Sulfonic Acids, Petroleum, Sodium Salts – Material Safety Data Sheet

Identification

Product Name: Sulfonic Acids, Petroleum, Sodium Salts
Chemical Family: Alkyl Benzene Sulfonates
Synonyms: Sodium petroleum sulfonate, Sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate
CAS Number: 68608-26-4
Use: Widely used as emulsifiers, detergents, wetting agents, and corrosion inhibitors in industrial applications and in oilfield products
Manufacturer: Details provided on commercial packaging and supplier correspondence
Emergency Contact Number: Refer to manufacturer's recommended emergency response hotline
Address: Manufacturer or distributor’s registered address provided on SDS cover page

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2A), Skin irritation (Category 2), Acute toxicity Oral (Category 4)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: May cause eye and skin irritation; Harmful if swallowed; May cause respiratory tract irritation
Precautionary Statements: Wear suitable gloves/protective clothing/eye protection, avoid breathing mists or vapors, wash thoroughly after handling, do not eat/drink/smoke near the material
Symptoms: Redness, irritation, coughing, nausea, headache possible after significant exposure

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Ingredient: Sulfonic acids, petroleum, sodium salts
Concentration: Main active content typically 60–100%
Impurities: May contain aromatic and aliphatic petroleum sulfonates, water (<5%), sodium chloride (<2%)
Other Additives: Unreacted hydrocarbons or minor byproducts possible depending on source
CAS Numbers of Key Components: 68608-26-4

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air promptly if breathing becomes difficult; provide artificial respiration or administer oxygen if symptoms persist; seek medical attention
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected skin with mild soap and water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation continues
Eye Contact: Rinse with clean, flowing water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally; seek immediate medical evaluation
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth thoroughly and seek medical assistance right away; never give anything by mouth to an unconscious individual
Symptoms Requiring Medical Attention: Persistent coughing, breathing difficulty, severe eye injury, burns, or rash

Fire-Fighting Measures

Flammability: Non-flammable but may decompose on heating to produce toxic fumes
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray for larger fires
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid strong water jets which may spread the material
Hazardous Combustion Products: Sulfur oxides, carbon oxides, sodium oxides, possible toxic hydrocarbon fragments
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus
Fire and Explosion Hazards: Decomposition releases irritating or toxic gases

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, apron, and respiratory protection if necessary to avoid inhaling gases or mists
Spill Response: Prevent further leakage if safe to do so; use inert materials (dry sand, earth) to contain and absorb
Cleanup Procedures: Sweep or shovel absorbed material into suitable chemical waste container for disposal; wash spill site after material pickup is complete
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers or waterways; inform relevant authorities if significant environmental release occurs
Disposal of Contaminated Material: Handle as chemical waste in line with local regulations

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Ensure good ventilation; avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; do not breathe dust, mist, or vapors
Avoidance: Prevent consumption of food, drink, or tobacco during use; use appropriate industrial hygiene practices to minimize exposure
Storage Requirements: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from strong acids, oxidizers, and incompatible substances
Container Materials: Use containers made from compatible plastics or lined metal drums
Special Precautions: Segregate from strong acids/chlorinating agents; label containers clearly and maintain chemical inventory logs

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits; minimize exposure by engineering controls
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, closed systems, process enclosures where feasible
Respiratory Protection: If airborne concentrations are high, use approved NIOSH/MSHA respirators
Hand Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene preferred)
Eye and Face Protection: Safety goggles or face shield
Skin and Body Protection: Chemical-resistant protective clothing, safety boots
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, remove contaminated clothing, clean before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Amber-brown viscous liquid or powder, may be hygroscopic
Odor: Mild petroleum or hydrocarbon odor
Boiling Point: Data not available (decomposes before boiling)
Melting Point: Data varies by formulation
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, limited solubility in alcohols
pH: 7 – 10 (at standard concentrations in water)
Density: 1.0–1.3 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not significant at ambient conditions
Flash Point: Above 100°C (non-volatile fractions)
Viscosity: Viscous at room temperature for high-concentration solutions

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids to liberate heat, fumes, and irritant gases
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, direct sunlight, contact with strong acids and oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, chlorates, peroxides
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Sulfur oxides, sodium oxides, hydrocarbon fragments during burning or decomposition

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 oral (rat) between 500 and 2000 mg/kg depending on mixture
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause skin irritation, especially with prolonged or repeated contact
Eye Damage or Irritation: Causes moderate to severe irritation on contact
Respiratory Sensitization: May cause coughing, irritation of nose, throat if inhaled as droplets or mist
Chronic Toxicity: Not known to be carcinogenic or mutagenic; chronic exposure may lead to defatting of skin and dermatitis
Notable Symptoms: Redness, rash, watering, discomfort in eyes and skin, possible nausea if ingested

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life; LC50 (Rainbow trout, 96h): 1–10 mg/L for typical blends
Persistence and Degradability: Variable biodegradation rates; some fractions degrade slowly in natural environments
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low bioaccumulation expected in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Readily migrates through soil if released in liquid form
Other Environmental Hazards: May cause foaming in surface water, disrupts ecosystems if released in bulk

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose via licensed chemical waste contractor or through hazardous waste incineration facilities
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse empty containers before recycling or disposal per local regulations
Regulations: Waste handling subject to local, state, and federal laws; never discharge undiluted product to sewer or water bodies
Special Precautions: Consult authorities on best practices for chemical residues

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous goods for most transport regulations
Proper Shipping Name: Non-regulated, unless mixture contains additional classified components
Transport Hazard Class: Not assigned
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: Not marine pollutant under normal shipping but spills must be managed
Transport Precautions: Keep containers tightly sealed and upright; avoid damage during transport

Regulatory Information

OSHA Hazardous Chemical: Listed hazardous, subject to OSHA standards for workplace chemical safety
TSCA Inventory: All main components included on US Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
SARA Title III (Sections 302/304/311/312/313): Not typically subject to release reporting; handle as hazardous for emergency planning
EU REACH Registration: Covered by REACH in Europe; subject to use, import and registration regulations
Other Regulatory Information: Subject to labeling, handling, and environmental control standards as set by regional chemical control agencies