Product Name: Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide
Synonyms: Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide, CTAB
Chemical Formula: C19H42BrN
CAS Number: 57-09-0
Recommended Use: Research and laboratory use, surfactant
Manufacturer: Provided by specific supplier; verify label for direct contact information
Emergency Contact: Local poison control center or manufacturer’s emergency hotline
Classification: Eye Irritation (Category 2A), Skin Irritation (Category 2), Acute Toxicity Oral (Category 4), Acute Toxicity Inhalation (Category 4), Aquatic Acute (Category 1), Specific Target Organ Toxicity, Single Exposure (Category 3)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Very toxic to aquatic life.
Pictograms: Corrosion, Exclamation Mark, Environment
Precautionary Statements: Use gloves and eye protection. Avoid inhaling dust. Prevent spillage into waterways.
Substance: Pure substance
Chemical Name: Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide
Concentration: >98%
Chemical Abstracts Service Number (CAS): 57-09-0
EC Number: 200-311-3
Impurities: Trace contaminants; verify with supplier’s certificate of analysis
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Support breathing as needed. Seek medical advice if respiratory symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin with plenty of water and mild soap. Obtain medical attention for irritation or allergic reaction.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids apart. Seek prompt medical evaluation.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical assistance.
Most Important Symptoms/Effects: Burning sensation, coughing, skin redness, eye irritation. Prolonged or repeated exposure may aggravate asthma or dermatitis.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Strong water jets
Special Hazards: Emits toxic fumes under heat, including hydrogen bromide, oxides of nitrogen, and carbon monoxide
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus, flame-resistant suits, gloves
Advice for Firefighters: Contain run-off to prevent environmental contamination. Approach upwind.
Personal Precautions: Use personal protective equipment—gloves, goggles, lab coat, dust respirator if necessary. Avoid dust formation.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product release into drains, sewers, or waterways. Inform relevant authorities if major spill occurs.
Containment and Clean-Up: Scoop up solid material and place in suitable, labeled waste container. Ventilate area. Wash spill area thoroughly after removal.
Handling: Limit exposure to airborne dust. Use in well-ventilated areas or under chemical hood. Wear proper protective gear. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space. Keep away from food, incompatible materials (strong oxidizers, strong acids), and direct sunlight.
Special Storage Requirements: Secure containers to prevent tipping or rupture. Clearly label chemical name and hazard information.
Occupational Exposure Limits: None established for CTAB; handle as hazardous chemical
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or fume hood to control airborne exposure
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile gloves, chemical splash goggles or safety glasses, lab coat, particulate respirator for dust
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Environmental Controls: Prevent spillage and emissions to outdoors or drains.
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Faint, characteristic amine odor
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH (5% solution): 6-8
Melting Point/Range: 237–241°C
Boiling Point/Range: Decomposes
Flash Point: Not available
Evaporation Rate: Not determined
Flammability: Not easily flammable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, alcohol; insoluble in many organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Autoignition Temperature: Not available
Decomposition Temperature: >250°C
Viscosity: Not applicable
Stability: Chemically stable under normal conditions
Reactivity: Non-reactive with most chemicals at room temperature
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, high heat, prolonged exposure to light
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen bromide, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, ingestion, eyes
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): ~600 mg/kg
Inhalation: Dust may cause respiratory tract irritation
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes skin irritation with possible redness and burn
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes severe eye irritation, risk of lasting damage
Sensitization: May cause allergic reactions with repeated exposure
Chronic Effects: Data limited; avoid repeated exposure
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity/Reproductive Toxicity: Not classified as carcinogen or mutagen by known agencies; handle with care regardless
Target Organs: Skin, eyes, respiratory tract
Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic life. Typical EC50 (Daphnia magna, 48 h): 0.016 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradation possible but slow
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low potential compared to similar quaternary ammonium compounds
Mobility in Soil: Binds to sediments
Other Adverse Effects: Harmful effects possible even at low concentrations in water; local bioaccumulation may occur
Waste Treatment Methods: Collect material in sealable containers. Contact authorized waste disposal specialists for approved incineration or chemical disposal. Do not discharge to surface water, sewer, or soil.
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Regulations: Follow local, regional, and national guidelines for hazardous chemical disposal. Consult safety officer or environmental authority before disposal.
UN Number: 3077
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally Hazardous Substance, Solid, N.O.S. (Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide)
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Transport Labeling: Environmentally hazardous substance
Special Transport Precautions: Secure tightly; avoid mechanical damage or spillage; transport in compliance with applicable dangerous goods regulations.
TSCA (US): Listed
EINECS/ELINCS (EU): Listed
REACH Status: Subject to registration
Hazard Category (GHS): Skin and Eye Irritant, Aquatic Acute 1
OSHA (US): Hazardous Chemical
SARA Title III: Not listed for specific reporting, but possible due to category
Canadian DSL/NDSL: Listed
Other National Lists: Refer to regional regulatory status as requirements differ based on country and intended use
