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Chemical Name: Isododecane
Chemical Family: Aliphatic hydrocarbons
Common Uses: You’ll see isododecane in cosmetics, usually as a solvent for things like long-wear lipstick, foundations, and waterproof mascara. It appears in some industrial cleaning fluids too.
CAS Number: 31807-55-3
Physical State: Under normal room conditions, clear, colorless liquid; noticeably volatile with a mild odor.
Hazard Classification: Flammable liquid and vapor, can irritate both skin and eyes.
Signal Word: Warning
Potential Health Effects: On direct skin contact, dryness or cracking can show up fast. Inhalation of high vapor concentrations causes dizziness or headache; splashing in eyes stings and reddens. Ingesting it prompts nausea and a good chance of vomiting. Long-term, heavy exposure may nudge the central nervous system.
Fire Risks: The vapor can ignite at room temperature, especially with open flames or sparks nearby.
Ingredient: Isododecane
Chemical Formula: C12H26
Concentration: Usually above 95 percent in cosmetic-grade formulations.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, loosen tight clothing, and rest comfortably. If symptoms stick around, medical help should follow.
Skin Contact: Thorough washing with soap and water gets it off; take off contaminated clothing and rinse skin.
Eye Contact: Rinse gently with clean water for at least fifteen minutes. If vision blurs or pain lingers, eye care is necessary.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth and do not force vomiting. Medical support should be called.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical extinguishers, alcohol-resistant foam, or carbon dioxide work best.
Special Hazards: Combustion creates dense, irritating smoke. Containers exposed to fire may rupture.
Personal Protection for Firefighters: Full protective gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus, prevents exposure to hazardous fumes.
Spill Handling: Switch off ignition sources and keep people clear. Ventilate closed spaces quickly. For small spills, absorb with sand or non-flammable absorbent. Large spills call for diking and use of suitable containers for cleanup.
Disposal: Collect waste and seal tightly for disposal following local hazardous waste regulation.
Precautions: Keep drums and storage containers tightly sealed. Store away from heat, open flames, and incompatible substances. Handling requires no smoking and taking steps to minimize splashing or aerosol formation.
Safe Storage Conditions: A cool, dry, well-ventilated place reduces risk. Static electricity builds up easily, so proper grounding and bonding prevents unexpected ignitions.
Engineering Controls: Decent mechanical exhaust or local fume extraction keeps airborne concentrations low.
Protective Equipment: Splash-proof goggles shield the eyes; chemical-resistant gloves protect the hands. A lab coat or apron helps keep the skin safe. If vapors build up, organic vapor respirators may be used. Wash up before eating, smoking, or leaving work.
Appearance: Colorless, watery-thin liquid
Odor: Mild, often likened to a faint petroleum scent
Boiling Point: Roughly 157–180°C
Flash Point: As low as 43°C, sometimes lower depending on formulation
Vapor Pressure: Fairly high for a hydrocarbon at room temp
Solubility: Not soluble in water, mixes readily with many organic solvents
Density: About 0.75 g/cm³
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage, but not immortal—excess heat, strong oxidizers, or sunlight can break it down or spark reactions.
Reactivity: Strong acids, oxidizers, and halogens create unsafe chemical reactions and release of combustion gases.
Acute Effects: Short-term exposure causes skin and eye discomfort, with headaches or dizziness if fumes gather in poorly vented areas. Prolonged skin contact leads to dryness or cracking.
Chronic Effects: Animal studies suggest low overall toxicity for isododecane, but heavy repeated exposure can depress the nervous system or affect the lungs if inhaled.
Ingestion Risks: Drinks of isododecane are toxic, with symptoms hitting the digestive tract and nervous system fast.
Ecotoxicity: High concentrations harm aquatic organisms; runoff into waterways causes problems for fish and small invertebrates.
Persistence: Slow to break down in soil and water, can bioaccumulate in aquatic food chains. Impact sticks around if released carelessly.
Waste Disposal: Collect spillage in clearly labeled, closed containers. Do not wash down drains or mix with household waste. Qualified hazardous waste disposal services handle isododecane best. Burning or incinerating needs clean, controlled utility plants able to scrub out harmful emissions.
UN Number: Classified as a flammable liquid under international transport laws.
Transportation Precautions: Use vehicles marked for dangerous goods, with sealed containers that hold up if tipped over. Secure tightly during travel, store far from passenger cabins, and follow legal limits for quantity and route.
Labeling Requirements: Flammable liquid symbol and hazard warnings needed by law in most countries.
Occupational Exposure Limits: Workplace rules on short-term exposure come from national chemical safety boards, though official exposure limits for isododecane are not always published everywhere.
Environmental Rules: Discharge to water or soil triggers reporting and remediation under strict environmental statutes in North America and Europe. Safe handling practices stay in focus for both worker health and local wildlife protection.
