Material Safety Data Sheet: Tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium Chloride

Identification

Product Name: Tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium Chloride
Chemical Formula: C21H38ClN
Synonyms: Benzalkonium chloride, Quaternary ammonium compound
CAS Number: 139-07-1
Recommended Use: Disinfectant, sanitizer for hard surfaces, industrial and institutional cleaner
Supplier Details: Manufacturer’s name, address, phone number, and emergency contact information (to be obtained from supplier)

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Category 4); Skin Corrosion/Irritation (Category 1); Serious Eye Damage/Irritation (Category 1); Hazardous to aquatic environment (Acute, Category 1)
Label Elements: Signal word: Danger; Hazard pictograms: Corrosive, Exclamation Mark, Environment
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed; Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; Very toxic to aquatic life
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Wear protective gloves, eyewear, and clothing. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Do not breathe vapors or mist. Seek medical advice if irritation persists.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Active Ingredient: Alkyl (C12-16) dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride
Chemical Concentration: 10-80% (depending on the specific product formulation)
Other Ingredients: Inert components, water, minor stabilizers (exact percentages and identities vary by manufacturer)
Impurities: None of significant hazard expected in commercial grades

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. Support breathing as needed.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse skin with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical advice for persistent irritation or burns.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy. Obtain medical attention urgently, even if no symptoms exist.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting. Give water if victim is conscious. Seek medical attention as soon as possible; show this sheet to the physician.
Most Important Symptoms: Severe irritation, burning sensation, possible pulmonary effects following inhalation or ingestion.
Note to Physician: Treat symptomatically; monitor for respiratory and gastrointestinal complications.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: None known for small contained fires
Specific Hazards: May release toxic gases such as hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide during combustion
Protective Equipment: Full protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus must be worn in fire situations.
Fire or Explosion Hazards: Product is not flammable, but containers may rupture under intense heat.
Special Instructions: Move containers from fire area if it can be done without risk; cool with water spray.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel. Use personal protective equipment including gloves, eye protection, and suitable clothing. Prevent inhalation or skin and eye contact.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains, sewers, or waterways as this compound is very toxic to aquatic life.
Containment: Dike area with suitable inert material such as sand or earth.
Clean-Up Methods: Absorb with inert material, place in chemical waste container for safe disposal. Wash spill area thoroughly with water. Ventilate area before resuming normal work.
Disposal of Collected Material: Follow local, national, and regional guidance for hazardous waste.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only with adequate ventilation. Avoid inhalation, ingestion, or contact with skin and eyes. Wear suitable personal protective equipment. Do not mix with other cleaning agents, especially acids or bleach to avoid hazardous gases.
Storage: Store in a tightly closed container in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place. Separate from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers, acids, and anionic detergents. Store away from food and animal feed. Keep out of reach of children.
Specific Requirements: Ground and bond containers during transfer to avoid static discharge.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits for this chemical; minimize exposure as a best practice.
Engineering Controls: Ensure proper ventilation, especially if using in confined areas. Use local exhaust at points of emission.
Personal Protective Equipment: Use chemical goggles or face shield, impervious gloves, chemical-resistant apron or clothing, and suitable respiratory protection in case of insufficient ventilation.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling and before eating. Remove contaminated clothing immediately and wash thoroughly before reuse.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear to yellowish liquid or viscous solution, characteristic odor
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH: 6-8 (1% solution in water)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Not available; remains liquid at room temperature
Boiling Point: Not determined
Flash Point: >100°C (non-flammable)
Evaporation Rate: Not determined
Flammability: Not considered flammable
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Vapor Density: Not determined
Relative Density (Specific Gravity): 0.96-1.0
Solubility in Water: Completely miscible
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Decomposition Temperature: Not determined
Viscosity: Variable, depending on concentration

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions.
Reactivity: Reacts with anionic surfactants, strong oxidizing agents, and acids.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides on thermal decomposition.
Polymerization: Will not occur under normal handling and storage.
Conditions to Avoid: Extreme heat, direct sunlight, incompatible materials.
Incompatibility: Strong acids, strong oxidizing agents, anionic compounds.

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact.
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): approximately 400 mg/kg. Harmful if swallowed. Causes severe irritation or burns to tissues.
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Strongly corrosive, damaging skin on contact.
Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes serious eye damage, risk of permanent injury.
Respiratory Effects: Inhalation can irritate mucous membranes, cause coughing, shortness of breath.
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause dermatitis and possible effects to mucous tissues.
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA.
Reproductive Effects: No data suggesting effects on fertility or development.
Target Organ Effects: May damage eyes, skin, respiratory tract on exposure.

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Very toxic to aquatic organisms. LC50 Fish (96 hour): 0.28 mg/L. EC50 Daphnia (48 hour): 0.016 mg/L.
Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation due to good biodegradability.
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable as a surfactant, yet concentrations can still harm aquatic environments.
Mobility in Soil: May adsorb to soil particles; may leach to groundwater at certain concentrations.
Persistence: Breaks down relatively quickly in water and soil, but high concentrations pose immediate risk to water life.
Other Hazards: Avoid uncontrolled release to the environment. Keep away from drains, surface water, and groundwater.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. Do not discharge to sewers, waterways, or ground.
Container Disposal: Triple rinse container, puncture, and offer for recycling or reconditioning if available. If not possible, dispose of containers as hazardous waste.
Additional Guidance: Consult local environmental authorities before large-scale disposal or spill remediation.

Transport Information

UN Number: UN1903
UN Proper Shipping Name: Disinfectant, liquid, corrosive, n.o.s. (contains benzalkonium chloride)
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substance)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes, very toxic to aquatic life; observe marine pollutant regulations
Special Transport Precautions: Prevent package rupture or spillage. Secure during transport to avoid damage.
Transport Labels: Corrosive labels required

Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed in the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
OSHA Hazard Classification: Hazardous chemical as defined by OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200
SARA Title III: Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance. Specific reporting requirements may apply at certain concentrations.
RCRA Status: Product and container may be hazardous, requiring appropriate identification and disposal.
European Union: Classified in accordance with EU Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP).
Other National Regulations: Check regional, provincial, and local requirements for additional restrictions or reporting.