1-Decanol

1Identification

Name

1-Decanol

IUPAC name

decan-1-ol

CAS number

112-30-1 (also reported: 85566-12-7, 36729-58-5, 70084-71-8)

EC number

203-956-9

Molecular formula

C10H22O

Molecular weight

158.28 g/mol

InChIKey

MWKFXSUHUHTGQN-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CCCCCCCCCCO

PubChem CID

8174

Synonyms

Decan-1-ol, Decyl alcohol, n-Decyl alcohol, n-Decanol, Capric alcohol, Nonylcarbinol, Antak, Royaltac, Caprinic alcohol, n-Decan-1-ol, Agent 504, Alcohol C-10, Primary decyl alcohol, Alfol 10

Recommended uses

• Used to produce plasticizers, lubricants, petroleum additives, herbicides, surface active chemicals, and solvents; [Merck Index, 2855] Used in the perfume industry; [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• For 1-decanol (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 079038) ACTIVE products with label matches. /SRP: Registered for use in the U.S. but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1-Decanol is used as a chemical intermediate in the production of esters and fragrances and as an artificial flavor in foods.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Other Wetting agent (non-aqueous) Lubricating agent Aerating and deaerating agents Solvent Flavoring and nutrient Surfactant (surface active agent) Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Cleaning agent Oxidizing agent Intermediate
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Solvent Flavoring and nutrient Other Cleaning agent Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Oxidizing agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Fragrance Ingredients · Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENT -> JECFA Functional Classes · Flavoring Agents -> JECFA Flavorings Index · Cosmetics -> Emollient; Viscosity controlling

Description

• Decyl alcohol appears as a clear colorless liquid with a sweet fat-like odor. Flash point 180 °F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors are heavier than air.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Decan-1-ol is a fatty alcohol consisting of a hydroxy function at C-1 of an unbranched saturated chain of ten carbon atoms. It has a role as a metabolite, a pheromone and a protic solvent. It is a primary alcohol and a decanol.
  ChEBI
• 1-decanol has been reported in Alpinia latilabris, Alpinia hainanensis, and other organisms with data available.
  LOTUS - the natural products occurrence database

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07, GHS09

Classification source

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

6 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 2 - Materials that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur. Materials would not under normal conditions form hazardous atmospheres with air, but under high ambient temperatures or under moderate heating could release vapor in sufficient quantities to produce hazardous atmospheres with air.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Direct contact can produce eye irritation; low general toxicity. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 127 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible)]: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. CAUTION: Ethanol (UN1170) can burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.) Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Combustible.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• An eye irritant; Liquid defats skin; May cause CNS depression at high concentrations; [ICSC] In lethal dose studies of rats, causes somnolence after ingestion and ataxia after inhalation; [RTECS] Low order of toxicity; LD50 values usually exceed highest dose tested and range from >2000 to >10,000 mg/kg; CNS depression reported after repeated bolus dose of 1-hexanol and 1-octanol but not for members of this group with higher chain length; No reproductive effects; [ToxPlanet: SIDS: Long Chain Alcohols (C6-22 primary aliphatic alcohols)] Inhalation of high concentrations can induce unconsciousness; [MSDSonline]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• CONTACT WITH EYES: flush with water for 15 min. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Sore throat.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Dry skin. Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Wear self-contained breathing appartus for firefighting if necessary. Use water spray to cool unopened containers. Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapors, mist, or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove all sources of ignition. Beware of vapors accumulating to form explosive concentrations. Vapors can accumulate in low areas.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture: carbon oxides.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 127 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet). FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Cover the spilled material with inert absorbent. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: contain spillage, and then collect with an electrically protected vacuum cleaner or by wet-brushing and place in container for disposal according to local regulation... Keep in suitable closed containers for disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Cover the spilled material with absorbent. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• AEROBIC: A 5-day theoretical BOD of 36.3% was observed for 1-decanol in a standard BOD dilution test using a mixed microbial inoculum(1-2). Using a Warburg respirometer technique and various activated sludge inoculum, respective 6-hr, 12-hr and 24-hr theoretical BODs of 0.9, 9.2 and 29.3% were observed(3). In an aerobic screening test using a sewage inoculum, a first-order biodegradation rate of 7.1X10-3/hr was observed(4) which corresponds to a half-life of about 4 days(SRC).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from strong oxidants, acid anhydrides and acid chlorides. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Store under lock and key in ventilated room, secure from access by unauthorized persons and children. Store in a cool, dry area away from any heat or ignition source.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Separated from strong oxidants, acid anhydrides and acid chlorides. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• Goggles or face shield. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Chemical-resistant apron when cleaning equipment, mixing or loading. Chemical-resistant footwear plus socks. Chemical-resistant headgear for over head exposure. Coveralls over short-sleeved shirt and short pants. Protective eye wear. Waterproof gloves.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Goggles or face shield.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• DECYL ALCOHOL attacks plastics. REF [Handling Chemicals Safely, 1980. p. 236]. Acetyl bromide reacts violently with alcohols or water, [Merck 11th ed., 1989]. Mixtures of alcohols with concentrated sulfuric acid and strong hydrogen peroxide can cause explosions. Example: An explosion will occur if dimethylbenzylcarbinol is added to 90% hydrogen peroxide then acidified with concentrated sulfuric acid. Mixtures of ethyl alcohol with concentrated hydrogen peroxide form powerful explosives. Mixtures of hydrogen peroxide and 1-phenyl-2-methyl propyl alcohol tend to explode if acidified with 70% sulfuric acid, [Chem. Eng. News 45(43):73(1967); J, Org. Chem. 28:1893(1963)].
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Insoluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Reacts violently with acid anhydrides, acid chlorides and strong oxidants.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Stable in mildly acidic & alkaline solutions
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Routes of exposure

