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SECTION 1. CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION

CHEMINFO Record Number: 252
CCOHS Chemical Name: n-Decane

Synonyms:
Decane
Décane normal

Chemical Name Spanish: n-Decano
CAS Registry Number: 124-18-5
UN/NA Number(s): 2247
RTECS Number(s): HD6550000
EU EINECS/ELINCS Number: 204-686-4
Chemical Family: Saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon / alkane / n-alkane / decane isomer
Molecular Formula: C10-H22
Structural Formula: CH3-(CH2)8-CH3

SECTION 2. DESCRIPTION

Appearance and Odour:
Colourless liquid with gasoline-like odour.

Odour Threshold:
1.94 ppm (11.3 mg/m3) (detection) (2)

Warning Properties:
Insufficient information

Composition/Purity:
n-Decane is one of the chemical forms (isomers) of decane (C10-H22). It has many similarities (properties and hazards) to other decanes. Some information in this record is given specifically for n-decane. Much information applies to decanes in general.

Uses and Occurrences:
Component of gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene and petroleum solvents such as white spirit; solvent; organic synthesis; standardized hydrocarbon; rubber industry; paper industry; and a constituent of polyolefin manufacturing wastes.

SECTION 3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW:
Colourless liquid, gasoline-like odour. COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID AND VAPOUR. Vapour is heavier than air and may spread long distances and accumulate in low-lying areas. Liquid can float on water and may travel long distances and/or spread fire. Liquid can accumulate static charge. SKIN IRRITANT. Causes severe skin irritation. May be irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. Mild central nervous system depressant. Extremely high vapour concentrations may cause headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. Aspiration hazard. Swallowing or vomiting of the liquid may result in aspiration into the lungs.


POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

Effects of Short-Term (Acute) Exposure

Inhalation:
Because of the relatively low vapour pressure and relatively low saturated vapour concentration of decanes, n-decane is unlikely to produce a sufficiently high vapour concentration to cause effects unless material is heated or mists are formed. In this case depression of the central nervous system may result in drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and incoordination. Based on skin irritation resulting from dermal exposure, concentrated vapour may cause nose and throat irritation.

Skin Contact:
Based on effects in animal studies, direct skin contact with decanes may cause moderate to severe irritation.

Eye Contact:
Eye contact will probably cause moderate to severe irritation with redness and pain. Concentrated vapour is probably irritating to the eyes. This evaluation is based on an animal skin irritancy study which produced moderate to severe skin irritation.

Ingestion:
There is no specific information for n-decane. Decanes in general have very low oral toxicity and large amounts would have to be ingested to cause depression of the central nervous system as described for inhalation above.
Based on physical properties, decanes can be easily aspirated into the lungs. Apiration is the "breathing" of a material into the lungs when it is swallowed or vomited. This could result in potentially fatal lung damage (pulmonary edema).
Ingestion is not a typical route of occupational exposure.

Effects of Long-Term (Chronic) Exposure

No chronic effects in humans have been reported.
SKIN: Based on results from animal studies, irritation and dermatitis (inflammation, reddening and swelling) may result from prolonged or repeated contact.

Carcinogenicity:

There is no human or animal information available.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has not evaluated the carcinogenicity of this chemical.

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has no listing for this chemical.

The US National Toxicology Program (NTP) has not listed this chemical in its report on carcinogens.

Teratogenicity and Embryotoxicity:
There is no human or animal information available.

Reproductive Toxicity:
There is no human or animal information available.

Mutagenicity:
There is no human information available. n-Decane was negative in a bacterial (Ames) test and in tests with cultured mammalian cells.(2)

Toxicologically Synergistic Materials:
There is no information available.

Potential for Accumulation:
Unlikely to accumulate. Decanes are readily metabolized and excreted from the body.

SECTION 4. FIRST AID MEASURES

Inhalation:
Remove source of contamination or move victim to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, trained personnel should begin artificial respiration or, if the heart has stopped, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. Obtain medical attention immediately.

Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods (e.g., watchbands, belts). Gently blot or brush away excess chemical quickly. Wash gently and thoroughly with water and non-abrasive soap for 20 minutes or until the chemical is removed. If irritation persists, obtain medical advice immediately. Completely decontaminate clothing, shoes and leather goods before re-use or discard.

Eye Contact:
Quickly and gently blot or brush away excess chemical. Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 20 minutes or until the chemical is removed, while holding the eyelid(s) open. Take care not to rinse contaminated water into the unaffected eye or onto the face. Obtain medical attention immediately.

Ingestion:
Never give anything my mouth if victim is rapidly losing consciousness, is unconscious or convulsing. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Have victim drink 240 to 300 mL (8 to 10 oz.) of water. If vomiting occurs naturally, have victim lean forward to reduce risk of aspiration. Repeat administration of water. Obtain medical attention immediately.

