N-HEXANE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 8-Jul-2005 CHEMWATCH 1208-1
A317TC CD 2006/2 Page 1 of 14
Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
PRODUCT NAME
N-HEXANE
SYNONYMS
C6-H14, "normal hexane", hexane
PROPER SHIPPING NAME
HEXANES
Edit
PRODUCT USE
An incidental component of many aliphatic solvent mixes used as lacquer, paint
and enamel thinners, also in ink reducers and cleaning solvents. Also used for
solvent extraction of oil seeds and in pesticide residue analysis and gas
chromatography.
SUPPLIER
Quantum Chemicals Pty Ltd
70 Quantum Close
Quantum Industrial Park
Dandenong South VIC 3175
Australia
Telephone: 1300 782 688
Emergency Tel: 1300 131 001
Fax: 1300 782 699
HAZARD RATINGS
Flammability
Toxicity
Body Contact
Reactivity
Chronic
SCALE: Min/Nil=0 Low=1 Moderate=2 High=3 Extreme=4
Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
STATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS NATURE
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE. DANGEROUS GOODS. According to the
N-HEXANE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 8-Jul-2005 CHEMWATCH 1208-1
A317TC CD 2006/2 Page 2 of 14
Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
Criteria of NOHSC, and the ADG Code.
POISONS SCHEDULE
S5
RISK
Highly flammable.
Irritating to skin.
Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through
inhalation.
Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic
environment.
Possible risk of impaired fertility.
HARMFUL-May cause lung damage if swallowed.
Inhalation and/or skin contact may produce health damage*.
Cumulative effects may result following exposure*.
May produce discomfort of the eyes and respiratory tract*.
Vapours potentially cause drowsiness and dizziness*.
* (limited evidence).
SAFETY
Keep container in a well ventilated place.
Avoid exposure - obtain special instructions before use.
Keep container tightly closed.
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
In case of contact with eyes, rinse with plenty of water and contact Doctor or
Poisons Information Centre.
Section 3 - COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
NAME CAS RN %
n-hexane 110-54-3 >98
Section 4 - FIRST AID MEASURES
SWALLOWED
If poisoning occurs, contact a doctor or Poisons Information Centre.
鈥? If swallowed do NOT induce vomiting.
鈥? If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down
position, if possible) to maintain open airway and prevent aspiration.
鈥? Observe the patient carefully.
鈥? Never give liquid to a person showing signs of being sleepy or with reduced
awareness; i.e. becoming unconscious
鈥? Give water to rinse out mouth, then provide liquid slowly and as much as
casualty can comfortably drink.
鈥? Seek medical advice.
EYE
If this product comes in contact with the eyes:
鈥? Immediately hold eyelids apart and flush the eye continuously with running
N-HEXANE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 8-Jul-2005 CHEMWATCH 1208-1
A317TC CD 2006/2 Page 3 of 14
Section 4 - FIRST AID MEASURES
water.
鈥? Ensure complete irrigation of the eye by keeping eyelids apart and away from
eye and moving the eyelids by occasionally lifting the upper and lower lids.
鈥? Continue flushing until advised to stop by the Poisons Information Centre or a
doctor, or for at least 15 minutes.
鈥? Transport to hospital or doctor without delay.
鈥? Removal of contact lenses after an eye injury should only be undertaken by
skilled personnel.
SKIN
If skin contact occurs:
鈥? Immediately remove all contaminated clothing, including footwear
鈥? Flush skin and hair with running water (and soap if available).
鈥? Seek medical attention in event of irritation.
INHALED
鈥? If fumes or combustion products are inhaled remove from contaminated area.
鈥? Lay patient down. Keep warm and rested.
鈥? Prostheses such as false teeth, which may block airway, should be removed,
where possible, prior to initiating first aid procedures.
鈥? Apply artificial respiration if not breathing, preferably with a demand valve
resuscitator, bag-valve mask device, or pocket mask as trained. Perform CPR if
necessary.
鈥? Transport to hospital, or doctor.
NOTES TO PHYSICIAN
Following acute or short term repeated exposures to n-hexane:
鈥? Large quantities of n-hexane are expired by the lungs after vapour exposure
(50-60%). Humans exposed to 100 ppm demonstrate an n-hexane biological half life
of 2 hours.
