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Chemical Name: Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Hydroxide
Other Names: CTABr derivative (cetyltrimethylammonium hydroxide), C16TMAOH
CAS Number: 21031-97-4
Common Uses: Lab surfactant, dispersant, phase transfer catalyst, specialty synthesis
Appearance: Usually appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, sometimes solid at lower temperatures
Odor: Faint amine-like
Boiling Point: Not well documented
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, can mix with ethanol
Industrial Setting: Used mainly by experienced chemists and chemical manufacturers
Hazard Class: Corrosive, irritant
Risk Phrases: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; may cause respiratory irritation
Acute Health Effects: Direct contact burns skin, eyes, mucous membranes; inhalation may irritate throat and lungs
Chronic Exposure Risks: Prolonged contact brings risk of dermatitis, possibly organ damage if inhaled regularly
Environmental Hazards: Toxic to aquatic life, does not break down quickly in water
Main Component: Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Hydroxide
Typical Concentration: 25%-35% by weight in solution for transportation and use
Impurities: Small amounts of water, possible traces of unreacted raw materials
Eye Contact: Instantly flush eyes with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes, making sure to hold eyelids open, seek medical help
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin generously with soap and water
Inhalation: Move person outside, keep them warm and still, let fresh air in, get medical attention if symptoms follow
Ingestion: Rinse mouth but avoid inducing vomiting, seek immediate medical assistance
Help Tips: Always seek a doctor’s care unless symptoms are extremely minor
Flash Point: Not listed in common literature but treat as if combustible
Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, or foam extinguishers work well; avoid direct water streams on chemical spills
Personal Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical resistant suits
Fire/Explosion Hazards: Combustion may give off toxic fumes, including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and ammonia
Personal Protection: Use goggles, gloves, boots, and protective clothing
Evacuation Protocol: Clear unnecessary people, ventilate area
Containment: Prevent runoff to drains and natural waters; absorb spills with inert material like sand
Cleaning: Collect residue in suitable containers for disposal, thoroughly wash contaminated area with water, dispose of cleaning agents as hazardous waste
Precautions: Handle only with adequate ventilation; keep away from acids, heat, and open flames
Safe Storage: Store in cool, dry conditions, best in corrosion-resistant containers with carefully sealed tops
Avoid: Contact with aluminum, zinc, acid chlorides, oxidizing agents
Workplace Practices: Take care not to eat, drink, or smoke around material; always wash hands after use
Engineering Controls: fume hoods, local exhaust ventilation, sealed bottles
Personal Protection: Butyl rubber or nitrile gloves, face shields, splash goggles, lab coats or chemical aprons
Respiratory Protection: Use only if ventilation is poor, otherwise NIOSH-approved respirator
Hygiene Practices: Wash exposed skin after tasks; remove contaminated clothing immediately
State: Liquid (occasionally solid at lower temperature)
Color: Clear to very pale yellow
Odor: Mildly fishy or amine-like
Melting Point: Variable, near or above room temperature for pure substance
Solubility: Mixes well with water and alcohol
pH: Basic (alkaline); typical solutions reach pH 12-14
Vapor Pressure: Low
Density: Usually about 1 g/cm³
Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures; unstable with strong acids
Decomposition: Heats up with acids, gives off harmful fumes, especially nitrogen oxides
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizers, anhydrides, or halogenated compounds
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts exothermically with many substances because of strong base character
Acute Toxicity: Exposure can cause pain, burns, redness, coughing, gastrointestinal upset if swallowed
Chronic Effects: Evidence draws links between long-term use and skin damage, possibly damage to internal organs through repeated high exposure
Routes of Exposure: Skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, ingestion
Symptoms: Redness, blistering, swelling, respiratory discomfort, nausea, burning sensation
Aquatic Impact: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms even at small doses, broad non-target toxicity for smaller aquatic animals
Persistence: Not readily biodegradable, tends to linger in water, can move through soils
Bioaccumulation: Possible, especially in fish and sediment
Soil Impact: Changes pH, disrupts microbial communities
Waste Management: Collect and label all residue, don’t pour into drains, rivers, or on soil
Disposal Method: Dispose in approved chemical waste incinerator, following all local and national hazardous waste laws
Container Disposal: Empty containers should be rinsed well, punctured, and sent to hazardous waste site
Shipping Classification: Usually listed as corrosive liquid, subject to Dangerous Goods regulations
Packing Group: Generally Group II for moderate to severe hazard
Transport Hazards: Containers must remain upright and tightly sealed; keep clear labeling for emergency responders
Workplace Limits: Not always assigned a specific exposure threshold; treat like other strong caustic agents
Labeling: Follow GHS guidelines for corrosive substances, use skull/crossbones or exclamation hazard pictograms
National/International Rules: Controlled in many locations as hazardous material, must follow strict transport, handling, and disposal codes
Employee Rights: Workers get access to hazard training, safety gear, and right to consult safety data
