Product Name: Hexachloroethane
Chemical Formula: C2Cl6
Synonyms: Carbon hexachloride, Ethane hexachloride, Pertachloroethane
CAS Number: 67-72-1
Recommended Use: Commonly used in pyrotechnics, smoke formulations, and in the production of other chemicals
Supplier: Chemical manufacturers and distributors listed on the shipment or delivery documents
Emergency Contact Number: Provided by chemical distributor or local emergency services
Hazard Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation, dermal), Skin irritation, Eye irritation, Carcinogenicity
Label Elements: Skull and crossbones, Exclamation mark
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, Causes skin and eye irritation, Possible cancer risk, Toxic to aquatic life
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors, Wear protective gloves, Wash hands thoroughly after handling, Do not release to environment
Effects of Exposure: Inhalation may result in respiratory irritation, dizziness, or nausea. Skin contact may lead to redness and irritation. Chronic exposure can increase cancer risk.
Chemical: Hexachloroethane
Concentration: 98-100% (technical grade)
Impurities: Possible presence of trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, pentachloroethane depending on production method
Hazardous Components: None other than principal chemical for pure-grade
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Monitor breathing. Provide oxygen or artificial respiration if breathing is weak or stops. Seek medical attention immediately.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash exposed skin with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Do not reuse contaminated clothing until properly cleaned.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. See an eye specialist.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with plenty of water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Call poison center or physician.
Symptoms of Exposure: Coughing, sore throat, skin redness, burning of eyes, headache, nausea.
Special Medical Needs: Medical professionals should watch for signs of pulmonary edema and provide symptomatic treatment.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry powder, foam, carbon dioxide. Avoid water jets as chemical reacts to form toxic fumes.
Hazards from Combustion: Releases hydrogen chloride, phosgene, and carbon monoxide.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
Special Precautions: Move unaffected containers away from fire area if safe to do so. Contain fire-fighting water, prevent it from entering drains and water courses.
Flash Point: Non-flammable, but will decompose at high temperatures generating toxic gases.
Personal Precautions: Wear respiratory protection, gloves, goggles, and protective clothing to avoid inhalation and skin contact.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains, watercourses, or soil.
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up or vacuum spilled material. Place in a closed chemical waste container for disposal. Avoid dust formation. Ventilate the area.
Decontamination: Use detergent and water on contaminated surfaces. Dispose of all cleaning materials as hazardous waste.
Handling: Handle in well-ventilated areas or fume hoods. Wear appropriate PPE. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space. Protect from ignition sources, moisture, and incompatible materials (like strong bases and metal powders). Avoid storing with food, drink, or animal feed.
Packaging: Use corrosion-resistant materials.
Incompatibilities: Strong bases, metals, reducing agents.
Exposure Limits: OSHA TWA 1 ppm; ACGIH TLV 1 ppm
Engineering Controls: Use fume hoods, local exhaust ventilation
Eye Protection: Chemical safety goggles
Hand Protection: Chloroprene, butyl rubber, or nitrile gloves
Skin Protection: Lab coat, long pants, closed shoes
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask or full-face respirator if exposure limits may be exceeded
Hygiene Measures: No eating, drinking, or smoking in work areas. Wash hands after handling and before breaks.
Appearance: White, crystalline solid
Odor: Mild sweet, chloroform-like odor
Melting Point: 183°C
Boiling Point: 187°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in ether, alcohol, benzene
Density: 2.09 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: 0.1 mm Hg at 20°C
pH: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient (Log Kow): 4.3
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not applicable
Explosive Properties: None under normal conditions
Chemical Stability: Stable under dry, cool, and well-ventilated conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts violently with strong bases, powdered metals, and reducing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, excessive heat, open flames
Decomposition Products: Phosgene, hydrogen chloride, chlorine gas, carbon monoxide under fire or decomposition
Polymerization: Will not occur under recommended storage and handling
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 495 mg/kg
Chronic Toxicity: Liver and kidney damage in prolonged exposure, possible carcinogen
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, liver enlargement, loss of coordination, and possibly unconsciousness in severe cases.
Carcinogenicity: Classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 2B)
Other Effects: Reproductive toxicity has not been ruled out with chronic contact.
Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic life, especially fish and invertebrates
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable. Stays in soil and water for long periods.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Tendency to accumulate in aquatic organisms due to high log Kow
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility, but can contaminate groundwater through runoff
Other Ecological Data: Can biomagnify through food chains, may pose long-term hazards to the ecosystem.
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of as hazardous waste in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations
Recommended Disposal: Incinerate with industrial waste treatment plants equipped to handle halogenated organics
Packaging Disposal: Neutralize residues. Dispose of empty containers in hazardous waste collection facilities.
Avoidance: Never dump into drains, water systems, or natural environments.
UN Number: 1185
Proper Shipping Name: Hexachloroethane
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III (substances with comparatively low danger)
Labels Required: Toxic, Environmental hazard
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Precautions: Keep container tightly closed and upright. Transport in secure containers, avoid spills.
US TSCA: Listed
OSHA: Regulated for workplace exposure
SARA Title III: Subject to reporting under sections 302/304/311/312
EU Classification: Harmful (Xn), Dangerous for the environment (N)
REACH: Registered substance
Canadian Regulations: WHMIS Classification: D1B (Toxic), D2A (Very Toxic), D2B (Irritant)
International Inventories: Listed on most chemical substance inventories
