Product Name: Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide
Synonyms: Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide, CTAB, Cetrimonium Bromide
Chemical Formula: C19H42BrN
CAS Number: 57-09-0
Product Use: Laboratory reagent, surfactant in research, phase transfer catalyst, microbiological use
Manufacturer: Refer to packaging for supplier details
Contact Information: Emergency numbers provided on product label
Hazard Classifications: Acute toxicity (oral and inhalation), Skin irritation, Eye damage
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, Exclamation mark, Corrosion symbol
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes skin irritation, causes serious eye damage, harmful if inhaled
Precautionary Statements: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, wear eye/face protection, use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, avoid breathing dust or vapor
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, eyes
Health Effects: May cause respiratory tract irritation, burns to eyes, gastrointestinal distress, allergic skin reactions
Environmental Effects: Toxic to aquatic life, risk of bioaccumulation
Chemical Name: Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide
Common Name: Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide
Concentration: Typically 95–100%
CAS Number: 57-09-0
EINECS Number: 200-311-3
Impurities / Stabilizing Additives: May contain small amounts of water or trace solvents due to manufacturing processes
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air immediately, provide artificial respiration if needed, seek medical attention without delay
Skin Contact: Take off contaminated clothing right away, wash skin thoroughly with water and soap, consult a physician if symptoms persist
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes carefully with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, hold eyelids apart, get prompt medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth but do not induce vomiting, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person, seek medical attention quickly
Symptoms: Burning, coughing, skin redness, blurry vision, abdominal discomfort
Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical powder, foam, or carbon dioxide, avoid water jet
Hazardous Combustion Products: Releases toxic and irritant gases such as nitrogen oxides, bromide fumes, and carbon monoxide upon burning
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes
Special Precautions: Keep upwind and away from spill or leak, cool fire-exposed containers with water spray
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, use appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and mask
Environmental Precautions: Prevent from entering sewers, drains, or waterways to minimize contamination risk
Clean-Up Methods: Sweep or scoop up material carefully, avoid generating dust; place in suitable containers for proper disposal, ventilate affected area
Decontamination: Wash surfaces thoroughly with water and mild detergent, dispose of cleanup material in accordance with local regulations
Handling: Avoid breathing dust or fumes, wear suitable protective equipment, handle in well-ventilated areas, do not eat, drink, or smoke while using
Storage Requirements: Store in a tightly sealed container, keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, incompatible substances, heat sources, and strong oxidizers
Specific Practices: Implement good hygiene practices, keep container labeled and closed when not in use
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) limit established; consult local guidelines
Engineering Controls: Work in a fume hood or use local exhaust ventilation, maintain proper air exchange
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shield
Skin Protection: Impervious gloves (nitrile or neoprene), laboratory coat
Respiratory Protection: Approved dust mask or respirator if engineering controls are insufficient
Other Protective Equipment: Emergency eyewash and shower stations close by
Appearance: White or off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Faint, characteristic
Molecular Weight: 364.46 g/mol
Melting Point: 237–241 °C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility (Water): Very soluble
Density: 1.07 g/cm³ at 20°C
pH: 6–8 (1% solution in water)
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not available
Partition Coefficient, n-octanol/water (Log P): 1.2 (estimated)
Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature under normal conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong oxidizing agents, may produce toxic fumes
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, direct sunlight, moisture, incompatible substances
Decomposition Products: Produces nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen bromide on decomposition
Polymerization: No data indicating hazardous polymerization
Acute Oral Toxicity: LD50 (rat) = 426 mg/kg
Skin Irritation: Causes moderate to severe irritation on contact
Eye Damage: Can lead to serious injury or blindness
Inhalation Toxicity: Harmful if inhaled for prolonged or high acute exposure
Chronic Effects: No confirmed evidence linking with carcinogenicity, mutagenicity or reproductive toxicity, though repeated exposure can lead to dermatitis or allergic reactions
Symptoms: Sneezing, coughing, sore throat, stomach pain, burning of eyes and skin
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms (LC50/EC50 ranges 0.03-0.44 mg/L for fish and daphnia)
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent, not rapidly biodegradable
Bioaccumulation Potential: Moderate, possible biomagnification in aquatic food chains
Mobility in Soil: May bind to soil particles, risk of contaminating groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Data shows potential for long-term environmental harm at high concentrations
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose through an approved chemical waste facility
Container Disposal: Triple-rinse containers before recycling or disposal
Legal Requirements: Comply with local, regional, and national regulations
Precautions: Prevent product from entering water systems or soil during disposal; incineration may be used if permitted
UN Number: 2811
Shipping Name: Toxic solid, organic, n.o.s. (Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant
Transport Labels: Skull and crossbones (Toxic symbol), Marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Secure packaging and labeling, keep away from foodstuffs, ensure documentation is complete
Classification under GHS: Meets criteria for acute oral toxicity, skin irritation, serious eye damage
OSHA Status: Hazardous chemical as defined by OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
TSCA Inventory: Listed
SARA Title III: Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance
REACH Information: Substance registered under REACH in the EU
WHMIS Classification (Canada): D2B (Toxic Material Causing Other Toxic Effects)
Other Regulations: State and international chemical safety directories may impose additional restrictions; always verify compliance prior to use
