Chemical Name: Methyl tridecanoate
Chemical Formula: C14H28O2
Synonyms: Tridecanoic acid methyl ester
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid; mild odor
CAS Number: 1731-86-8
Primary Use: Analytical standard for laboratory analysis in environmental, food, or industrial contexts
Health Hazards: Eye and skin contact cause irritation, few acute effects appear at low exposure levels; ingestion may upset the stomach
Environmental Hazards: Potentially toxic to aquatic life if large quantities reach waterways
Physical Hazards: Combustible liquid; gives off irritating fumes if burned
GHS Classification: Not classed as hazardous under most criteria, though prudent handling always makes sense
Main Ingredient: Methyl tridecanoate >98% purity
Impurities: Trace fatty acid methyl ester homologs, minimal impact on safety
Additives: No stabilizers, preservatives, or dyes included in standard-grade material
Inhalation: Move away from vapor or aerosol, seek fresh air, medical advice for persistent symptoms such as coughing
Eye Contact: Rinse gently with plenty of water, do not rub eyes; medical attention if irritation continues
Skin Contact: Wash off thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water; avoid forcing vomiting unless directed by a health professional
Suitable Extinguishers: Foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possibly other organic vapors
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Precautions: Move containers away from the fire zone if safe to do so; cool nearby drums with water spray to prevent rupture
Personal Protection: Wear goggles, gloves, and work in a ventilated environment
Spill Containment: Absorb spills with inert material such as sand or vermiculite
Cleanup Procedure: Collect spilled material into containers for proper disposal, clean area with water and detergent
Environmental Precautions: Avoid letting the chemical enter storm drains, sewers, or waterways to limit harm to aquatic life
Handling Practices: Use away from heat and ignition sources, keep containers tightly closed, avoid breathing vapor
Avoid: Contact with strong oxidizers or acids, static electricity buildup
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area; keep away from direct sunlight and incompatible materials
Engineered Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation if handling large amounts indoors
Respiratory Protection: Respirators are only necessary if ventilation is poor and mist or vapor is present
Hand Protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves help to avoid skin exposure
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shields protect against splashes
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, launder contaminated clothing before reuse
Physical State: Liquid at room temperature
Color/Odor: Clear to pale yellow, faint, fatty odor
Boiling Point: Typically between 285 and 295°C
Melting Point: About -6°C
Vapor Pressure: Low at ambient temperature
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in common organic solvents such as hexane, ether, and acetone
Flash Point: Approximately 126°C, giving moderate fire risk
Density: Around 0.86 g/cm³
Chemical Stability: Stable under standard conditions if kept away from strong oxidizers
Hazardous Reactions: None under normal storage, though strong acids, bases, or oxidizers break the compound down
Decomposition: Under fire or extreme heat, breaks down to release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, other organic fragments
Acute Toxicity: Harm is mild upon short-term exposure; animal studies find oral toxicity at levels far above ordinary laboratory handling
Chronic Toxicity: No evidence of harm from repeated, low-level exposure in current literature
Eye and Skin Effects: Mild, short-lived irritation possible
Inhalation Effects: No significant symptoms except at high vapor concentrations
Aquatic Toxicity: Moderate risk to aquatic life if large spills reach bodies of water; low volatility reduces spread
Persistence and Degradability: Breaks down in the environment slowly by hydrolysis and microbial action
Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation due to rapid breakdown in natural waters
Waste Disposal: Treat as chemical waste, incinerate or handle through approved hazardous waste contractor where possible
Packaging Disposal: Empty containers should be triple-rinsed and recycled or incinerated as required by local regulations
Avoid: Disposing by pouring into drains or sewers
Transport Classification: Not classed as dangerous for most shipping under ADR/RID, IMDG, or IATA codes
Precautions: Seal packaging firmly, keep upright during transport, and label containers with chemical name for clarity
In Case of Spillage During Transport: Absorb and contain with spill kit, follow clean-up procedures similar to laboratory practice
Labelling Requirements: Laboratory handling requires appropriate hazard icons, though many jurisdictions do not classify as hazardous
Chemical Inventory: Listed in most major chemical inventories such as EINECS and TSCA
Worker Safety: Employers follow chemical hygiene plans under OSHA, PPE use and exposure controls align with workplace standards
Environmental Regulations: National and regional rules address significant discharge; best practices keep releases to a minimum