鈥? Initial attention should be directed towards evaluation and support of
respiration. Cardiac dysrhythmias are a potential complication.
INGESTION:
鈥? Ipecac syrup should be considered for ingestion of pure hexane exceeding
2-3ml/kg. Extreme caution must be taken to avoid aspiration since small amounts
of n-hexane intratracheally, produce a severe chemical pneumonitis.
[Ellenhorn and Barceloux: Medical Toxicology]
BIOLOGICAL EXPOSURE INDEX - BEI
BEIs represent the levels of determinants which are most likely to be observed
in specimens collected in a healthy worker who has been exposed to chemicals to
the same extent as a worker with inhalation exposure to the Exposure Standard
(ES or TLV).
Determinant Index Sampling Time Comments
1. "2 5 mg/gm End of shift NS
5-hexanedione" in creatinine
urine
2. n-Hexane in SQ
end-exhaled air
NS: Non-specific determinant; Metabolite observed following exposure to other
materials.
SQ: Semi-quantitative determinant; Interpretation may be ambiguous - should be
used as a screening test or confirmatory test.
N-HEXANE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 8-Jul-2005 CHEMWATCH 1208-1
A317TC CD 2006/2 Page 4 of 14
Section 5 - FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA
Dry chemical powder.
Foam.
Carbon dioxide.
FIRE FIGHTING
鈥? Alert Fire Brigade and tell them location and nature of hazard.
鈥? May be violently or explosively reactive.
鈥? Wear breathing apparatus plus protective gloves.
鈥? Prevent, by any means available, spillage from entering drains or water
course.
鈥? Consider evacuation (or protect in place).
鈥? Fight fire from a safe distance, with adequate cover.
鈥? If safe, switch off electrical equipment until vapour fire hazard removed.
鈥? Use water delivered as a fine spray to control the fire and cool adjacent
area.
鈥? Avoid spraying water onto liquid pools.
鈥? Do not approach containers suspected to be hot.
鈥? Cool fire exposed containers with water spray from a protected location.
鈥? If safe to do so, remove containers from path of fire.
FIRE/EXPLOSION HAZARD
鈥? Liquid and vapour are highly flammable.
鈥? Severe fire hazard when exposed to heat, flame and/or oxidisers.
鈥? Vapour forms an explosive mixture with air.
鈥? Severe explosion hazard, in the form of vapour, when exposed to flame or
spark.
鈥? Vapour may travel a considerable distance to source of ignition.
鈥? Heating may cause expansion / decomposition with violent rupture of
containers.
鈥? On combustion, may emit toxic fumes of carbon monoxide (CO).
May emit clouds of acrid smoke.
FIRE INCOMPATIBILITY
Avoid reaction with oxidising agents.
HAZCHEM
3[Y]E
Personal Protective Equipment
Breathing apparatus.
Chemical splash suit.
Section 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
MINOR SPILLS
鈥? Remove all ignition sources.
鈥? Clean up all spills immediately.
鈥? Avoid breathing vapours and contact with skin and eyes.
鈥? Control personal contact by using protective equipment.
鈥? Contain and absorb small quantities with vermiculite or other absorbent
material.
鈥? Wipe up.
鈥? Collect residues in a flammable waste container.
N-HEXANE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 8-Jul-2005 CHEMWATCH 1208-1
A317TC CD 2006/2 Page 5 of 14
Section 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
MAJOR SPILLS
鈥? Clear area of personnel and move upwind.
鈥? Alert Fire Brigade and tell them location and nature of hazard.
鈥? May be violently or explosively reactive.
鈥? Wear breathing apparatus plus protective gloves.
鈥? Prevent, by any means available, spillage from entering drains or water
course.
鈥? Consider evacuation (or protect in place).
鈥? No smoking, naked lights or ignition sources.
鈥? Increase ventilation.
鈥? Stop leak if safe to do so.
鈥? Water spray or fog may be used to disperse /absorb vapour.
鈥? Contain spill with sand, earth or vermiculite.
鈥? Use only spark-free shovels and explosion proof equipment.
鈥? Collect recoverable product into labelled containers for recycling.
鈥? Absorb remaining product with sand, earth or vermiculite.
鈥? Collect solid residues and seal in labelled drums for disposal.
鈥? Wash area and prevent runoff into drains.
