Octadecane

0.7768 at 82 °F (NTP, 1992) - Less dense than water; will float

0.7768 g/cu cm at 28 °C

0.7768 @ 28°C

Needles from alcohol, ether-methanol

Colorless liquid

In water, 6.00X10-3 mg/L at 25 °C

Insoluble in water

Slightly soluble in ethanol; soluble in ethyl ether, acetone, chloroform; ligroin

Soluble in alcohol, acetone, ether, petroleum, coal tar hydrocarbons

6e-06 mg/mL at 25 °C

212 °F (NTP, 1992)

Flash point equals 212 °F

166 °C (331 °F) - closed cup

601 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)

Boiling point equals 601 °F

316 °C

316.00 to 317.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg

316.3 °C @760 [mm Hg]

82.9 °F (NTP, 1992)

[CAMEO] 82 °F

28.17 °C

28 °C

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 9.9% (163 of 1644) of reports.

Danger

H304 (89.7%): May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Danger Aspiration hazard]

P301+P316, P331, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 1644 reports by companies from 7 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory.；Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 163 of 1644 reports by companies.；There are 6 notifications provided by 1481 of 1644 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).；Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

Chemical: Octadecane

Octadecane is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Octadecane are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 28-12-2022 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/5654

Octadecane: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard

Excerpt from ERG Guide 133 [Flammable Solids]:；Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination. (ERG, 2024)

Saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as N-OCTADECANE, may be incompatible with strong oxidizing agents like nitric acid. Charring of the hydrocarbon may occur followed by ignition of unreacted hydrocarbon and other nearby combustibles. In other settings, aliphatic saturated hydrocarbons are mostly unreactive. They are not affected by aqueous solutions of acids, alkalis, most oxidizing agents, and most reducing agents. When heated sufficiently or when ignited in the presence of air, oxygen or strong oxidizing agents, they burn exothermically to produce carbon dioxide and water.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.；SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.；INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.；INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures. Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.

In this study, the effect of two commercially available non-ionic surfactants, Triton X-100 and Tween-80, on the rate of biodegradation of octadecane by four bacterial strains was investigated. Two of the bacterial strains, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027) and Rhodococcus erythropolis, were stimulated by surfactant addition to mineralize octadecane at a faster rate than in the absence of surfactant amendment. The addition of Triton X-100 and Tween-80 to two Acinetobacter strains had no effect on their rate of mineralization of octadecane. The rate of mineralization without surfactant amendment was much faster for the two Acinetobacter strains than for the other strains. The cell surface hydrophobicities of all strains were measured using the bacterial adherence to hydrocarbon assay. The results indicated that the Acinetobacter strains were very hy-drophobic while Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Rhodococcus erythropolis were both hydrophilic. These results suggest that surfactant-enhanced bioremediation may be correlated with cell surface hydrophobicity.

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you should spill this chemical, use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material. Your contaminated clothing and absorbent paper should be sealed in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with acetone followed by washing with a strong soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.；STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should store this material in a refrigerator. (NTP, 1992)

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.

Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures. Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains.

Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist.

Appropriate engineering controls: Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.

Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 133 [Flammable Solids]:；IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.；LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).；FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

43 [mg/m3]

470 [mg/m3]

2800 [mg/m3]

RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter.；RECOMMENDED GLOVE MATERIALS: Permeation data indicate that latex gloves may provide protection from contact with this compound. Latex over latex gloves is recommended. However, if this chemical makes direct contact with your gloves, or if a tear, hole or puncture develops, remove them at once. (NTP, 1992)

Eye/face protection: Face shield and safety glasses Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).

Handle with gloves.

Body Protection: Complete suit protecting against chemicals. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.

Respiratory protection: Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a full-face respirator with multipurpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).

The trans-membrane transport of hydrocarbons is an important and complex aspect of the process of biodegradation of hydrocarbons by microorganisms. The mechanism of transport of (14)C n-octadecane by Pseudomonas sp. DG17, an alkane-degrading bacterium, was studied by the addition of ATP inhibitors and different substrate concentrations. When the concentration of n-octadecane was higher than 4.54 umol/L, the transport of (14)C n-octadecane was driven by a facilitated passive mechanism following the intra/extra substrate concentration gradient. However, when the cells were grown with a low concentration of the substrate, the cellular accumulation of n-octadecane, an energy-dependent process, was dramatically decreased by the presence of ATP inhibitors, and n-octadecane accumulation continually increased against its concentration gradient. Furthermore, the presence of non-labeled alkanes blocked (14)C n-octadecane transport only in the induced cells, and the trans-membrane transport of n-octadecane was specific with an apparent dissociation constant K t of 11.27 umol/L and V max of 0.96 umol/min/mg protein. The results indicated that the trans-membrane transport of n-octadecane by Pseudomonas sp. DG17 was related to the substrate concentration and ATP.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), a Koc value of 2.2X10+7(2), indicates that octadecane is expected to be immobile in soil(SRC). Volatilization of octadecane from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.9X10-2 atm-cu m/mole(3), based upon its vapor pressure, 3.41X10-4 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 6.0X10-3 mg/L(5). However, adsorption to soil is expected to attenuate volatilization(SRC). Octadecane is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure(4). Octadecane achieved 6 to 30% biodegradation after 28 days in sediment and marine-water inoculums(6), indicating that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process under certain conditions in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), a Koc value of 2.2X10+7(2), indicates that octadecane is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.9X10-2 atm-cu m/mole(4) from its vapor pressure, 3.41X10-4 mm Hg(5), and water solubility, 6.0X10-3 mg/L(6). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 1.7 hours and 6.3 days, respectively(SRC). However, adsorption to suspended solids and sediment is expected to attenuate volatilization(SRC). The estimated volatilization half-life from a model pond is greater than 2 years if adsorption is considered(7). According to a classification scheme(8), an estimated BCF of 730(SRC), from its log Kow of 8.36(2) and a regression-derived equation(4), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high(SRC). Octadecane has a calculated half-life of 2.5 days in unacclimated pond-water(9), indicating that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process under certain conditions in water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), octadecane, which has a vapor pressure of 3.41X10-4 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to almost exist entirely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase octadecane is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 17 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.2X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Octadecane does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

