Material Safety Data Sheet – Lauryldimethylamine Oxide

Identification

Product Name: Lauryldimethylamine Oxide
Chemical Name: N,N-Dimethyldodecylamine-N-oxide
Chemical Formula: C14H31NO
CAS Number: 1643-20-5
Recommended Use: Surfactant, cleaning agent, foam booster, used in household and industrial cleaners, shampoos, and personal-care products
Manufacturer: Supplier details should be referred to for specifics and point of contact for safety queries
Emergency Phone Number: Provided by the manufacturer or supplier documentation

Hazard Identification

Classification: Irritant to eyes and skin, not classified as hazardous per GHS for most concentrations used in consumer products
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation, may cause skin irritation on prolonged contact
Pictogram: Exclamation mark, Corrosive (GHS07, GHS05)
Signal Word: Warning
Precautionary Statements: Wear eye protection, wash exposed skin after handling, avoid breathing mist or aerosols created during use, prevent environmental release
Other Hazards: Can form flammable vapors at elevated temperatures, may be harmful if swallowed in large quantities

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Lauryldimethylamine oxide
Content: 27–33% (active content varies by supplier)
Water: Balance
Impurities: Trace formaldehyde (<0.1%), possible secondary amine oxides (<1%)
Synonyms: Dodecyldimethylamine oxide, N,N-Dimethyldodecylamine N-oxide

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical advice if respiratory symptoms develop
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing, obtain medical attention for irritation
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing, obtain medical attention if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention if large volumes have been ingested

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Use CO2, dry chemical powder, or foam, water spray only to cool surfaces
Hazards: Product is not highly flammable, but may decompose at high temperature to emit toxic fumes (nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides)
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Specific Procedures: Remove containers from fire area if safe, cool containers with flooding quantities of water, contain water runoff

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Put on chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, avoid breathing vapors or mists, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains, surface water, or soil
Cleanup Methods: Soak up with inert absorbent (sand, earth), collect in sealable containers for disposal, wash area thoroughly with water after spill cleanup

Handling and Storage

Handling Precautions: Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, goggles), avoid contact with skin and eyes, use in well-ventilated areas, handle away from food and drink, wash hands after use
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed original container in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area, keep away from incompatible substances like strong oxidizers and acids, avoid freezing and excessive heat
Storage Life: Refer to manufacturer recommendations for shelf life; usually stable for at least one year if properly stored

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Control Parameters: No established occupational exposure limits, consider safe work practices and local guidelines
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or general room ventilation to control vapor or mists
Personal Protection: Use chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or PVC), safety goggles, protective clothing, and, under heavy use, respiratory protection (NIOSH-approved in misting environments)
Hygiene Measures: Change contaminated clothing, wash exposed areas after handling, never eat or drink in work areas

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid (commercial), solid or paste at room temperature (pure)
Odor: Faint amine smell
pH: 6 – 8 (10% solution in water)
Melting Point: >0°C (product blend), ~94°C (pure compound)
Boiling Point: >100°C
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Density: ~1.01–1.03 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Low
Flash Point: >100°C (not considered highly flammable)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 1.2–1.6 (estimated)
Decomposition Temperature: >200°C
Viscosity: Moderate (solution)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid extreme heat, freezing temperatures, and direct sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, anionic detergents
Hazardous Decomposition: Thermal decomposition may yield toxic gases including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide
Polymerization: Does not polymerize

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 in rats (est.) 2,400–3,600 mg/kg, skin absorption LD50 above 2,000 mg/kg (low toxicity)
Skin Contact: May cause mild to moderate irritation
Eye Contact: Severe irritation, risk of corneal injury with concentrated solutions
Inhalation: Mist may cause nose and throat irritation
Chronic Effects: No evidence of carcinogenic or mutagenic effects from typical exposure, no strong evidence for long-term toxicity, sensitization is rare
Additional Information: Product typically not considered hazardous in consumer concentrations, but misuse or undiluted exposure increases risk of injury

Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause adverse effects at higher concentrations, LC50 (96h, fish) 2–10 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable, breaks down under aerobic conditions, passes OECD 301D test for ready biodegradability
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low due to water solubility and rate of degradation
Mobility in Soil: Expected to have high mobility in water, no significant partitioning to soil or sediment
Additional Considerations: Prevent large releases into the environment, inform authorities if significant discharge occurs

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations for hazardous or chemical waste, do not release to waterways
Container Disposal: Empty containers may hold residue; triple rinse before recycling or disposal, puncture or crush to prevent reuse
Sewage Disposal: Small quantities diluted with plenty of water may be discharged to sewer (if allowed by local authority); large quantities require authorized chemical waste contractor
Other Information: Avoid disposal by incineration unless controlled emissions and proper scrubbing systems are in place

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport under most classifications
Proper Shipping Name: Lauryldimethylamine oxide solution (not classified as dangerous goods in dilute forms)
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous for road, rail, sea, and air
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Avoid transport with incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers, keep containers tightly sealed during transit, protect from freezing and direct sunlight

Regulatory Information

Safety, Health, and Environmental Regulations: Listed on TSCA (USA), EINECS/ELINCS (EU), AICS (Australia), DSL/NDSL (Canada), NZIoC (New Zealand)
Labeling: GHS pictogram for irritancy (eye, skin), warning as required by region
Specific Legislation: Subject to workplace safety regulations, consumer product labeling rules, and wastewater standards for industrial use
Restrictions: Use concentrations may be regulated in certain products, professional and consumer use considerations vary by country