Chemical Sampling Information
	Decane
Quick Links General Description Health Factors Search    [use word(s)/phrase] Table of Contents By Name A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z By CAS Number General Description Synonyms: n-decane; decane 99+%; decyl hydride OSHA IMIS Code Number: D166 Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number: 124-18-5 NIOSH, Registry of Toxic Effects (RTECS) Identification Number: HD6550000 Department of Transportation Regulation Number (49 CFR 172.101) and Guide: 2247 128 [27 KB, PDF] Chemical Description and Physical Properties: clear, colorless liquid with a gasoline-like odor molecular formula: C10H22 molecular weight: 142.32 boiling point: 174.2°C flash point: 46°C closed cup melting point: -29.7°C vapor pressure: 0.17 kPa at 25°C Health Factors Potential symptoms: Eye, skin, respiratory tract irritation; headache; dizziness, stupor, incoordination; loss of appetite, nausea; dermatitis; chemical pneumonitis (from aspiration of liquid); unconsciousness; INGES ACUTE: Abdominal cramps, burning sensation, nausea, vomiting. Health Effects: Irritation-Eye, Nose, Throat, Skin---Mild (HE16); Narcosis (HE8). Affected organs: Skin, respiratory system, CNS Notes: Vapor/air mixtures of decane may be explosive at temperatures above 46°C. Decane is generally found in petroleum distillate mixtures, and it has been used as a marker for internal exposure after inhalation of white spirit solvent or dermal application of JP-8 jet fuel. Lower concentrations of n-decane are found in gasoline (0.16-0.18%) than in jet fuel (2.5% in JP-4; 3.8% in JP-8). Exposure of human volunteers to decane concentrations of 58, 204, and 580 mg/m3 for 6 hours resulted in significant concentration-related increases in irritation of mucous membranes, conjunctival polymorphonuclear leucocyte counts, sensation of odor intensity, and decreases in air quality and tear film stability. Date Last Revised: 05/24/2007 Literature Basis: International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO): Decane. Hissink, A.M., et al.: Model studies for evaluating the neurobehavioral effects of complex hydrocarbon solvents. III. PBPK modeling of white spirit constituents as a tool for integrating animal and human test data. Neurotoxicology 28(4): 751-760, July 2007. Kim, D., Andersen, M.E. and Nylander-French, L.A.: Dermal absorption and penetration of jet fuel components. Toxicol. Lett. 165(1): 11-21, 2006. Kjærgaard, S., Mølhave, L. and Pedersen, O.F.: Human reactions to indoor air pollutants: n-decane. Environ. Intern. 15: 473-482, 1989. Lammers, J.H., et al.: Model studies for evaluating the neurobehavioral effects of complex hydrocarbon solvents. II. Neurobehavioral effects of white spirit in rat and human. Neurotoxicology 28(4): 736-750, July 2007. McDougal, J.N., Pollard, D.L., Weisman, W., Garrett, C.M. and Miller, T.E.: Assessment of skin absorption and penetration of JP-8 jet fuel and its components. Toxicol. Sci. 55(2): 247-255, 2000. Muhammad, F., Monteiro-Riviere, N.S. and Riviere, J.E.: Comparative in vivo toxicity of topical JP-8 jet fuel and its individual hydrocarbon components: identification of tridecane and tetradecane as key constituents responsible for dermal irritation. Toxicol. Pathol. 33(2): 258-266, 2005. ZymaX Forensics: Identifying Hydrocarbons (last accessed 3/15/2005; data on decane not available online since the acquisition of ZymaX Forensics, Inc. by DPRA later in 2005). All Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Accessibility Assistance: Contact the OSHA Directorate of Science, Technology and Medicine at 202-693-2300 for assistance accessing PDF materials.