Octadecane was identified as a volatile component in the edible extract of Korean Chamchwi (Aster scaber Thunb)(1). Octadecane was detected in the extract of 8 Australian yellow box honey samples, and 8 Australian blue gum honey samples at average concentrations of 0.9 and 0.5 mg/kg, respectively(2).

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Octadecane is a solid n-alkane. Octadecane is used as a solvent, in organic synthesis, and as a calibration standard. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: There are no data available. ANIMAL STUDIES: A structure activity relationship of pure n-alkanes was undertaken in a mouse ear edema model to investigate the mechanism of cumulative irritancy. Alkanes were applied twice daily over a 4-day period. Hexadecane, octadecane, and eicosane exhibited progressively decreasing activity. ECOTOXICITY STUDIES: An acute toxicity test was conducted on the marine copepod Acartia tonsa. Octadecane concentrations ranged from 9.7 to 3200 mg/L. 48-hr loading rate of test substance resulting in 50% mortality LL50 >3200 mg.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ An acute toxicity test was conducted on the marine copepod Acartia tonsa. The test substance (octadecane) concentrations (nominal loading rates) ranged from 9.7 to 3200 mg/L. Test solutions were prepared as individual water accomodation fractions (WAF). Control and dilution water were natural seawater from an unpolluted site at about 80 m depth in Byfjord, filtered through sand filter at the collection, then through a GF/C filter and briefly heated to 75 °C prior to use. Test substance was mixed in dilution water for 20 hours, and the mixture was allowed to settle for 4 hours prior to drawing off the aqueous solutions for testing ... In the test, 6 concentrations were tested in a geometric series: 9.7, 32.2, 99.1, 320, 993 and 3200 mg/L ... /loading rate of test substance resulting in 50% mortality/ 48-hr LL50 >3200 mg/L (WAF).

Octadecane detections in plants used in food and medicinal applications(1). /Octadecane/[Table#8361]

n-Octadecane detections in plants used in food and medicinal applications(1).；Table: 10 of 16 Plants Listed [Table#8362]

Octadecane was identified in the extract of some plastic materials from Concon, Chile(1); it was detected in the surface extract of new plastic bags, roadside litter, and landfill trash at concentrations of 32.7, 9.6, and 49.5 ug/g, respectively; it was detected in the particulate matter of open burn smoke from new plastic bags, roadside litter, and landfill trash, at concentrations of 8.1, 5.0, and 7.1 ng/mg, respectively; octadecane was detected in the surface extract of new plastic bags from the United States at a concentration of 140.1 ug/g but not the open burn smoke of new plastic bags from the United States(1). Average concentrations of octadecane emitted as a result of Chinese cooking styles were reported as 71, 55, 57, and 23 ng/mg, for Cantonese style, Sichuan style, Dongbei style, and Hunan style cooking, respectively(2).

URBAN/SUBURBAN: A mean ambient air concentration of 116.8 ng/cubic m was reported for octadecane from monitoring data measured on September 9, 1993 at Central Los Angeles, Azusa, and Claremont(1). In 2002, octadecane was detected in the gas-phase and the particulate-phase of urban and industrial air samples from Prato, Italy, at average concentrations of approximately 21.6 and 0.09 ng/cu m, respectivley(2). During late fall and winter seasons octadecane was monitored in the particulate matter of ambient atmospheres in urban areas of Corvallis OR, Guangzhou China, Beijing China, and Taiyuan China, with reported concentrations of not detected, 7.5, 15.2, and 37.1 ng/cu m, respectively(3). Aerosol samples collected in July 2004 and January 2005 from Nanjing, China had concentrations of octadecane ranging from 0.00 to 2.00 ng/cu m and 0.00 to 4.39 ng/cu m, respectively(4).