鈥? If contamination of drains or waterways occurs, advise emergency services.
PROTECTIVE ACTIONS FOR SPILL
PROTECTIVE ACTION ZONE
half
evacuation
downwind
direction
distance
down wind distance
wind isolation
distance
direction
half
evacuation downwind
INITIAL direction distance
ISOLATION
ZONE
From IERG (Canada/Australia)
Isolation Distance 25 metres
Downwind Protection Distance 300 metres
IERG Number 14
FOOTNOTES
1 PROTECTIVE ACTION ZONE is defined as the area in which people are at risk
of harmful exposure. This zone assumes that random changes in wind direction
confines the vapour plume to an area within 30 degrees on either side of the
predominant wind direction, resulting in a crosswind protective action distance
equal to the downwind protective action distance.
2 PROTECTIVE ACTIONS should be initiated to the extent possible, beginning with
those closest to the spill and working away from the site in the downwind
direction. Within the protective action zone a level of vapour concentration
may exist resulting in nearly all unprotected persons becoming incapacitated
and unable to take protective action and/or incurring serious or irreversible
health effects.
3 INITIAL ISOLATION ZONE is determined as an area, including upwind of the
incident, within which a high probability of localised wind reversal may
expose nearly all persons without appropriate protection to life-threatening
concentrations of the material.
4 SMALL SPILLS involve a leaking package of 200 litres (55 US gallons) or less,
such as a drum (jerrican or box with inner containers). Larger packages leaking
less than 200 litres and compressed gas leaking from a small cylinder are also
considered "small spills".
LARGE SPILLS involve many small leaking packages or a leaking package of
N-HEXANE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 8-Jul-2005 CHEMWATCH 1208-1
A317TC CD 2006/2 Page 6 of 14
Section 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
greater than 200 litres, such as a cargo tank, portable tank or a "one-tonne"
compressed gas cylinder.
5 Guide 128 is taken from the US DOT emergency response guide book.
6 IERG information is derived from CANUTEC - Transport Canada.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING GUIDELINES (ERPG)
The maximum airborne concentration below which it is believed that nearly all
individuals could be exposed for up to one hour WITHOUT experiencing or developing
life-threatening health effects is:
n-hexane 1100 ppm
irreversible or other serious effects or symptoms which could
impair an individual's ability to take protective action is:
n-hexane 250 ppm
other than mild, transient adverse effects
without perceiving a clearly defined odour is:
n-hexane 150 ppm
The threshold concentration below which most people.
will experience no appreciable risk of health effects:
n-hexane 50 ppm
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
Ingredients considered according to the following cutoffs
Very Toxic (T+) >= 0.1% Toxic (T) >= 3.0%
R50 >= 0.25% Corrosive (C) >= 5.0%
R51 >= 2.5%
else >= 10%
where percentage is percentage of ingredient found in the mixture
SAFE STORAGE WITH OTHER CLASSIFIED CHEMICALS
___________________________________________
+ X X X X +
___________________________________________
+: May be stored together
O: May be stored together with specific preventions
X: Must not be stored together
Personal Protective Equipment advice is contained in Section 8 of the MSDS.
Section 7 - HANDLING AND STORAGE
PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING
Avoid generating and breathing mist.
鈥? Avoid all personal contact, including inhalation.
鈥? Wear protective clothing when risk of exposure occurs.
鈥? Use in a well-ventilated area.
鈥? Prevent concentration in hollows and sumps.
鈥? DO NOT enter confined spaces until atmosphere has been checked.
鈥? Avoid smoking, naked lights, heat or ignition sources.
鈥? When handling, DO NOT eat, drink or smoke.
鈥? Vapour may ignite on pumping or pouring due to static electricity.
N-HEXANE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 8-Jul-2005 CHEMWATCH 1208-1
A317TC CD 2006/2 Page 7 of 14
Section 7 - HANDLING AND STORAGE
鈥? DO NOT use plastic buckets.
鈥? Earth and secure metal containers when dispensing or pouring product.
鈥? Use spark-free tools when handling.
鈥? Avoid contact with incompatible materials.
鈥? Keep containers securely sealed.
鈥? Avoid physical damage to containers.
鈥? Always wash hands with soap and water after handling.
鈥? Work clothes should be laundered separately.
鈥? Use good occupational work practice.
