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Chemical Datasheet

DECANOIC ACID

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 334-48-5
none data unavailable
  • DCO
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
none none
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
White crystalline solid with a rancid odor. Melting point 31.5°C. Soluble in most organic solvents and in dilute nitric acid; non-toxic. Used to make esters for perfumes and fruit flavors and as an intermediate for food-grade additives.

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
none
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Fire Hazard
This chemical is combustible. (NTP, 1992)
Health Hazard
Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Material is irritating to tissues of mucous membranes, and upper respiratory tract, eyes and skin. (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
DECANOIC ACID reacts exothermically to neutralize bases. Can react with active metals to form gaseous hydrogen and a metal salt. May absorb enough water from the air and dissolve sufficiently in it to corrode or dissolve iron, steel, and aluminum parts and containers. Reacts with cyanide salts or solutions of cyanide salts to generate gaseous hydrogen cyanide. Reacts exothermically with diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, and sulfides to generate flammable and/or toxic gases. Can react with sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates (to give H2S and SO3), dithionites (SO2), to generate flammable and/or toxic gases and heat. Reacts with carbonates and bicarbonates to generate a harmless gas (carbon dioxide). Can be oxidized exothermically by strong oxidizing agents and reduced by strong reducing agents; a wide variety of products is possible. May initiate polymerization reactions or catalyze (increase the rate of) reactions among other materials.
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

No information available.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
No information available.
Firefighting
Fire Extinguishing Agents Not to Be Used: Water may not be effective.

Fire Extinguishing Agents: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, alcohol foam, water spray. (USCG, 1999)
Non-Fire Response
Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Sodium bicarbonate solution (USCG, 1999)
Protective Clothing
Respirator, chemical safety goggles, rubber boots, and heavy rubber gloves. (USCG, 1999)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:
  • C10H20O2
Flash Point: 235°F (NTP, 1992)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: 88.7°F (NTP, 1992)
Vapor Pressure: 1 mmHg at 257°F ; 5 mmHg at 287.6°F; 760 mmHg at 515.1°F (NTP, 1992)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: 0.893 (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Boiling Point: 514 to 518°F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Molecular Weight: 172.3 (NTP, 1992)
Water Solubility: less than 1 mg/mL at 64°F (NTP, 1992)
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

No AEGL information available.

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

No PAC information available.

Regulatory Information

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

No regulatory information available.

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

No regulatory information available.

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

Alternate Chemical Names