Product Name: Octyl Phenol Ethoxylates
Chemical Formula: C14H22O(C2H4O)n
Common Synonyms: Ethoxylated Octyl Phenol, Octyl Phenoxy Polyethoxy Ethanol
CAS Number: 9036-19-5
Intended Use: Emulsifier, wetting agent, nonionic surfactant commonly included in detergents, cleaners, paints, inks, and agricultural formulations.
Supplier Identification: Include address, emergency contact, and email for workplace reference.
GHS Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2A), Acute aquatic toxicity (Category 2), Chronic aquatic toxicity (Category 2)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation. Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, environmental hazard
Precautionary Statements: Avoid release into the environment. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Wear protective gloves and eye/face protection.
Potential Health Effects: Prolonged or repeated skin contact can cause irritation. Inhalation of vapors or mists may irritate respiratory tract. Swallowing can cause stomach upset.
Chronic Exposure: Extended skin contact may produce dermatitis.
Main Ingredient: Octyl Phenol Ethoxylates
Chemical Content: >90% by weight
Impurities/Other Ingredients: Water (minuscule amounts), trace unreacted octyl phenol, ethylene oxide residuals (very low)
Allergenic Components: None have been documented in occupational settings, though individual sensitivities may occur.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower lids occasionally. Remove contact lenses. Seek medical attention if redness or pain lingers.
Skin Contact: Wash area thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. Consult a healthcare provider if irritation persists or rashes appear.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. If coughing or breathing difficulty continues, obtain medical care without delay.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting unless told by a medical professional. Drink water to dilute and call a physician as symptoms dictate.
Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically. No antidote available for specific poisoning.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water fog, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide. Avoid direct water jets on liquid.
Specific Hazards: Burning may emit toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phenolic and ethoxylate byproducts.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
Firefighting Advice: Remove containers from fire area if safe. Cool tanks with water spray. Collect contaminated fire-fighting water and avoid it reaching drains.
Personal Precautions: Use protective gloves, goggles, and, in case of large spills, chemical-resistant boots. Prevent eye and skin contact.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering soil, sewers, waterways. Contain spillage with sand or inert absorbent.
Cleanup Methods: Soak up with absorbent material such as clay, soil, sawdust. Transfer collected waste to containers for safe disposal. Ventilate area well.
Reporting: Notify relevant authorities if contamination risks affect the environment or public safety.
Handling: Use within well-ventilated areas. Avoid splashing and mist formation. Wear proper PPE, especially for prolonged use.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed original containers, away from heat, direct sunlight, and sources of ignition. Avoid storing near oxidizers and strong acids.
Recommended Packaging: Store in corrosion-resistant containers with chemical-resistant lining.
Incompatibilities: Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and alkalis.
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling. Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Engineering Controls: Ensure adequate ventilation, especially for larger processing or transfer operations. Use local exhaust if misting is possible.
Personal Protection: Eye protection (chemical goggles or face shields), suitable gloves (nitrile or neoprene), protective clothing (long sleeves, aprons where needed).
Respiratory Protection: If airborne mist risks exist, use NIOSH-approved respirators with chemical cartridges.
Workplace Exposure Limits: No established limits for Octyl Phenol Ethoxylates. If other volatile components present, monitor accordingly.
Environmental Exposure Controls: Avoid draining waste into the environment. Install spill containment where bulk handling.
Appearance: Clear to cloudy liquid, pale yellow tint, mild odor
Odor: Faint to moderate ether-like
pH: 6.0 – 8.0 (10% aqueous solution)
Melting/Freezing Point: Approx -5°C
Boiling Point: >150°C
Flash Point: >200°C (closed cup)
Solubility: Soluble in water and common organic solvents
Density: About 1.05 g/cm³ @ 25°C
Viscosity: Ranges with ethoxylation level
Vapor Pressure: Low at standard temperature
Partition Coefficient: Log Kow typically between 3.0–5.0
Decomposition Temperature: Above 250°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal handling and recommended storage conditions.
Reactivity: Not reactive under intended use, but avoid extreme temperatures and strong oxidizers.
Conditions to Avoid: Strong light, heat, incompatible chemicals, direct sunlight.
Hazardous Polymerization: Not expected to occur.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, potent oxidants.
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phenolic compounds, ethoxylated byproducts with excessive heating.
Likely Routes of Exposure: Skin and eye contact, potential accidental skin absorption, inhalation of vapor or mists
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 1800–3500 mg/kg. Mild skin/eye irritant. Inhalation may trigger transient discomfort.
Chronic Toxicity: No confirmed carcinogenicity, mutagenicity or reproductive toxicity. Long-term exposure risks include cumulative skin and respiratory irritation.
Allergenic Risks: Sensitization rare but possible with repeated exposure.
Symptoms of Over-Exposure: Redness, watering of eyes, itching, rash, coughing.
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic species at elevated concentrations. LC50 (fish): 1 – 10 mg/L/96hr.
Persistence/Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, but slow breakdown under aerobic conditions.
Bioaccumulation: Potential for moderate accumulation in aquatic organisms depending on ethoxylate length.
Mobility in Soil: Limited mobility due to adsorption to organic matter.
Additional Ecological Data: Not classified as hazardous under normal use, but avoid chronic discharge to waterways and soil.
Waste Disposal Methods: Follow local, state, and federal regulations. Incineration at approved facilities preferred for large quantities. Do not dump into sewers, water supplies, or public land.
Container Disposal: Rinse empty containers, then recycle or dispose of in licensed landfill.
Precautions: Wear proper personal protective gear during all clean-up and disposal operations.
UN Number: Not regulated for ground transport.
Recommended Shipping Name: Nonionic Surfactant Solution
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous; local regulations may differ for bulk lots.
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: Avoid uncontrolled release. Marine pollutant in large spills.
Special Transport Precautions: Secure load, avoid tipping and excessive movement. Spill kits advisable for transport over long distances.
OSHA Guidelines: Not specifically listed as hazardous under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.
TSCA Inventory: Listed.
SARA 313: Not listed.
REACH Classification: Meets REACH requirements for industrial handling; not subject to specific restrictions.
California Prop 65: Not listed.
Global Inventory Status: Registered for use in the USA, Canada, EU, Australia, Japan; check current status for updates.