鈥? Observe manufacturer's storing and handling recommendations.
鈥? Atmosphere should be regularly checked against established exposure standards
to ensure safe working conditions.
SUITABLE CONTAINER
鈥? Metal can or drum
鈥? Packaging as recommended by manufacturer.
鈥? Check all containers are clearly labelled and free from leaks.
STORAGE INCOMPATIBILITY
Avoid storage with oxidisers.
STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
鈥? Store in original containers in approved flame-proof area.
鈥? No smoking, naked lights, heat or ignition sources.
鈥? DO NOT store in pits, depressions, basements or areas where vapours may be
trapped.
鈥? Keep containers securely sealed.
鈥? Store away from incompatible materials in a cool, dry well ventilated area.
鈥? Protect containers against physical damage and check regularly for leaks.
鈥? Observe manufacturer's storing and handling recommendations.
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
EXPOSURE CONTROLS
Source Material TWA TWA STEL STEL Peak Peak
ppm mg/m鲁 ppm m5/m鲁 ppm mg/m鲁
_________________________ ________________ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
Australia Exposure n-hexane 20 72
Standards
EMERGENCY EXPOSURE LIMITS
Material Original IDLH Original IDLH Revised IDLH Value Revised IDLH Value
Value (ppm) Value (mg/m3) (mg/m3) (ppm)
n-hexane 5,000 1,100 [LEL]
NOTES
Values marked LEL indicate that the IDLH was based on 10% of the lower explosive
limit for safety considerations even though the relevant toxicological data
indicated that irreversible health effects or impairment of escape existed
only at higher concentrations.
Exposure limits with "skin" notation indicate that vapour and liquid may be
absorbed through intact skin. Absorption by skin may readily exceed vapour
inhalation exposure. Symptoms for skin absorption are the same as for
inhalation. Contact with eyes and mucous membranes may also contribute to
overall exposure and may also invalidate the exposure standard.
Odour Threshold Value: 65 ppm
NOTE: Detector tubes for n-hexane, measuring in excess of 100 ppm, are
N-HEXANE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 8-Jul-2005 CHEMWATCH 1208-1
A317TC CD 2006/2 Page 8 of 14
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
available commercially.
Occupational polyneuropathy may result from exposures as low as 500 ppm
(as hexane), whilst nearly continuous exposures of 250 ppm have caused
neurotoxic effects in animals. Many literature reports have failed to
distinguish hexane from n-hexane and on the assumption that the
commercial hexane contains 30% n-hexane, a worst case recommendation for
TLV is assumed to reduce the risk of peripheral neuropathies (due to the
metabolites 2,5-heptanedione and 3,6-octanedione) and other adverse
neuropathic effects.
Concurrent exposure to chemicals (including MEK) and drugs which induce
hepatic liver oxidative metabolism can reduce the time for neuropathy
to appear.
ODOUR SAFETY FACTOR (OSF)
OSF=0.15 (n-HEXANE)
Exposed individuals are NOT reasonably expected to be warned, by smell, that the
Exposure Standard is being exceeded.
Odour Safety Factor (OSF) is determined to fall into either Class C, D or E.
The Odour Safety Factor (OSF) is defined as:
OSF= Exposure Standard (TWA) ppm/ Odour Threshold Value (OTV) ppm
Classification into classes follows:
Class OSF Description
A 550 Over 90% of exposed
individuals are aware by
smell that the Exposure
Standard (TLV-TWA for
example) is being
"reached " even when
distracted by working
activities
B 26-550 As """A""" for 50-90% of
persons being distracted
C 1-26 As """A""" for less than
50% of persons being
distracted
D 0.18-1 10-50% of persons aware
of being tested perceive
by smell that the
Exposure Standard is
being reached
E <0.18 As """D""" for less than
10% of persons aware of
being tested
.
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH GUIDELINES
Established occupational exposure limits frequently do not take into
consideration reproductive end points that are clearly below the thresholds for
other toxic effects. Occupational reproductive guidelines (ORGs) have been
suggested as an additional standard. These have been established after a
literature search for the reproductive no-observed-adverse effect-level (NOAEL)
and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level (LOAEL). In addition the US EPA's
procedures for risk assessment for hazard identification and dose-response
assessment as applied by NIOSH were used in the creation of such limits.
