity: Not applicable (solid)
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of storage and use
Reactivity: Surfactant properties make it reactive with certain chemicals
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, light, moisture, open flames
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen bromide, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides when heated or combusted
Polymerization: Will not occur
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 190 mg/kg – toxic if swallowed
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes burns, redness, and blisters on contact
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes severe eye burns, may cause permanent damage
Respiratory Sensitization: Causes coughing, sore throat, possible difficulty breathing if inhaled
Skin Sensitization: May cause allergic reactions on prolonged or repeated exposure
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: No data available
Carcinogenicity: Not classified by ACGIH, IARC, NTP, or OSHA as carcinogenic
Reproductive Toxicity: No current data or evidence; treat as a possible hazard
Target Organ Effects: Skin, eyes, mucous membranes, respiratory system
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may result in dermatitis or chronic eye/respiratory irritation
Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms; LC50 Fish: 0.3-1 mg/L (96h)
Degradability: Not readily biodegradable under typical environmental conditions
Bioaccumulation Potential: Potential for bioaccumulation not fully studied; possible persistent effects
Mobility in Soil: Moderately mobile in soil, may leach to groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Surfactants like CTAB can disrupt aquatic ecosystem balance; avoid all uncontrolled release to water bodies
Waste Handling: Collect and contain material for hazardous waste disposal according to local, regional, and national regulations
Container Disposal: Triple rinse containers before recycling or disposal; remove all hazard labeling before disposal
Do Not Flush: Never flush large quantities to drains or allow into natural waterways
Recommended Disposal Method: Incinerate at approved chemical disposal facility if possible; consult local environmental regulatory agencies for approved disposal
UN Number: 2811 (Toxic Solid, Organic, N.O.S.)
Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, organic, n.o.s. (Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III (moderate hazard)
Labels: Toxic, Marine Pollutant
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant
Special Precautions for User: Handle with appropriate personal protection and safeguard measures
Transport in Bulk: Not regulated for bulk transport
TSCA (USA): Listed
REACH (EU): Registered or pre-registered
GHS Compliance: compliant; labeling and data sheet required
SARA Title III Sections 302, 304, 313: Not listed, but treat with caution due to toxicity profile
California Proposition 65: Not specifically listed
Canadian DSL/NDSL: Listed in DSL
EU Classification: Toxic (Xn), Dangerous for the Environment (N)
WHMIS (Canada): D2B (toxic), E (corrosive)
Other Local/National Regulations: Users and handlers should review and comply with all applicable workplace safety, chemical storage, and hazardous waste disposal regulations as required in their region
