Product Name: Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride
Chemical Family: Quaternary ammonium compound
Molecular Formula: C22H48ClN
CAS Number: 7173-51-5
Product Use: Disinfectant, sanitizer, fungicide, and algaecide in cleaning products and industrial applications
Manufacturer Information: Producer name, address, and emergency phone number are found on commercial labels
Synonyms: DDAC, Quaternary ammonium compound, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Classification: Corrosive to skin (Category 1B), Serious eye damage (Category 1), Acute toxicity (Oral Category 4, Inhalation Category 4), Aquatic Acute Hazard (Category 1)
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Harmful if swallowed or if inhaled. Very toxic to aquatic life. May result in irritation to affected tissues. Wash thoroughly after handling. Store locked up to minimize misuse.
Pictograms: Corrosive, Exclamation mark, Environment
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves, clothing, eye, and face protection. Avoid breathing mists. Prevent release into the environment.
Chemical Name: Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride
Concentration: Typically 60–80% in commercial formulations; balance water and other possible inert ingredients
Other Components: Proprietary surfactants, stabilizers, and water (exact formulations vary by supplier)
Impurities: Commercial products may include trace quantities of other quaternary ammonium compounds
Mixture Disclosure: Ingredients above threshold limits by safety regulations are disclosed
Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air. Keep comfortable for breathing. Medical advice may be necessary if symptoms persist or are severe.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with plenty of water for several minutes. Immediate decontamination is essential. See a physician if irritation occurs.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if easy to do so. Continue rinsing. Obtain medical attention immediately.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Give water to drink if victim is conscious. Seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms/Emergency Overview: Burns, redness, swelling of skin, pain, blurred vision, coughing, difficulty breathing
Special Instructions: Immediate emergency hospital treatment may be required in severe cases
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct high-pressure water jets which could cause product dispersal
Hazardous Combustion Products: May produce toxic vapors, including hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, and ammonia compounds
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective suit
Advice for Firefighters: Prevent run-off from entering drains or watercourses. Contain spillage using non-combustible absorbent materials. Cool exposed containers with water spray.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unprotected personnel from affected area. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, face shield, and appropriate clothing.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering soil, sewers, and waterways due to its toxicity to aquatic systems.
Methods for Containment/Cleanup: Absorb with sand, earth, or inert material. Shovel and collect for disposal in approved containers. Wash area with plenty of water. Avoid dust generation.
Spill Response: Use proper ventilation, restrict access, avoid direct skin or eye contact, utilize appropriate respiratory protection for large spills.
Decontamination: Thoroughly clean contaminated surfaces. Contaminated cleanup materials must be treated as hazardous waste.
Waste Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations.
Precautions for Safe Handling: Handle only in well-ventilated areas. Use protective equipment to reduce contact risk.
Hygiene Measures: Avoid inhalation, ingestion, and skin- or eye-contact. Wash hands and exposed areas with soap and water following use.
Incompatible Materials: Avoid cross-contact with strong oxidizing or reducing agents, acids, and organic materials.
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and ventilated place away from incompatible substances. Keep container tightly closed. Store in original labeled packaging.
Fire Protection: Keep away from open flames and heat sources.
Storage Life: Maintain product integrity; deterioration can occur if stored under unfavorable conditions.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits, but minimize airborne concentrations.
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to minimize exposure.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles with side shields, face protection, chemical-resistant apron, boots.
Respiratory Protection: In poorly ventilated areas or for large spill cleanup, use an approved respirator.
General Safety: Wash hands before breaks and after work. Remove contaminated clothing immediately.
Environmental Protection: Prevent entry into drains or watercourses to reduce environmental risk.
Appearance: Clear to yellowish liquid or waxy solid (dependent on temperature and formulation)
Odor: Mild ammoniacal scent
pH: Commonly between 6 and 8 (1% solution)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Melting Point: Near 0°C (varies by product concentrate)
Solubility (water): Completely miscible
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at standard temperatures
Specific Gravity: Usually 0.95–0.98 (concentrates)
Flash Point: Not readily flammable; fire hazard increases in presence of combustibles
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): High; potential for bioaccumulation exists
Stability: Stable under normal conditions, decomposition possible above 100°C
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, sources of ignition, incompatible materials, and prolonged UV exposure
Material Incompatibility: Strong oxidizing agents, reducing agents, anionic detergents, acids, and organic materials
Decomposition Products: Under fire or decomposition, expect hydrogen chloride, ammonia, carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with anionic surfactants which may reduce efficacy and create hazardous conditions.
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) ranges from 238–400 mg/kg; Inhalation exposure and skin contact can result in harmful effects.
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Severe irritation or chemical burns on direct contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: Potential for permanent eye damage if not flushed rapidly
Respiratory Effects: Inhalation may cause irritation of respiratory tract, coughing, and difficulty breathing
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may sensitize or exacerbate respiratory and skin conditions
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as a human carcinogen
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence from available data of mutagenicity or reproductive toxicity.
Other Health Hazards: Accidental ingestion may result in gastrointestinal burns or systemic toxicity.
Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, with LC50 values for fish as low as 0.19 mg/L for 96hr exposures
Persistence and Degradability: Partial biodegradation expected, but persistence in the environment may occur under certain conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: May accumulate in aquatic organisms due to high partition coefficient
Mobility in Soil: Moderate due to high solubility in water, may bind to organic components of soil
Effects on Microorganisms: Biocidal for some bacterial and algal species; may affect biological wastewater treatment processes
Other Information: Avoid release to natural water bodies or storm drains
Waste Disposal Methods: Treat as hazardous waste. Dispose of by incineration or at a facility authorized for hazardous chemical disposal.
Container Disposal: Triple rinse containers before recycling or disposal, puncture and offer for proper disposal in accordance with local regulations
Sewage Disposal: Avoid discharge to sewage treatment plants without prior assessment of potential adverse impact
Precautions: Prevent accidental environmental contamination. Follow all local, state, and federal laws for hazardous chemical waste.
UN Number: UN 2920
Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive Liquid, Flammable, N.O.S. (contains Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride)
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive), 3 (Flammable) depending on formulation
Packing Group: II (medium danger)
Labels Required: Corrosive, Flammable (if applicable)
Marine Pollutant: Yes. Not for transport in bulk by marine vessel unless permitted.
Special Precautions: Follow all local and international regulations for transport, avoid accidents and spills, secure containers tightly.
Inventory Listings: Listed on TSCA, DSL, EINECS, and other chemical inventories
Regulatory Status: Subject to workplace safety and environmental regulations in most jurisdictions, including FIFRA in the United States
Hazard Classification: Classified as hazardous by OSHA, European CLP Regulation, and similar bodies
Reporting Requirements: Reportable Quantity (RQ) may apply; check national thresholds
Other Regulations: Product labeling follows EU, US EPA, and other national safety standards; Safety Data Sheets supplied for occupational users; use-restrictions for aquatic environments common.
