Material Safety Data Sheet: Dodecylbis(2-Hydroxyethyl)Methylammonium Chloride

Identification

Product Name: Dodecylbis(2-Hydroxyethyl)Methylammonium Chloride
Common Names: Lauryl bis(2-hydroxyethyl)methylammonium chloride, Quaternary Ammonium Compound
Synonyms: Bis(2-hydroxyethyl) dodecylmethylammonium chloride
CAS Number: 17060-07-0
Recommended Use: Used as a surfactant, cleaning agent, sometimes as a disinfectant in industrial and institutional applications
Manufacturer: Commercial chemical suppliers and specialty chemical providers
Contact Details: Refer to product packaging or supplier SDS
Emergency Contact: Local poison control, fire department, or hospital

Hazard Identification

Classification: Eye irritation, Skin irritation, Potential aquatic hazard
Label Elements: Warning symbol for chemical burns, aquatic toxicity signal
Hazard Statements: Causes skin irritation, serious eye damage possible, harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects, may cause respiratory tract irritation if inhaled
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with skin and eyes, wear gloves and goggles, avoid discharge to environment, wash thoroughly after handling, ventilate area during use
Signal Word: Warning
Emergency Overview: Clear to pale yellow liquid, faint amine odor, slippery to touch, could cause severe irritation to mucous membranes

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Formula: C17H38ClNO2
Main Component: Dodecylbis(2-hydroxyethyl)methylammonium chloride (concentration typically >90%)
Impurities: Water less than 5%, trace residual reactants possible
Stabilizers: None commonly present in technical grades
Other Components: No hazardous impurities above thresholds that require disclosure under current regulations

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy, continue rinsing, seek immediate medical attention
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and plenty of water, seek medical help if irritation persists
Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately, keep person warm and at rest, administer artificial respiration if needed, call for medical assistance right away
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth thoroughly with water, drink water if conscious, consult a physician quickly
Acute Symptoms: Redness or pain on skin or eyes, coughing, throat irritation, stomach discomfort or cramps after swallowing
Delayed or Long Term Effects: Dermatitis, allergic responses with repeated exposure, eye damage in severe cases

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical powder, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: Straight water stream may spread product
Specific Hazards: Under fire, can release toxic fumes including hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full face self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing
Special Instructions: Cool exposed containers with water, prevent runoff from entering drains, evacuation may be necessary for large spills or fires
Explosion Risk: Not classified as explosive, but container pressurization under heat possible

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, chemical goggles, avoid breathing fumes
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains or water courses, contain with non-combustible absorbents such as sand, earth, or vermiculite
Methods for Clean-Up: Absorb spill, collect into suitable labeled container for disposal, rinse area with water after material has been removed
Large Spill Response: Evacuate unprotected personnel, ventilate area, notify authorities if large volume enters waterways
Decontamination Procedures: Wash surfaces and tools with detergent and water after cleanup

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Wear recommended personal protective equipment, avoid skin and eye contact, do not breathe mist or vapor, practice good personal hygiene
Storage Conditions: Keep containers tightly closed in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials such as strong acids and oxidizers
Incompatibles: Avoid mixing with strong oxidizing agents or cationic surfactants, as chemical reactions may occur
General Safe Use: Use only with adequate ventilation, protect containers from physical damage and moisture, do not eat or drink while using

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits for this substance
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general dilution ventilation, eye wash stations and safety showers should be accessible
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Splash-resistant safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene, or butyl rubber), lab coat or chemical apron, face shield if splashing possible
Respiratory Protection: Respirator with organic vapor/acid gas cartridge for large scale or prolonged use, especially where ventilation is inadequate
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse, avoid eating or drinking around the chemical

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear liquid or pale yellow liquid, viscous
Odor: Mild amine-like
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Below 0°C
Boiling Point: Above 100°C (decomposes before boiling)
Flash Point: Greater than 100°C, not considered highly flammable
Vapor Pressure: Low at standard temperature
Solubility in Water: Fully miscible
Density: Approximately 0.95 – 1.05 g/cm³ at 20°C
pH (10% solution): 5.5 – 8.5
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Data not fully established, estimated low due to ionic nature
Viscosity: Moderate to high viscosity, increases with concentration
Decomposition Temperature: Decomposes above 160°C, releases hazardous gases

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Generally stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Not reactive under standard conditions, may react with strong oxidizers or reducing agents
Hazardous Reactions: Mixing with certain chemicals (strong acids/bases, oxidizers) can trigger violent reactions
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides with excessive heating or exposure to fire
Polymerization: No known hazardous polymerization

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low oral and dermal toxicity in small quantities, but can be harmful if swallowed in larger amounts
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes moderate to severe irritation, redness, possible chemical burns on prolonged contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes severe irritation and risk of permanent eye injury
Respiratory Sensitization: Possible respiratory tract irritation with inhalation of vapors or mists
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure may cause dermatitis, allergic skin responses, possible asthma-like symptoms
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Other Health Risks: Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Persistency and Degradability: Quaternary ammonium compounds can persist in sediment, may break down slowly in certain conditions
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low to moderate, partitioning to organic matter is possible
Mobility in Soil: Highly mobile, especially in moist conditions
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid uncontrolled release to natural waters or sewage, presentation in bulk form could result in ecosystem disruption

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Absorb residues onto inert material, place in approved waste container, incinerate or landfill at licensed facility
Disposal of Containers: Rinse thoroughly before recycling or disposal, follow local regulations for chemical packaging
Precautions: Do not allow undiluted product to reach sewage system or waterways, inform authorities if significant volumes are released
Waste Code: Applicable local, state or national codes for hazardous materials may apply, consult your waste management authority

Transport Information

UN Number: No UN number assigned for non-bulk transport; consult with carrier if shipping large volumes
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as dangerous under most transport regulations, might be considered environmentally hazardous for marine shipment
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated in many jurisdictions, verify with regional ADR, IMDG, IATA requirements
Packing Group: Not generally assigned
Labels Required: None for non-regulated transport, consider “Marine Pollutant” for bulk shipment
Special Transport Precautions: Prevent tipping or leaking during movement, protect from excess heat and vibration

Regulatory Information

International Inventories: Listed in many chemical inventories (TSCA US, REACH EU, DSL Canada)
OSHA Hazard Communication: Classified as hazardous based on chemical and toxicological profile
SARA Title III (Sections 311/312): Acute health hazard
SARA Title III (Sections 313): Not regulated
Clean Water Act (CWA): Not specifically listed, avoid environmental discharge
Right-to-Know Information: Subject to state and local hazard communication requirements
Labeling: Conforms to GHS (Globally Harmonized System) for workplace labeling and hazard statements
Other Regulations: Follow local, state, and federal guidance on storage, handling and disposal, report significant spills as required by law