Product Name: Octanoic Acid
Synonyms: Caprylic Acid
Chemical Formula: C8H16O2
CAS Number: 124-07-2
Recommended Use: Used in making esters, greases, lubricants, disinfectants, dyes, perfumes, and as a food additive.
Supplier: Identify local distributor or chemical supplier information for accountability and contact in emergencies.
Contact Information: Emergency and non-emergency numbers, including local poison control center.
GHS Classification: Causes skin and serious eye irritation; may cause respiratory tract irritation.
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation; causes skin irritation.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors or mists. Wash thoroughly after handling. Wear eye protection and gloves.
HMIS Ratings: Health: 2, Flammability: 1, Reactivity: 0.
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation triggers throat and respiratory discomfort. Skin exposure may lead to painful irritation, redness, or even burns after prolonged contact. Vapor contact stings eyes and can result in redness, watering, and temporary vision disruption.
Chemical Name: Octanoic Acid
Concentration: 98 – 100%
Impurities: Trace organic acids and byproducts under 2%
EC Number: 204-677-5
Other Ingredients: No added non-hazardous or inert materials.
Eye Contact: Immediately flush with plenty of cold water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids periodically. Seek medical attention without delay.
Skin Contact: Wash with copious amounts of water and a mild soap. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. If irritation persists, consult a physician.
Inhalation: Move to an area with fresh air. Monitor for breathing difficulty. Seek prompt medical aid if symptoms build.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not force vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Call for emergency help.
Most Important Symptoms: Irritated eyes, skin redness, respiratory discomfort. No delayed poisoning reported through usual exposures.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide for small fires. Powder extinguishers give fast results over direct flames.
Specific Hazards: Vapors mildly flammable at higher temperatures. Burns produce acrid smoke including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus required.
Special Procedures: Cool fire-exposed containers with water spray. Approach upwind to avoid inhaling fumes.
Personal Precautions: Put on gloves, goggles, and suitable protective clothing. Evacuate area for large spills. Ensure ventilation to control vapors.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent undiluted acid from reaching soil, drains, or waterways. Stop leaks, contain with earth or sand.
Clean Up Methods: Absorb on inert material such as sand or vermiculite. Gather into chemical waste containers for approved disposal. Wash area with water after removal.
Handling: Prevent splashing and aerosol formation. Use only with adequate ventilation. Wash hands thoroughly before breaks and after handling.
Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep away from heat sources or open flames. Ensure containers remain tightly closed when unused.
Incompatibilities: Avoid strong bases, oxidizing agents, and reducing agents. Reacts violently with strong alkalis.
Precautions: Use dedicated containers and labeled storage shelves away from incompatible chemicals.
Workplace Control Parameters: No specific limit from OSHA or ACGIH. Work in an area with good exhaust or local ventilation.
Personal Protection: Approved chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles or face shield, apron, and, if mist is present, a NIOSH-approved respirator.
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to minimize exposure.
Hygiene Measures: Wash exposed areas after handling. Take off contaminated clothing and launder before reuse.
Appearance: Clear to slightly yellow oily liquid
Odor: Slightly unpleasant, fatty acid smell
pH: ~3 (for aqueous solutions)
Melting Point: 16.7°C (62.1°F)
Boiling Point: 239.7°C (463.5°F)
Flash Point: 110°C (230°F) closed cup
Flammability: Not highly flammable, but catches fire at elevated temperatures
Vapor Pressure: Low (0.028 hPa at 20°C)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, miscible with most organic solvents
Specific Gravity: 0.910–0.920 (water = 1)
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): logP ~3.1
Viscosity: Oily consistency
Stability: Remains stable under normal ambient and anticipated storage conditions.
Reactivity: Moderate reaction with alkali metals and strong oxidizers.
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Can generate heat and hazardous gases with incompatible compounds.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and irritating vapors.
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, direct sunlight, incompatible materials.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion.
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 2,490 mg/kg; inhalation low risk at ambient temperature.
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes moderate irritation on direct contact.
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Triggers significant discomfort, tearing, and sometimes temporary vision effects.
Sensitization: Not known to be a skin sensitizer.
Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure may dry or crack skin. No clear evidence for carcinogenic or mutagenic effects.
Other Information: No established links with reproductive hazards or teratogenicity.
Ecotoxicity: Exhibits low acute toxicity for aquatic organisms at typical concentrations, but large amounts may disrupt local biological balance.
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegrades fairly rapidly under aerobic conditions.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Moderate due to octanol-water partition; unlikely to build up to significant levels in food chain.
Mobility in Soil: Absorbs to soil particles; does not move rapidly into groundwater.
Other Adverse Effects: No evidence for ozone depletion or significant atmospheric reaction.
Waste Disposal: Collect and store unused or spilled material in approved chemical waste containers. Dispose through a licensed hazardous waste handler.
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly before recycling or send out as hazardous waste, depending on local regulations.
Special Precautions: Never pour down drain or mix with household waste. Follow local and national waste disposal guidelines.
UN Number: 3265 (for Octanoic Acid in strong form as corrosive liquid, organic, n.o.s.)
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (corrosive substances)
Packing Group: III
Labeling: Requires corrosive label for bulk shipments.
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant under most regulations.
Transport Notes: Secure tubs or containers to prevent leaks, keep away from food, and comply with national transport rules for chemicals.
OSHA Status: Not listed as a hazardous chemical under specific standards, but subject to general duty clause.
TSCA: Listed in the United States Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory.
REACH Registration: Registered under standard European Union chemical safety guidelines.
Other Regulations: Subject to workplace right-to-know laws in many states and countries. Not listed as a controlled precursor or designated carcinogen.
SARA Title III (Sections 302/304/311/312/313): Not regulated as an extremely hazardous substance.
Canadian WHMIS: Class D2B (eye and skin irritant).
EU Classification: Eye Irritation Category 2, Skin Irritation Category 2.