First Aid Comments:
Provide general supportive measures (comfort, warmth, rest). Consult a doctor and/or the nearest Poison Control Centre for all exposures except minor instances of inhalation or skin contact. All first aid procedures should be periodically reviewed by a doctor familiar with the material and its conditions of use in the workplace.


SECTION 5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

Flash Point:
46 deg C (115 deg F) (closed cup) (5,10)

Lower Flammable (Explosive) Limit (LFL/LEL):
0.8% (5,10)

Upper Flammable (Explosive) Limit (UFL/UEL):
2.6% (1); 5.4% (5,10)

Autoignition (Ignition) Temperature:
210 deg C (410 deg F) (5,10)

Sensitivity to Mechanical Impact:
Probably not sensitive. Stable material.

Sensitivity to Static Charge:
Specific information is not available. By comparison to other hydrocarbons, decane may accumulate static charge by flow or agitation, since hydrocarbons have low electrical conductivities. Vapours from heated liquid, at concentrations in the flammable range, can be ignited by a static spark.

Fire Hazard Summary:
Combustible liquid. Vapour can form flammable or explosive mixtures with air at, or above 46 deg C. Liquid can float on the top of water and travel long distances and/or spread fire. During a fire, irritating/toxic gases may be generated. Vapours from heated liquid can accumulate in confined spaces, resulting in a flammability hazard. Closed containers may rupture violently when heated.

Extinguishing Media:
Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, alcohol foam or polymer foam, water spray or fog

Fire Fighting Instructions:
Evacuate area and fight fire from a safe distance or protected location. Approach fire from upwind to avoid hazardous vapours and toxic decomposition products.
Stop leak before attempting to stop the fire. If the leak cannot be stopped, and if there is no risk to the surrounding area, let the fire burn itself out. If a leak or spill has not ignited, use water spray in large quantities to disperse the vapours and to protect personnel attempting to stop a leak. Water spray can also be used to flush spills away from ignition sources. Solid streams of water may be ineffective and spread material.
Closed containers may explode in the heat of the fire. If possible, isolate materials not yet involved in the fire and move containers from fire area if this can be done without risk, and protect personnel. Otherwise, fire-exposed containers or tanks should be cooled by application of hose streams and this should begin as soon as possible and should concentrate on any unwetted portions of the container.
For a massive fire in a large area, use unmanned hose holder or monitor nozzles; if this is not possible withdraw from fire area and allow fire to burn. Stay away from ends of tanks. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discolouration of tank due to fire.
Firefighters may enter the area if positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (MSHA/NIOSH approved or equivalent) and full Bunker Gear is worn.


NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA) HAZARD IDENTIFICATION

NFPA - Health: 1 - Exposure would cause significant irritation, but only minor residual injury.
NFPA - Flammability: 2 - Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur.
NFPA - Instability: 0 - Normally stable, even under fire conditions, and not reactive with water.

SECTION 9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Molecular Weight: 142.29

Conversion Factor:
1 ppm = 5.81 mg/m3; 1 mg/m3 = 0.172 ppm at 25 deg C (calc.)

Physical State: Liquid
Melting Point: -30 deg C (-22 deg F)
Boiling Point: 174 deg C (345 deg F) (1,2,10)
Relative Density (Specific Gravity): 0.730 at 20 deg C (1,10); 0.734 at 25 deg C (1) (water = 1)
Solubility in Water: Insoluble (1)
Solubility in Other Liquids: Soluble with most organic solvents.(2)
Coefficient of Oil/Water Distribution (Partition Coefficient): Log P(oct) = 5.98 (estimated) (1,11)
pH Value: Not applicable
Vapour Density: 4.9 (air = 1) (1,10)
Vapour Pressure: 0.13 kPa (1.0 mm Hg) at 16.5 deg C (1); 0.19 kPa (1.43 mm Hg) at 25 deg C (1,11)
Saturation Vapour Concentration: 1316 ppm (0.13%) at 16.5 deg C; 1880 ppm (0.19%) at 25 deg C (calc)
Evaporation Rate: Not available
Critical Temperature: 344.4 deg C (652 deg F) (11)

Other Physical Properties:
VISCOSITY-DYNAMIC: 0.92 mPa.s (0.92 centipoises) at 20 deg C (1,11)
VISCOSITY-KINEMATIC: 1.26 mm2/s (1.26 centistokes) at 20 deg C (calculated)
SAYBOLT UNIVERSAL VISCOSITY: Less than 32 seconds (1)
SURFACE TENSION: 25.67 mN/m (25.67 dynes/cm) (11)
CRITICAL PRESSURE: 2108 kPa (20.8 atm) (11)

SECTION 10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

Stability:
Normally stable

Hazardous Polymerization:
Does not occur

Incompatibility - Materials to Avoid:

NOTE: Chemical reactions that could result in a hazardous situation (e.g. generation of flammable or toxic chemicals, fire or detonation) are listed here. Many of these reactions can be done safely if specific control measures (e.g. cooling of the reaction) are in place. Although not intended to be complete, an overview of important reactions involving common chemicals is provided to assist in the development of safe work practices.


