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Name: Methane, Ethane, Propane, Butane, Pentane, Hexane, Heptane, Octane
Chemical Family: Alkanes
Common Use: Fuels, solvents, propellants, and raw material in synthesis
Physical State: Gas or liquid under pressure; odorless or faintly sweet
Color: Colorless
CAS Numbers: Range from 74-82-8 for methane to 111-65-9 for octane
Flammability: High; forms explosive mixtures with air
Health Hazards: May cause CNS depression; asphyxiation possible in confined spaces; skin and eye irritation from contact with liquids
Environmental Hazards: Volatile; heavier members can pose a hazard to aquatic life
Other Risks: Rapid vaporization can cause cold burns
Major Components: Single hydrocarbon molecule per compound
Impurities: Sometimes includes small amounts of other hydrocarbons or sulfur compounds
Purity: Typically above 95% in commercial grades
Formula Examples: Methane (CH4), Ethane (C2H6), Propane (C3H8), up to Octane (C8H18)
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air without delay; provide oxygen if breathing is difficult; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: For liquid exposure, thaw any frozen tissue with warm water; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for several minutes; seek attention if irritation remains
Ingestion: Unlikely due to gaseous form; contact emergency responders if liquid ingestion occurs
Special Note: Asphyxiation is the main threat in enclosed spaces
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam
Hazards from Combustion: Releases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sometimes soot
Protective Equipment: Full firefighting gear; may require self-contained breathing apparatus
Explosive Limits: Wide range for alkanes, for example methane 5-15% in air
Special Hazards: Vapors can travel to ignition source
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area; provide ventilation
Protective Equipment: Flame-resistant clothing, gloves for liquid spills
Environmental Precautions: Prevent vapors from entering sewers or confined locations
Cleanup Methods: Stop leak if safe; use non-sparking tools; for liquids, absorb in inert material
Handling: Use in well-ventilated spaces away from ignition sources
Storage: Store cylinders or tanks upright, secured, and in a cool location
Shelf Life: Stable under standard conditions but avoid heat
Tips: Check valves and connections regularly for leaks; label containers clearly
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation in enclosed areas
Respiratory Protection: Approved respirators for emergencies
Eye Protection: Safety goggles for liquid handling
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves; long sleeves for cryogenic liquids
Exposure Limits: Vary; for example, OSHA TWA for n-hexane is 500 ppm
Boiling Points: From -161°C (methane) up to 125°C (octane)
Vapor Pressure: High for lower alkanes, moderate for higher
Odor: Mild to none, not reliable for detection
Solubility: Poor in water; good in organic solvents
Density: Increases with chain length; colorless as a rule
Chemical Stability: Stable in absence of strong oxidizers or heat
Reactivity: Strong oxidizers, halogens can cause violent reactions
Conditions to Avoid: Sparks, flames, static electricity
Hazardous Decomposition: Carbon monoxide, sometimes peroxides with storage
Total Breakdown: Complete combustion gives only CO2 and water
Routes of Exposure: Primarily inhalation
Acute Effects: Dizziness, nausea, CNS depression for heavier gases like hexane
Chronic Effects: n-Hexane linked to nerve damage on repeated exposure
Carcinogenesis: Not classified as carcinogenic
Other Risks: Simple asphyxiant risk with all members if oxygen is displaced
Persistence: Breaks down rapidly in air
Bioaccumulation: Little significant buildup expected
Aquatic Toxicity: Heavier alkanes could harm organisms if spilled; lighter alkanes evaporate
Atmospheric Effects: Some contribute to ozone formation
Wastewater: Volatile nature makes them less likely to persist in water, but contamination is possible
Waste Treatment: Incinerate in controlled facilities
Container Disposal: Empty cylinders must be handled as hazardous; vent to safe place
Avoid: Discharge into drains, watercourses, or unapproved landfills
Recycling: Leave to specialized processors
UN Numbers: Methane (1971 for gas), Propane (1978), Butane (1011), Hexane (1208)
Class: Flammable gas or liquid, depending on specific compound
Labeling: Flammable symbol required
Precautions: Secure upright, avoid dropping or rolling containers
Storage in Transit: Well-ventilated vehicles, away from sparks and flames
OSHA Status: Regulated as flammable and hazardous
EPA Listing: Some alkanes found in hazardous air pollutant listing; hexane detailed in Clean Air Act
Community Right-to-Know: Required for hexane and some others
Other Regulations: DOT, IATA, IMDG require specific handling and labeling; workplace safety standards require controls and training
