Substance Name: Dihexadecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride
Synonyms: DDAC, C16-C16 Quaternary Ammonium Compound
Chemical Formula: C38H80ClN
Use: Disinfectant, antiseptic, preservative, surfactant in industrial and commercial formulations
Manufacturer Information: Contact details provided by supplier
Emergency Phone: Local poison control center or product-specific hotline
Recommended Restrictions: Avoid use in direct consumer applications without guidance
GHS Classification: Skin Corrosive (Category 1B), Eye Damage (Category 1), Aquatic Acute Toxicity (Category 1), Acute Toxicity Oral (Category 3)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Toxic if swallowed. Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
Pictograms: Corrosion, Skull and Crossbones, Environment
Precautionary Phrases: Avoid breathing dust or fume. Wash thoroughly after handling. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Prevent release to the environment.
Chemical Name: Dihexadecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride
Concentration: Usually available as 95% or higher active ingredient
CAS Number: 107-64-2
Other Ingredients: Trace impurities may include related quaternary ammonium compounds
Molecular Weight: 586 g/mol
Structural Formula: Two hexadecyl (C16) chains, dimethylammonium group, chloride anion
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult, seek medical attention immediately.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, call a physician.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 20 minutes, remove contact lenses if safe, seek immediate medical advice.
Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting, rinse mouth if conscious, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person, seek emergency treatment.
Most Important Symptoms/Effects: Burns, eye and skin tissue damage, respiratory distress, risk of chemical pneumonia (if inhaled)
Advice to Physicians: Treat as exposure to powerful cationic surfactant. Consider airway protection and symptomatic supportive care.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water spray (use caution to avoid spread of corrosive runoff)
Specific Hazards: Product does not burn easily but may decompose on heating to emit toxic and corrosive fumes (including nitrogen oxides, hydrogen chloride)
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full chemical-resistant gear
Fire-Fighting Instructions: Isolate fire scene, prevent water runoff into drains, cool containers exposed to flames with water spray
Personal Precautions: Keep unprotected people away, ventilate area, avoid contact with skin or eyes
Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, impervious clothing, suitable respiratory protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering sewers, storm drains, or natural water sources
Cleanup Methods: Contain and absorb spills with inert material (sand, vermiculite), scoop into chemical waste container, clean area with plenty of water, dispose of contaminated material as hazardous waste
Handling: Avoid direct contact with substance, prevent formation of aerosols or dust, work in well-ventilated area
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials (acids, strong oxidizers), keep tightly closed, segregate from food or animal feed
Storage Temperature: Keep between 2–30°C
Incompatibilities: Avoid mixing with strong acids, alkalis, organic peroxides
Special Precautions: Ensure containers are clearly labeled, prevent static discharge, keep away from open flames and direct sunlight
Occupational Exposure Limits: Not established for this compound, minimize exposure as much as possible
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, closed systems wherever feasible
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), impervious apron, suitable respiratory protection if dust or aerosols are generated
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands before breaks and after handling, do not eat or drink while using the chemical, shower and change clothes after use, clean equipment thoroughly after handling
Appearance: White to off-white powder or waxy solid
Odor: Mild, characteristic amine odor
pH (1% solution): 6–8
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, better in alcohols and organic solvents
Melting Point: 80–100°C
Flash Point: Not highly flammable
Relative Density: 0.85–1.05 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): High, as a cationic surfactant
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature
Decomposition Temperature: >250°C
Chemical Stability: Stable at recommended storage conditions
Hazardous Reactions: May react with strong acids or oxidizers, can release toxic fumes on decomposition
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, open flames, strong oxidizing agents, direct sunlight
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Acute Toxicity: Oral (rat) LD50: 50–300 mg/kg, Dermal (rabbit) LD50: >2000 mg/kg
Corrosivity/Irritation: Severe skin and eye damage possible, respiratory irritation with dust or aerosols
Sensitization: Not typically reported, cationic surfactants rarely sensitize
Chronic Exposure: No reliable long-term data; handle with care to avoid repeated exposure
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic
Other Effects: May cause chemical burns, tissue ulceration, risk of aspiration and lung damage if ingested
Aquatic Toxicity: Extremely harmful, EC50 (crustacean, 48hr): 0.05–1 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Slowly biodegradable; cationic surfactants bind to sediments and organic matter
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low, strong ionic binding to organic and mineral surfaces
Mobility in Soil: Limited due to adsorption; risk of toxicity to aquatic plants and animals even at low concentrations
Other Harmful Effects: Avoid spillage into bodies of water, potential to inhibit sewage treatment processes
Waste Treatment Methods: Incinerate using appropriate technology if permitted, or dispose as hazardous waste via authorized chemical waste contractors
Product Disposal: Prevent release into environment, do not flush into sewer or watercourses, follow local and national regulations strictly
Packaging Disposal: Rinse thoroughly before disposal, render unuseable prior to landfilling or recycling, recovered containers may pose a risk
UN Number: 2922
UN Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive liquid, toxic, n.o.s (contains Dihexadecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride)
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive), 6.1 (Toxic)
Packing Group: II
Marine Pollutant: Yes
IMDG: Classified as hazardous for international sea transport
DOT / IATA: Regulated, special labeling and documentation required
Special Precautions: Protect from damage, segregate from incompatible cargo, emergency information must accompany shipment
International Inventories: Listed in TSCA (USA), REACH (EU), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia)
Labeling Required: GHS-compliant hazard pictograms, hazard statements, first aid, emergency contact information
SARAH Title III Status: Not subject to Section 313 reporting, but reportable under CERCLA if a release occurs
EPA Status: Registered as an active ingredient in antimicrobial and disinfectant formulations, subject to workplace safety regulations
Worker Protection: Follow OSHA requirements for hazardous chemical handling
Restrictions: Not for food, drug, or cosmetic use; use strictly under controlled conditions as permitted by regulation
Other Regulations: Subject to local, regional, and national regulations on toxic and hazardous substances, chemical safety management, and environmental release
