1-Hexylimidazole: Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Identification

Product Name: 1-Hexylimidazole
Chemical Formula: C9H16N2
CAS Number: 16373-89-6
Other Names: N-Hexylimidazole, 1-Hexyl-1H-imidazole
Manufacturer: Chemical suppliers and laboratories worldwide
Recommended Use: Research, synthesis, intermediate in manufacturing fine chemicals
Restrictions: Not for food, drug, or household use
Contact Information: Obtain emergency contacts from supplier documentation

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Irritant to skin and eyes; may cause drowsiness or dizziness
Label Elements: Exclamation mark, warning
Physical Hazards: No known significant hazards associated with physical properties
Health Hazards: Skin and eye irritation on contact, respiratory effects possible after inhalation of vapors
Environmental Hazards: Harmful to aquatic organisms with possible long-term risks
Pictogram: GHS07 (exclamation mark for irritancy and skin/eye effects)
Signal Word: Warning

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: 1-Hexylimidazole
CAS Number: 16373-89-6
Purity: Typically above 95% in laboratory-grade supplies
Impurities: Minor process-related byproducts below risk thresholds
Molecular Weight: 152.24 g/mol
Synonyms: 1-Hexyl-1H-imidazole

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person outdoors, provide fresh air and oxygen as needed, consult a doctor if symptoms or distress persist
Eye Contact: Immediately rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses, seek medical attention if irritation remains
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing, consult a physician for persistent effects
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water but do not induce vomiting, seek medical advice rapidly
Most Important Symptoms: Burning, redness, coughing, dizziness, nausea in severe cases

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry powder, foam, carbon dioxide, or water spray
Unsuitable Media: Avoid standard water jets due to potential toxicity in runoff
Fire Hazards: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air under high temperature; hazardous decomposition includes nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides
Protective Equipment: Full firefighting gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Procedures: Dike runoff, avoid inhaling fumes, cool containers exposed to heat with water spray

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use recommended protective gloves, goggles, respirators in case of poor ventilation
Evacuation: Isolate spill area, ventilate the area, prevent access to unprotected personnel
Clean-up Methods: Absorb spills with inert material (sand, earth), collect in closable containers, dispose as chemical waste
Environmental Precautions: Avoid release to water systems or soil, contain and report significant spills to local authorities
Decontamination: Clean contaminated clothing and equipment thoroughly before reuse

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Use in well-ventilated spaces, avoid inhaling vapors, avoid direct contact with skin and eyes, do not eat or drink while using
Storage Conditions: Store away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers
Containment: Use tightly sealed containers clearly labeled with contents and hazards
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents
Storage Areas: Designated chemical storage rooms with spill containment provision

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits; minimize exposure by engineering controls
Engineering Controls: Fume hoods, local exhaust ventilation in work area
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles, lab coat, appropriate respiratory protection where ventilation is not adequate
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not touch face or eyes until hands are clean
Environmental Controls: Prevent discharge into sewers or waterways

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless to slightly yellow liquid
Odor: Distinct characteristic, amine-like
pH: Not available due to low water solubility
Melting Point: Approx. -20°C
Boiling Point: Approximately 265°C at atmospheric pressure
Flash Point: About 120°C (closed cup, subject to supplier data)
Relative Density: 0.94–0.97 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Moderately soluble in water, better in organic solvents (ethyl acetate, ethanol)
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Partition Coefficient: log Kow ~2.6

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and use conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers, acids, or bases to produce hazardous by-products
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides
Polymerization: Expected not to occur under normal handling
Hazardous Reactions: May react vigorously with alkyl halides, acyl halides, or acidic substances

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral and inhalation exposure may cause headaches, nausea, drowsiness
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Irritating to skin on prolonged contact, may cause redness, dryness
Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes irritation, burning, tearing sensation
Sensitization: Not classified as sensitizing from available data
Chronic Effects: Very limited information—repeated or prolonged exposure should be avoided
Mutagenicity/Carcinogenicity: Not classified as mutagenic or carcinogenic by relevant authorities
LD50 Values: Data scarce, similar imidazoles have LD50 (oral, rat) 600–1600 mg/kg

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life with possible long-lasting effects (based on structurally related compounds)
Persistence and Degradability: Not rapidly biodegradable in standard tests
Bioaccumulative Potential: Moderate bioaccumulation expected with log Kow above 2
Soil Mobility: Moderate mobility, risk to surface water if released
Other Adverse Effects: Potential to disrupt aquatic microorganisms and degrade water quality

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Incinerate with proper emission controls or use licensed chemical waste disposal contractors
Prevent Release: Do not allow material to enter surface water, drains, or sewers
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse containers, dispose or recycle following local and national regulations
Regulatory Controls: Adhere to internal and regional hazardous waste codes; document disposal process

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous for most road, rail, sea, or air transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated under standard UN frameworks
Packing Group: Not assigned
Shipping Precautions: Package securely to prevent leaks, keep upright and labeled during transit, train handlers on spill management
Environmental Risks: Avoid transport with foodstuffs, animal feed, drinking water

Regulatory Information

US TSCA: Listed or subject to reporting requirements for industrial chemicals
REACH Status (EU): Import volumes dictate whether registration or notification is required
Hazard Classification: Not specifically listed in many regulatory schedules; treated as a hazardous chemical in workplace controls
Labeling Requirements: GHS-compliant labels, hazard phrases, safety phrases enforced on all containers
Other Regional Controls: National chemical inventories may include this substance; consult local environmental, industrial, or health safety agencies