Product Name: (C12-C14)Alkyldimethyl(Ethylbenzyl)Ammonium Chloride
Common Name: Quaternary ammonium compound (quats)
CAS Number: 68956-79-6
Recommended Uses: Disinfectant, sanitizer, surface cleaner, algicide
Manufacturer: Information available on procurement documentation
Contact Number: Provided by supplier label or shipping paperwork
Emergency Contact: Chemtrec, local poison control, or medical facilities familiar with chemical incidents
Classification: Eye irritation, Skin irritation, Acute aquatic hazard, Toxic if swallowed
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, harmful to aquatic life, may cause respiratory irritation
Pictograms: Corrosive, Exclamation mark, Environment
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves, eye and face protection, avoid release to environment, wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not breathe dust, mist, or spray
Chemical Identity: (C12-C14)Alkyldimethyl(Ethylbenzyl)Ammonium Chloride
Chemical Class: Quaternary ammonium compound
Concentration: 60-80% active ingredient in most solutions
Other Components: Water, inert diluents, possible corrosion inhibitors or surfactants
Impurities: Trace organics may occur, not usually a significant factor in risk assessment for normal use
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Provide oxygen or artificial respiration as needed. Seek immediate medical attention.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Flush skin with large quantities of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical advice if redness or irritation persists.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present. Continue rinsing and contact specialist promptly.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly. Do not induce vomiting. Call poison center or physician right away. Never give anything by mouth to someone unconscious.
Notes for Doctor: Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Consider possible risk of pulmonary edema if ingested.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid using strong water jets that might spread material
Hazardous Combustion Products: Chlorine-containing gases, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus required
Special Procedures: Remove unaffected containers from area if safe to do so. Cool exposed containers with water spray to prevent pressure build-up. Stay upwind and avoid inhaling vapors.
Personal Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and protective clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release to drains, sewers, or waterways. Contain spills with earth or inert absorbent material. Notify authorities if environmental contamination is likely.
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spill with suitable material such as sand or vermiculite. Sweep up and place in appropriate waste container. Decontaminate affected surfaces with plenty of water.
Reference for Emergency Responders: Standard operating procedures and local hazmat protocols should be followed to minimize exposure and impact.
Handling: Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct skin and eye contact; do not breathe mist, vapor, or spray. Practice good personal hygiene and wash thoroughly after handling.
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Keep away from incompatible substances like strong oxidizers, acids, and anionic surfactants. Label containers clearly and check for corrosion or leaks regularly.
Other Precautions: Keep containers upright and secure. Only trained personnel should handle concentrated product. Never use for recreational or non-approved purposes.
Control Parameters: Occupational exposure limits not established specifically for this compound; reference NIOSH, OSHA guidance for quats
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general room ventilation to minimize airborne concentrations
Personal Protection: Safety goggles, face shield, chemical-resistant gloves such as nitrile, long-sleeved clothing, and apron recommended
Respiratory Protection: Suitable respirator for spray or mist situations, such as N95 or better
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face before breaks and at the end of the workday; remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Mild, soapy, ammoniacal
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Depends on formulation; typically below 0°C
Boiling Point: Above 100°C; solution may not boil cleanly due to presence of nonvolatile ingredients
pH: Usually 5.5 to 8.5 (as supplied)
Solubility: Soluble in water in all proportions
Vapor Pressure: Very low at room temperature
Density: 0.95 to 1.05 g/cm³
Viscosity: Slightly higher than water
Flammability: Not classified as flammable; may support combustion if heated strongly
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Reactive Conditions: Avoid mixing with strong oxidizers, strong acids, and anionic detergents; hazardous byproducts possible
Decomposition Products: Chlorinated organics, amines, nitrogen oxides can generate if heated or mixed with incompatible substances
Polymerization: Not known to occur under normal use
Other Information: Heat, sunlight, and prolonged exposure to air can degrade effectiveness and increase risk of hazardous decomposition
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) about 300-2000 mg/kg depending on purity and test method
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes severe burns, especially on prolonged contact
Eye Damage: Causes serious, potentially irreversible eye damage
Inhalation: High concentrations can cause respiratory tract irritation, coughing, shortness of breath
Chronic Effects: Prolonged, repeated exposures can lead to contact dermatitis, possible sensitization
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a known carcinogen by IARC, OSHA, or NTP
Additional Information: No reliable evidence linking typical workplace exposure to cancer or birth defects; prudent measures necessary to limit exposure in all settings
Aquatic Toxicity: Very toxic to aquatic life; LC50 (fish) values frequently under 1 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable; potential for accumulation in sediment
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate significantly in aquatic organisms due to water solubility and molecular structure
Mobility in Soil: Compound shows moderate soil adsorption; may leach under certain conditions
Other Ecological Effects: Discharge to waterways may disrupt microbial activity or cause algal blooms; local regulations set strict limits on release to environment
Waste Handling: Consult national, regional, and local regulations before disposal
Methods of Disposal: Incineration under controlled conditions preferred, or landfilling at approved facility
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly before recycling or disposal; puncture or crush to prevent reuse and environmental exposure
Special Precautions: Never dispose of product or rinse water in sewers or surface waters; use licensed contractors whenever possible
Legal Requirements: Generator retains responsibility for waste until final disposal; documentation and manifests required for hazardous waste
UN Number: 2920
UN Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive liquid, flammable, n.o.s. (contains quaternary ammonium compound)
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive), sometimes 6.1 (Toxic)
Packing Group: II
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Transport Precautions: Store upright. Avoid rough handling or exposure to high temperatures. Appropriate hazard labels and documentation are required.
National Reg. Codes: Refer to U.S. DOT, IATA, IMDG guidelines for exact requirements
U.S. Regulations: Covered by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for biocidal uses. Subject to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval and restrictions.
OSHA HazCom: Falls under Hazard Communication Standard; Safety Data Sheet and employee training required
TSCA Status: Listed on Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
State Regulations: California Proposition 65 does not list this ingredient; other state-level occupational and environmental rules may apply
International Regulations: Included in EU REACH registered chemicals database. Restrictions and labeling under the CLP Regulation. May be governed by Canada’s WHMIS and similar standards globally.