TLV
Ingredient ORG UF Endpoint CR Adeq
n-hexane 176 mg/m鲁 NA NA NA Yes
These exposure guidelines have been derived from a screening level of risk
N-HEXANE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
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Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
assessment and should not be construed as unequivocally safe limits. ORGS
represent an 8-hour time-weighted average unless specified otherwise.
CR = Cancer Risk/10000; UF = Uncertainty factor:
TLV believed to be adequate to protect reproductive health:
LOD: Limit of detection
Toxic endpoints have also been identified as:
D = Developmental; R = Reproductive; TC = Transplacental carcinogen
Jankovic J., Drake F.: A Screening Method for Occupational Reproductive
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal 57: 641-649 (1996).
PERSONAL PROTECTION
EYE
鈥? Safety glasses with side shields; or as required,
鈥? Chemical goggles.
鈥? Contact lenses may pose a special hazard; soft contact lenses may absorb and
concentrate irritants. A written policy document, describing the wearing of lens
or restrictions on use, should be created for each workplace or task. This
should include a review of lens absorption and adsorption for the class of
chemicals in use and an account of injury experience. Medical and first-aid
personnel should be trained in their removal and suitable equipment should be
readily available. In the event of chemical exposure, begin eye irrigation
immediately and remove contact lens as soon as practicable. Lens should be
removed at the first signs of eye redness or irritation - lens should be removed
in a clean environment only after workers have washed hands thoroughly. [CDC
NIOSH Current Intelligence Bulletin 59].
HANDS/FEET
Polyethylene gloves.
Wear chemical protective gloves, eg. PVC.
Wear safety footwear.
DO NOT use this product to clean the skin.
OTHER
鈥? Overalls.
鈥? Eyewash unit.
鈥? Barrier cream.
鈥? Skin cleansing cream.
GLOVE SELECTION INDEX
Glove selection is based on a modified presentation of the:
"Forsberg Clothing Performance Index".
The effect(s) of the following substance(s) are taken into account in the
computer-generated selection: n-hexane
Protective Material CPI *.
________________________________
PE/EVAL/PE A
PVA A
SARANEX-23 2-PLY A
VITON A
VITON/CHLOROBUTYL A
TEFLON B
N-HEXANE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 8-Jul-2005 CHEMWATCH 1208-1
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Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
NITRILE B
NEOPRENE C
NEOPRENE/NATURAL C
NITRILE+PVC C
PVC C
BUTYL C
________________________________
* CPI - Chemwatch Performance Index
A: Best Selection
B: Satisfactory; may degrade after 4 hours continuous immersion
C: Poor to Dangerous Choice for other than short term immersion
NOTE: As a series of factors will influence the actual performance of the glove,
a final selection must be based on detailed observation. -
* Where the glove is to be used on a short term, casual or infrequent basis,
factors such as "feel" or convenience (e.g. disposability), may dictate a choice
of gloves which might otherwise be unsuitable following long-term or frequent
use. A qualified practitioner should be consulted.
RESPIRATOR
Selection of the Class and Type of respirator will depend upon the level of
breathing zone contaminant and the chemical nature of the contaminant.
Protection Factors (defined as the ratio of contaminant outside and inside the
mask) may also be important.
Breathing Zone Maximum Half-face Full-Face
Level ppm Protection Factor Respirator Respirator
(volume)
1000 10 AX-AUS -
1000 50 - AX-AUS
5000 50 Airline * -
5000 100 - AX-2
10000 100 - AX-3
100+ Airline**
* - Continuous Flow ** - Continuous-flow or positive pressure demand.
The local concentration of material, quantity and
conditions of use determine the type of personal
protective equipment required.
For further information consult site specific
CHEMWATCH data (if available), or your
Occupational Health and Safety Advisor.
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
Use in a well-ventilated area.
General exhaust is adequate under normal operating conditions. Local exhaust
ventilation may be required in specific circumstances. If risk of overexposure
exists, wear approved respirator. Correct fit is essential to obtain adequate
protection. Provide adequate ventilation in warehouse or closed storage areas.
Air contaminants generated in the workplace possess varying "escape" velocities
which, in turn, determine the "capture velocities" of fresh circulating air
required to effectively remove the contaminant.
