Material Safety Data Sheet: Hexadecyldimethylethylammonium Bromide

Identification

Product Name: Hexadecyldimethylethylammonium Bromide
Synonyms: Cetyl Dimethylethylammonium Bromide
Chemical Formula: C20H44BrN
Molecular Weight: 378.48 g/mol
CAS Number: 56716-47-5
Recommended Use: Laboratory chemicals, disinfectant formulations, industrial processing
Manufacturer: Detailed contact provided on request for up-to-date regulatory compliance
Emergency Contact: Local poison control center, chemical emergency hotline

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Acute toxicity - oral, skin corrosion/irritation, serious eye damage, aquatic acute hazard
GHS Label Elements: Corrosive pictogram, exclamation mark, aquatic toxicity symbol
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, harmful if swallowed, toxic to aquatic life
Precautionary Statements: Wash thoroughly after handling. Wear appropriate PPE. Avoid release to the environment. Do not eat, drink, or smoke using product. Immediately contact emergency services if exposed.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Hexadecyldimethylethylammonium Bromide
CAS Number: 56716-47-5
Concentration: ≥98% (pure substance)
Impurities: May contain moisture, process-related organics below 1%
Additives: No stabilizers or toxic byproducts reported in manufactured material

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. Seek medical attention for coughing, breathing difficulty, or irritation.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse affected area with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek emergency help for burns or persistent irritation.
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with running water for 20 minutes, keeping eyelids apart. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Medical attention is critical.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly. Do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Call poison center or doctor immediately.
Symptoms: Burning, redness, pain, blisters, difficulty breathing, headache, nausea

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High pressure water jets may spread contamination
Specific Hazards: Thermal decomposition releases toxic vapors including hydrogen bromide, nitrogen oxides
Fire-Fighter Protection: Full protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus
Advice: Cool containers exposed to flames with water spray to prevent rupture; evacuate area if safe to do so

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use chemical splash goggles, nitrile gloves, protective clothing. Avoid inhalation and direct contact.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering waterways or drains due to aquatic toxicity. Report large spills to authorities as required.
Containment: Cover spill with inert absorbent (e.g. sand, earth). Shovel into chemical waste container.
Cleanup Methods: Wash area with excess water and detergent after removal of solid. Dispose of contaminated materials appropriately.

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling Advice: Work in well-ventilated areas. Avoid dust and vapor formation. Do not breathe mist, dust, or spray.
Personal Hygiene: Wash hands and face after use, before eating or drinking.
Storage Conditions: Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from incompatible materials such as strong acids and oxidizers.
Special Requirements: Use only corrosion-resistant containers. Segregate from food and feed.
Packing Materials: Polyethylene, glass, Teflon containers preferred.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits in US/EU
Engineering Controls: Chemical fume hood or local exhaust recommended
Personal Protection: Chemical splash-resistant goggles, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or PVC), lab coat or apron, closed shoes
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved respirator for dusty or poorly ventilated environments
Hygiene Measures: Change contaminated clothing promptly; do not eat or drink during use.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Mild, not distinctive
Melting Point: 235-245°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not determined (decomposes on heating)
Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol, and some polar organic solvents
pH: 6–7 (5% solution)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Density: Approximately 1.10-1.13 g/cm³ (20°C)
Flash Point: Not applicable (solid; not easily combustible)
Partition Coefficient: log Pow ≈ 3–5 (expected, based on structure)
Stability in Storage: Stable under recommended conditions, may absorb moisture over time

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at ambient temperature under proper storage
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Contact with strong oxidizers produces decomposition products; not sensitive to light under routine storage
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizing agents, reducing agents
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen bromide, carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid excessive heat, moisture, and incompatibles

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 260–500 mg/kg (estimate based on similar quaternary ammonium salts)
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Corrosive; causes burns and tissue damage
Eye Damage/Irritation: Severe irritation, risk of eye burns and permanent injury
Respiratory Sensitization: Not classified, but breathing dust may irritate
Chronic Effects: Prolonged contact may worsen skin and respiratory tract damage; no clear evidence of carcinogenicity or mutagenicity
Symptoms: Burning sensation, redness, ulceration, coughing, sore throat, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms; risk of long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable; slow environmental breakdown
Bioaccumulation Potential: Moderate potential due to high molecular weight and solubility balance
Mobility in Soil: Moderate; may bind to particulate matter, limiting deep groundwater movement
Other Adverse Effects: Contamination may disrupt aquatic microbial communities; avoid product release outside industrial systems

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect as hazardous chemical waste, handle according to local, state, and federal regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse empty containers, then manage as hazardous waste
Disposal of Product: Do not dispose of in regular trash, sinks, or surface water; utilize certified chemical disposal services
Incineration: Permitted in facilities equipped for halogenated waste
Precautions: Avoid direct contact or inhalation during handling of waste or cleaning procedures

Transport Information

UN Number: UN2811
Proper Shipping Name: Toxic Solid, Organic, N.O.S. (Hexadecyldimethylethylammonium Bromide)
Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Labels Required: Toxic, Marine Pollutant
Transport Precautions: Store in leak-proof, secure containers. Document all shipments using correct safety and hazard codes.

Regulatory Information

OSHA Classification: Hazardous chemical
TSCA Status: Listed in US Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
REACH Status: Pre-registered under EU REACH; check supplier for latest status
SARA Title III: Not subject to Section 302 or 313; reportable under Section 311/312 hazard categories
EINECS Number: Available from supplier upon request
Other Regulations: Subject to workplace control measures as defined by national authorities; handle under guidance from environmental management protocols to reduce aquatic risk