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Chemical Datasheet
CAPROIC ACID |
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Chemical Identifiers
CAS Number |
UN/NA Number |
DOT Hazard Label |
USCG CHRIS Code |
- 142-62-1
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|
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NIOSH Pocket Guide |
International Chem Safety Card |
none
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NFPA 704
General Description
A white crystalline solid or colorless to light yellow solution with an unpleasant odor. Insoluble to slightly soluble in water and less dense than water. Contact may severely irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes. May be toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. Used to make perfumes.
Hazards
Reactivity Alerts
none
Air & Water Reactions
Slightly water soluble.
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Irritating vapor may be generated. (USCG, 1999)
Health Hazard
Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin. Material is extremely destructive to tissue of mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract, eyes and skin. Inhalation may be fatal as a result of spasm, inflammation and edema of the larynx and bronchia, chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. Symptoms of exposure may include burning sensation, coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea and vomiting. (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
CAPROIC ACID is a carboxylic acid. Carboxylic acids donate hydrogen ions if a base is present to accept them. They react in this way with all bases, both organic (for example, the amines) and inorganic. Their reactions with bases, called "neutralizations", are accompanied by the evolution of substantial amounts of heat. Neutralization between an acid and a base produces water plus a salt. Carboxylic acids with six or fewer carbon atoms are freely or moderately soluble in water; those with more than six carbons are slightly soluble in water. Soluble carboxylic acid dissociate to an extent in water to yield hydrogen ions. The pH of solutions of carboxylic acids is therefore less than 7.0. Many insoluble carboxylic acids react rapidly with aqueous solutions containing a chemical base and dissolve as the neutralization generates a soluble salt. Carboxylic acids in aqueous solution and liquid or molten carboxylic acids can react with active metals to form gaseous hydrogen and a metal salt. Such reactions occur in principle for solid carboxylic acids as well, but are slow if the solid acid remains dry. Even "insoluble" carboxylic acids may absorb enough water from the air and dissolve sufficiently in it to corrode or dissolve iron, steel, and aluminum parts and containers. Carboxylic acids, like other acids, react with cyanide salts to generate gaseous hydrogen cyanide. The reaction is slower for dry, solid carboxylic acids. Insoluble carboxylic acids react with solutions of cyanides to cause the release of gaseous hydrogen cyanide. Flammable and/or toxic gases and heat are generated by the reaction of carboxylic acids with diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, and sulfides. Carboxylic acids, especially in aqueous solution, also react with sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates (to give H2S and SO3), dithionites (SO2), to generate flammable and/or toxic gases and heat. Their reaction with carbonates and bicarbonates generates a harmless gas (carbon dioxide) but still heat. Like other organic compounds, carboxylic acids can be oxidized by strong oxidizing agents and reduced by strong reducing agents. These reactions generate heat. A wide variety of products is possible. Like other acids, carboxylic acids may initiate polymerization reactions; like other acids, they often catalyze (increase the rate of) chemical reactions. This compound reacts with bases, oxidizing agents and reducing agents. (NTP, 1992).
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
No information available.
Response Recommendations
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
Firefighting
Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.
LARGE FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2024)
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. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.
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. Corrosive chemicals will destroy the membranes of the mouth, throat, and esophagus and, in addition, have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. 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. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. 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. Transport the victim IMMEDIATELY to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)
Physical Properties
Flash Point:
220°F
(NTP, 1992)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature:
716°F
(NTP, 1992)
Melting Point:
27°F
(NTP, 1992)
Vapor Pressure:
0.2 mmHg
at 68°F
; 1 mmHg at 158°F; 20 mmHg at 233.2°F
(NTP, 1992)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air):
4.01
(NTP, 1992)
- Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity:
0.927
(USCG, 1999)
- Less dense than water; will float
Boiling Point:
396 to 397°F
at 760 mmHg
(NTP, 1992)
Molecular Weight:
116.16
(NTP, 1992)
Water Solubility:
5 to 10 mg/mL
at 72°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)
Chemical |
PAC-1 |
PAC-2 |
PAC-3 |
|
Hexanoic acid; (caproic acid) (142-62-1)
|
2.2 mg/m3 |
24 mg/m3 |
140 mg/m3 |
LEL = 13000 ppm |
(DOE, 2024)
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
- BUTYLACETIC ACID
- CAPROIC ACID
- CAPRONIC ACID
- HEXACID 698
- HEXANOIC ACID
- 1-HEXANOIC ACID
- HEXOIC ACID
- HEXYLIC ACID
- N-CAPROIC ACID
- N-HEXANOIC ACID
- N-HEXOIC ACID
- N-HEXYLIC ACID
- 1-PENTANECARBOXYLIC ACID
- PENTIFORMIC ACID
- PENTYLFORMIC ACID