Substance Name: Hexadecyl Dimethyl Betaine
Other Names: Cetyl Dimethyl Betaine, C16 Betaine
Recommended Use: Surfactant in shampoos, conditioners, emulsifiers, personal care solutions
CAS Number: 3655-00-3
Manufacturer or Supplier: Chemical distributor or specialty chemical provider details on label
Emergency Contact Numbers: Regional poison control, local chemical safety office, emergency response service
GHS Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2A), Skin irritation (Category 2)
Label Elements: Signal word: Warning, Hazard pictograms: Exclamation mark
Hazard Statements: Causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhaling vapors or mist, wear protective gear, wash hands thoroughly
Potential Health Effects: Contact may sting eyes or skin, inhaling dust or aerosol could irritate lungs, ingestion may disturb digestive system
Environmental Hazards: Product displays acute aquatic toxicity potential, may harm aquatic organisms if released at high concentration
Chemical Name: Hexadecyl Dimethyl Betaine
Synonyms: N,N-Dimethyl-N-Hexadecylglycine, Cetyl betaine
Concentration: Purity typically ranges between 30%–100% depending on product specification
Impurities: Trace alkanolamines, chloride compounds
Mixture: Not typically formulated with additional components for pure product form
Inhalation: Move injured person to fresh air, keep comfortable, seek medical help if breathing problems continue
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, immediately rinse affected skin with plenty of water and soap, contact a doctor if symptoms persist
Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, seek immediate medical attention for persistent redness or pain
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person, get medical advice if feeling unwell
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, foam, carbon dioxide, water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Do not use high-pressure water jet due to risk of frothing
Specific Hazards: Combustion releases irritating fumes, possibly carbon oxides and nitrogen compounds
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and suitable protective clothing
Fire Hazards: Product is not classified as highly flammable, but vapors can form explosive mixtures in extreme conditions
Personal Precautions: Put on gloves, goggles, and long sleeves to avoid direct contact
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spill from entering sewers or waterways, alert relevant authorities if contamination takes place
Spill Containment: Absorb liquid on sand, earth, or suitable inert material
Cleanup Methods: Collect residue in containers for proper disposal, wash area with plentiful water
Handling: Use in well-ventilated locations, avoid generating mist or prolonged skin contact, keep containers tightly closed
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after use, keep work clothing separate, eat or drink away from work area
Storage: Store in original containers kept dry, shielded from direct sunlight and heat sources, keep storage area ventilated
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids may break compound down quickly
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established national OEL, minimize airborne concentration as best practice
Engineering Controls: Use fume hoods, local exhaust systems, eye wash stations nearby
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), splash-proof goggles, lab coats, occasionally face shield for large volume transfers
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH/MSHA or EN-approved respirator in poorly ventilated spaces
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid in commercial solution, waxy solid in pure form
Odor: Faint to moderate amine scent
pH: Ranges from 6 to 8 (10% solution)
Boiling Point: Above 200°C for pure substance
Melting Point: 28–34°C (for pure)
Solubility: Miscible with water, soluble in ethanol
Vapor Pressure: Low
Flash Point: Approx. 130°C (closed cup)
Relative Density: 0.98–1.02 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Estimated around 2.5
Viscosity: 50-300 mPa.s (25°C)
Stability: Stable under normal room temperatures and recommended use
Hazardous Reactions: No reactions expected under correct handling, avoid excessive heating or mixing with strong acids/oxidizing agents
Decomposition Products: Thermal breakdown can produce noxious fumes and carbon/nitrogen oxides
Condition to Avoid: Store away from strong oxidizers, high temperatures can degrade product
Possible Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, inhalation, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat) estimated at >2000 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes mild to moderate skin irritation
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Prominent eye irritant
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Prolonged or repeated exposure can trigger allergic reactions or dermatitis
Long-Term Exposure: No evidence of carcinogenic effects, not classified as reproductive toxin
Symptoms: Local redness, stinging, in rare cases coughing or breathing difficulty after inhalation of aerosol
Medical Observations: Seek symptomatic treatment, monitor for secondary infection at contact sites
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life at elevated concentrations, aquatic LC50 (96hr, fish) ranges from 1–10 mg/l
Mobility: Disperses readily in water, limited binding to soil
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately biodegradable under aerobic conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Moderate potential due to molecular structure
Other Adverse Effects: Does not affect ozone layer, do not release into water without proper processing
Waste Disposal: Send to chemical waste treatment facility, comply with local, regional, and national regulations
Unused Product: Avoid disposal in household drains, make arrangements with certified disposal firms
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse, recycle only after thorough decontamination
Spilled Solutions: Neutralize where practical, collect and submit for chemical waste incineration
UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport in most jurisdictions
Transportation Hazards: Not a dangerous good under ADR, IMDG, IATA
Proper Shipping Name: Hexadecyl Dimethyl Betaine Solution or N,N-Dimethyl-N-Hexadecylglycine solution
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions: Keep container sealed, upright to prevent leaks
Transport Label: None required for routine ground, air, or sea movement
Inventory Listing: Registered or pre-registered under REACH (EU), TSCA (USA) compliance, AICS (Australia), DSL (Canada)
Labeling According to GHS: Follows category 2A for eye irritation and category 2 for skin irritation
Workplace Requirements: Safety training for chemical handling, access to Material Safety Data Sheet at site
Other Compliance: Subject to chemical hygiene plans, reporting obligations for significant spills under EPA or environmental statutes