Type of Contaminant: Air Speed:
solvent " "vapours " degreasing "etc. 0.25-0.5 m/s (50-100 f/min)
" evaporating from tank (in still
air).
aerosols " fumes from pouring 0.5-1 m/s (100-200 f/min.)
"operations " intermittent container
"filling " low speed conveyer
"transfers " "welding " spray "drift "
N-HEXANE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
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Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
plating acid "fumes " pickling
(released at low velocity into zone of
active generation)
direct "spray " spray painting in 1-2.5 m/s (200-500 f/min.)
shallow "booths " drum "filling "
conveyer "loading " crusher "dusts "
gas discharge (active generation into
zone of rapid air motion)
grinding " abrasive "blasting " 2.5-10 m/s (500-2000 f/min.)
"tumbling " high speed wheel generated
dusts (released at high initial
velocity into zone of very high rapid
air motion).
Within each range the appropriate value depends on:
Lower end of the range Upper end of the range
1: Room air currents minimal or 1: Disturbing room air currents
favourable to capture
2: Contaminants of low toxicity or of 2: Contaminants of high toxicity
nuisance value only.
3: Intermittent, low production. 3: High production, heavy use
4: Large hood or large air mass in 4: Small hood-local control only
motion
Simple theory shows that air velocity falls rapidly with distance away from the
opening of a simple extraction pipe. Velocity generally decreases with the
square of distance from the extraction point (in simple cases). Therefore the
air speed at the extraction point should be adjusted, accordingly, after
reference to distance from the contaminating source. The air velocity at the
extraction fan, for example, should be a minimum of 1-2 m/s (200-400 f/min) for
extraction of solvents generated in a tank 2 meters distant from the extraction
point. Other mechanical considerations, producing performance deficits within
the extraction apparatus, make it essential that theoretical air velocities are
multiplied by factors of 10 or more when extraction systems are installed or
used.
Section 9 - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
APPEARANCE
Clear highly flammable liquid with typical paraffinic odour; floats on
water. Mixes with most other organic solvents, chloroform, ether, alcohol.
A very volatile liquid, it readily forms explosive vapour /air mixes.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Liquid.
Does not mix with water.
Floats on water.
Molecular Weight: 86.17 Boiling Range (掳C): 69
Melting Range (掳C): -95.6 Specific Gravity (water=1): 0.6603 @ 20 C
Solubility in water (g/L): Immiscible pH (as supplied): Not applicable
pH (1% solution): Not applicable Vapour Pressure (kPa): 13.33
Volatile Component (%vol): 100 Evaporation Rate: Not available
Relative Vapour Density (air=1): 2.97 Flash Point (掳C): -23
Lower Explosive Limit (%): 1.2 Upper Explosive Limit (%): 7.5
Autoignition Temp (掳C): 225 Decomposition Temp (掳C): Not available
State: Liquid Viscosity: Not available
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Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
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Section 10 - CHEMICAL STABILITY AND REACTIVITY INFORMATION
CONDITIONS CONTRIBUTING TO INSTABILITY
Presence of heat source and ignition source.
Presence of incompatible materials.
Hazardous polymerisation will not occur.
Section 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS
ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS
SWALLOWED
The liquid is highly discomforting and harmful if swallowed Ingestion may result
in nausea, pain, vomiting. Vomit entering the lungs by aspiration may cause
potentially lethal chemical pneumonitis.
Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.
EYE
The liquid is highly discomforting to the eyes and is capable of causing a mild,
temporary redness of the conjunctiva (similar to wind-burn), temporary
impairment of vision and/ or other transient eye damage/ ulceration.
The vapour is irritating to the eyes and may cause smarting, pain and redness.
The material may be irritating to the eye, with prolonged contact causing
inflammation. Repeated or prolonged exposure to irritants may produce
conjunctivitis.
SKIN
The liquid is discomforting to the skin and is capable of causing skin reactions
which may lead to dermatitis.
Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.
INHALED
The vapour is discomforting and harmful to the upper respiratory tract.
Inhalation of high concentrations of gas/vapour causes lung irritation with
coughing and nausea, central nervous depression with headache and dizziness,
slowing of reflexes, fatigue and inco-ordination.
If exposure to highly concentrated solvent atmosphere is prolonged this may lead
to narcosis, unconsciousness, even coma and possible death.
CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS
Principal routes of exposure are usually by inhalation of vapour and skin
contact. with the material. Chronic inhalation or skin exposure to n-hexane may
cause damage to nerve ends in extremities, e.g. finger, toes with loss of
sensation. Symptoms can progress for months even after removal of exposure, and
recovery may take years and may not be complete. gamma-diketones are generally
toxic to the nervous system. They can occur as commercial products or as
metabolic products. Their toxic effects can affect sensory as well as motor
function. The initial symptoms are a symmetrical numbness and "pins and needles"
of the fingers and toes. Motor weakness is usually seen in the toes and fingers,
but may also involve the arms, thighs, and forearms. Symptoms may not occur
until several months to a year after initial exposure. The central and autonomic
nervous system are not affected. Removal from exposure generally results in
complete recovery, but lasting deficits may remain in severe cases.
TOXICITY AND IRRITATION
TOXICITY IRRITATION
N-HEXANE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
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Section 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Oral (rat) LD50: 28710 mg/kg Eye(rabbit): 10 mg - Mild
Inhalation (human) TCLo: 190 ppm/8W
Inhalation (rat) LD50: 48000 ppm/4h
Section 12 - ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
"Hazardous Air Pollutant:" Yes
"Fish LC50 (96hr.) (mg/l):" 4 (24hr)
"Algae IC50 (72hr.) (mg/l):" 10
"log Kow (Sangster 1997):" 3.9
BOD5: 2.21
COD: 0.04
ThOD: 3.52
The lower molecular weight hydrocarbons are expected to form a "slick" on the
surface of waters after release in calm sea conditions. This is expected to
evaporate and enter the atmosphere where it will be degraded through reaction
with hydroxy radicals.
Some of the material will become associated with benthic sediments, and it is
likely to be spread over a fairly wide area of sea floor. Marine sediments may
be either aerobic or anaerobic. The material, in probability, is biodegradable,
under aerobic conditions (isomerised olefins and alkenes show variable results).
Evidence also suggests that the hydrocarbons may be degradable under anaerobic
conditions although such degradation in benthic sediments may be a relatively
slow process.
Under aerobic conditions the material will degrade to water and carbon dioxide,
while under anaerobic processes it will produce water, methane and carbon
dioxide.
Based on test results, as well as theoretical considerations, the potential for
bioaccumulation may be high. Toxic effects are often observed in species such as
blue mussel, daphnia, freshwater green algae, marine copepods and amphipods.
log Kow: 3.17-3.94
BOD 5 if unstated: 2.21
COD: 0.04
ThOD: 3.52
Nitrif. inhib.: nil at 100mg/L
Section 13 - DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
鈥? Consult manufacturer for recycling options and recycle where possible .
鈥? Consult State Land Waste Management Authority for disposal.
鈥? Incinerate residue at an approved site.
鈥? Recycle containers if possible, or dispose of in an authorised landfill.
Section 14 - TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
N-HEXANE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 8-Jul-2005 CHEMWATCH 1208-1
A317TC CD 2006/2 Page 14 of 14
Section 14 - TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
Labels Required
flammable liquid
HAZCHEM
3[Y]E
Land Transport UNDG:
Dangerous Goods Class: 3 Subrisk: None
UN Number: 1208 Packing Group: II
Shipping Name:HEXANES
Edit
Air Transport IATA:
ICAO/IATA Class: 3 ICAO/IATA Subrisk: None
UN/ID Number: 1208 Packing Group: II
ERG Code: 3H
Shipping Name: Hexanes
Maritime Transport IMDG:
IMDG Class: 3 IMDG Subrisk: None
UN Number: 1208 Packing Group: II
EMS Number: None
Shipping Name: HEXANES
Section 15 - REGULATORY INFORMATION
POISONS SCHEDULE
S5
REGULATIONS
n-hexane (CAS: 110-54-3) is found on the following regulatory lists;
Australia High Volume Industrial Chemical List (HVICL)
Australia Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS)
Australia Poisons Schedule
International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) - High Production Volume
List
OECD Representative List of High Production Volume (HPV) Chemicals
Section 16 - OTHER INFORMATION
This document is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of
private study, research, review or criticism, as permitted under the Copyright
Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from
CHEMWATCH. TEL (+61 3) 9572 4700.
Issue Date: 8-Jul-2005
Print Date: 29-Jun-2006
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