• The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the eyes and skin. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system at high levels.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Environmental fate

• 1-Decanol's production and use in the perfume industry, as a raw material for detergents, in synthetic lubricants and plasticizers, and as an anti-foam agent may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. 1-Decanol has been found as a natural component in some essential oils, fruits and seeds. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 8.51X10-3 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates 1-decanol will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase 1-decanol will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 25 hours.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Ecotoxicity

• LC50; Species: Pimephales promelas (Fathead minnow) weight 0.12 g; Conditions: flow-through bioassay, water hardness 45.5 mg/L calcium carbonate, temp: 25 + or - 1 °C, pH 7.5, dissolved oxygen >60% of saturation; Concentration: 2.4 mg/L for 96 hr
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• LC50; Species: Pimephales promelas (Fathead minnow) age 31 days, mean weight 0.075 g, mean length 17.7 mm; Conditions: flow through bioassay, temp 25.2 °C, dissolved oxygen 6.1 mg/L, hardness 41.7 mg/L CaCO3, alkalinity 43.0 mg/L CaCO3, pH 7.49; Concentration: 2.4 mg/L for 96 hr (95% confidence limit: 2.2-2.5 mg/L) /purity 99%/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• LC50; Species: Nitocra spinipes (Harpacticoid copepod); Conditions: static; Concentration: 4.0 mg/L for 96 hr (95% confidence limits: 3.1-5.2 mg/L) /formulated product/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN numbers: UN 1987, UN 3082

DOT label

• Flammable Liquid
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 9; UN Pack Group: III
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Decanol is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Residues of n-decyl alcohol are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest. Use: solvent or cosolvent.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Section 4(g)(2)(A) of FIFRA calls for the Agency to determine, after submission of relevant data concerning an active ingredient, whether or not products containing the active ingredient are eligible for reregistration. The Agency has previously identified and required the submission of the generic (i.e., active ingredient-specific) data required to support reregistration of products containing aliphatic alcohols as an active ingredient. The Agency has completed its review of these generic data, and has determined that the data are sufficient to support reregistration of all products containing aliphatic alcohols (C6 - C16).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1-Decanol is a food additive permitted for direct addition to food for human consumption as a synthetic flavoring substance and adjuvant in accordance with the following conditions: a) they are used in the minimum quantity required to produce their intended effect, and otherwise in accordance with all the principles of good manufacturing practice, and b) they consist of one or more of the following, used alone or in combination with flavoring substances and adjuvants generally recognized as safe in food, prior-sanctioned for such use, or regulated by an appropriate section in this part.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 8174 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.