SOURCE DOMINATED: Octadecane was detected in the gas and particle phase of tailpipe emissions from catalyst equipped gasoline powered motor vehicles at concentrations of 2.0 and 2.2 ug/km, respectively; and in the gas and particle phase of tailpipe emissions from non-catalyst equipped gasoline powered motor vehicles at concentrations of 150 and 13 ug/km, respectively; it was also detected in the gasoline at 7.8 ug/g(1). Octadecane was detected in the particulate matter of emissions from heavy duty diesel engines during the following operating conditions, cold-start/idle, creep, and transient, but was not detected during cruise driving(2).

Barnacle samples collected from five locations in the Arabian Gulf had concentrations of octadecane ranging from trace to 410 ng/g(1). Catfish samples collected from seven locations in the Arabian Gulf had concentrations of octadecane ranging from <0.1 to 57 ng/g(2).

Alkanes such as octadecane may be components in petroleum products(1) and may be released to the environment through the processing and combustion of petroleum products (SRC). Octadecane's production and use as a solvent, in organic synthesis, and for calibration(2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

Chemical: Octadecane

Octadecane is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Octadecane are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 28-12-2022 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/5654

Octadecane: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard

Liver, heart, kidneys, muscle and adipose (perirenal and s.c.) /bovine/ tissues were collected from 6 animals for analysis of their hydrocarbon composition. Qualitative and quantitative determinations were carried out by gas chromatography and combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Although differing in the proportions, a homologous series of n-alkanes ranging from n-C12-n-C31 was found in all samples. The isoprenoid hydrocarbons phytane and phytene (phyt-1-ene and phyt-2-ene) were also identified. (These findings have relevance to the health of humans consuming hydrocarbon-contaminated meats.) /n-Alkanes/

The trans-membrane transport of hydrocarbons is an important and complex aspect of the process of biodegradation of hydrocarbons by microorganisms. The mechanism of transport of (14)C n-octadecane by Pseudomonas sp. DG17, an alkane-degrading bacterium, was studied by the addition of ATP inhibitors and different substrate concentrations. When the concentration of n-octadecane was higher than 4.54 umol/L, the transport of (14)C n-octadecane was driven by a facilitated passive mechanism following the intra/extra substrate concentration gradient. However, when the cells were grown with a low concentration of the substrate, the cellular accumulation of n-octadecane, an energy-dependent process, was dramatically decreased by the presence of ATP inhibitors, and n-octadecane accumulation continually increased against its concentration gradient. Furthermore, the presence of non-labeled alkanes blocked (14)C n-octadecane transport only in the induced cells, and the trans-membrane transport of n-octadecane was specific with an apparent dissociation constant K t of 11.27 umol/L and V max of 0.96 umol/min/mg protein. The results indicated that the trans-membrane transport of n-octadecane by Pseudomonas sp. DG17 was related to the substrate concentration and ATP.

Used as a solvent and in organic synthesis; [Hawley]

Octadecane is used as a solvent, in organic synthesis, and as a calibration standard.

They are used mainly in applications for which isoalkanes are not acceptable for biological reasons, e.g., the production of detergents or proteins. /Higher n-Alkanes/

Solid n-alkanes (paraffin waxes) are used in a variety of applications, e.g., ... oxidation, and chlorination reactions. /Higher n-Alkanes/

2023: 392,408 lb；2022: 822,920 lb；2021: 1,251,588 lb；2020: 1,865,618 lb

Non-confidential 2012 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) information on the production and use of chemicals manufactured or imported into the United States. Chemical: Octadecane. National Production Volume: Withheld.

The liquefaction of coal provides the greatest variety of saturated hydrocarbons. The Fischer-Tropsch synthesis produces alkanes from syngas (CO + H2) in the range C1 to C30 or higher depending on the process variant: depending on the catalyst employed, the synthesis yields predominantly liquid hydrocarbons in the gasoline range, along with gases from C1 to C4 when iron-based catalysts are used, while cobalt-based catalysts produce longer chain hydrocarbons in the diesel and wax range that often undergo, depending of the desired product slate, further processing, especially for gasoline generation. While iron-based Fischer-Tropsch catalysts generate complex mixtures that also include branched and olefinic hydrocarbons, cobalt-based catalysts produce streams that are rich in n-alkanes and are therefore suitable raw materials for detergents and for wax products. /Saturated Hydrocarbons/

Suitable sources for n-alkanes with more than six carbon atoms are the appropriate petroleum distillate fractions, from which the n-paraffins can be isolated in high isomeric purity (= 95% linearity) by selective separation techniques, especially fractional distillation. /Higher n-Alkanes/

Fragrance Ingredients

Cosmetics -> Skin conditioning; Solvent; Emollient

Wholesale and Retail Trade；Soap, Cleaning Compound, and Toilet Preparation Manufacturing；All Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing；Miscellaneous Manufacturing；All Other Chemical Product and Preparation Manufacturing

Octadecane: ACTIVE

Gas-phase dehydrogenation of n-alkanes over noble-metal catalysts yield the corresponding n-alkenes at low conversion rates (ca. 10%) with predominantly internal double bonds. The corresponding alkenes can be isolated in high purity by selective molecular-sieve processes. /Higher n-Alkanes/