STRONG OXIDIZING AGENTS (e.g. peroxides, nitrates and perchlorates) - may react violently. Increased risk of fire and explosion.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:
None

Conditions to Avoid:
Heat, open flames, static discharge, sparks and other ignition sources.

Corrosivity to Metals:
Not corrosive

SECTION 11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

LC50 (mouse): 72300 mg/m3, 2-hour exposure (probably an aerosol as this is above the saturated vapour concentration) (4, unconfirmed)
Anesthetic dose in mice was 582 mg/kg (2)

Skin Irritation:

Application of 0.2 mL of liquid n-decane to the skin of rabbits, under a dressing, produced redness and bleeding, followed by encrustation, reduced elasticity and cracks. After 14 days, skin again appeared normal.(2)

Effects of Short-Term (Acute) Exposure:

Ingestion:
Aspiration of 0.2 ml of n-decane caused death in rats within 24 hours by pulmonary edema and hemorrhaging.(1,3)

Effects of Long-Term (Chronic) Exposure:

Inhalation:
No major toxic effects have been reported in animals following long-term (chronic) inhalation exposure. Rats inhaling 540 ppm n-decane for up to 123 days, showed no ill-effects except for an increase in weight and a fall in the number of white blood cells.(8) Male rats exposed to solvent vapour mixtures containing n-decane and n-undecane from 300 to 900 ppm for up to 12 weeks, showed mild kidney damage.(3) Two-month vapour exposure of rats produced no changes in the eyes (no cataracts).(7)

Skin Contact:
Application of 100-150 mg of undiluted n-decane to skin of mice, 3 times a week for 50 weeks, resulted in damage to skin, lungs, spleen and kidney.(8)

Carcinogenicity:
No carcinogenic effects were observed in long-term studies by inhalation or skin application. n-Decane had weak activity as a promoter or cocarcinogen when applied with benzo(a)pyrene, a known carcinogen, to the skin of mice.(2) The relevancy of these test results to human exposures is unknown.


SECTION 16. OTHER INFORMATION

Selected Bibliography:
(1) Cavender, F. Aliphatic hydrocarbons. In: Patty's industrial hygiene and toxicology. 4th edition. Volume II. Toxicology. Part B. Edited by G.D. Clayton et al. John Wiley and Sons, 1994. p. 1223, 1226-1227, 1238
(2) Kjaergaard, S., et al. n-Decane and n-undecane. In: Criteria documents from the Nordic Expert Group 1987. Edited by G. Heimburger et al. Arbete Och Halsa. No. 40 (1987). p. 45-73
(3) Low, L.K., et al. Decane, undecane and dodecane (C10-C12). In: Ethel Browning's toxicity and metabolism of industrial solvents. Volume 1: Hydrocarbons. 2nd edition. Elsevier Science Publishers, 1987. p. 322-326
(4) RTECS record for decane. Last updated 9601
(5) Fire protection guide to hazardous materials. 13th ed. Edited by A.B. Spencer, et al. National Fire Protection Association, 2002. NFPA 325
(7) Grant, W.M., et al. Toxicology of the eye. 4th edition. Charles C. Thomas, 1993. p. 1127-1128
(8) Nau, C.A., et al. C9-C12 fractions obtained from petroleum distillates. Archives of Environmental Health. Vol. 12 (March 1966). p. 382-393
(9) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health pocket guide to chemical hazards. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, June 1994. p. 236-237
(10) The Sigma-Aldrich library of chemical safety data. Edition II. Volume 1. Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, 1988. p. 1013D
(11) HSDB record for decane. Last revision data: 96/01/18
(12) Revidal, F., et al. Effects of hydrocarbons on transformation and intercellular communication in Syrian Hamster embryo cells. Pharmacology and Toxicology. Vol. 71 (1992). p. 57-61
(13) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Hydrocarbons, BP 36 -216 deg C. In: NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM(R)). 4th ed. Edited by M.E. Cassinelli, et al. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 94-113. Aug. 1994. Available at: <www.cdc.gov/niosh/nmam/nmammenu.html>
(14) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Volatile Organic Compounds (Screening). In: NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM(R)). 4th ed. Edited by M.E. Cassinelli, et al. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 94-113. Aug. 1994. Available at: <www.cdc.gov/niosh/nmam/nmammenu.html>

Information on chemicals reviewed in the CHEMINFO database is drawn from a number of publicly available sources. A list of general references used to compile CHEMINFO records is available in the database Help.


Review/Preparation Date: 1997-03-12

Revision Indicators:
US transport 1998-03-01
Resistance of materials 1998-06-01
Bibliography 1998-06-01
Bibliography 2003-04-11
NFPA (health) 2003-04-11
Emergency overview 2003-06-16
Bibliography 2005-04-02
Passive Sampling Devices 2005-04-02
Sampling/analysis 2005-04-02



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