Heptane

1Identification

Name

Heptane

IUPAC name

heptane

CAS number

142-82-5

EC number

205-563-8

Molecular formula

C7H16

Molecular weight

100.2 g/mol

InChIKey

IMNFDUFMRHMDMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CCCCCCC

PubChem CID

8900

Synonyms

HEPTANE, n-Heptane, Heptan, Heptyl hydride, Dipropyl methane, Dipropylmethane, Gettysolve-C, Skellysolve C, Heptanen, Eptani, normal-Heptane, RefChem:6645, Pentane, ethyl-, Heptan [Polish]

Recommended uses

• Standard for octane-rating determinations (pure normal heptane has zero octane number) anesthetic, solvent, organic synthesis, preparation of laboratory reagents. [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• As standard in testing knock of gasoline engines.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Research chemical
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Fuel Fuel agents Processing aids not otherwise specified Lubricating agent Other Anti-adhesive/cohesive Flavoring and nutrient Solvent Laboratory chemicals Intermediate Pigment Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Intermediate Pigment Adhesion/cohesion promoter Laboratory chemicals Anti-adhesive/cohesive Flavoring and nutrient Solvent Dispersing agent Lubricating agent Fuel
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Food Additives -> EXTRACTION_SOLVENT -> JECFA Functional Classes · Cosmetics -> Solvent; Hair dyeing

Description

• N-heptane is a clear colorless liquids with a petroleum-like odor. Flash point 25 °F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Heptane is a straight-chain alkane with seven carbon atoms. It has been found in Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi). It has a role as a non-polar solvent and a plant metabolite. It is a volatile organic compound and an alkane.
  ChEBI
• n-heptane has been reported in Pinus, Pinus ayacahuite, and other organisms with data available.
  LOTUS - the natural products occurrence database

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS02, GHS07, GHS08, GHS09

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

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

Health hazards

• VAPOR: Not irritating to eyes, nose or throat. If inhaled, will cause coughing or difficult breathing. LIQUID: Irritating to skin and eyes. If swallowed, will cause nausea or vomiting. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• CAUTION: Petroleum crude oil (UN1267) may contain TOXIC hydrogen sulphide gas. · Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. · Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. · Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. · Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• FLAMMABLE. Flashback along vapor trail may occur. Vapor may explode if ignited in an enclosed area. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. · 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. · Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. · Containers may explode when heated. · Many liquids will float on water. · Substance may be transported hot.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Highly flammable. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

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

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for n-Heptane: Eye: IRRIGATE IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: SOAP WASH PROMPTLY - If this chemical contacts the skin, promptly wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and wash the skin with soap and water. Get medical attention promptly. Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Soap wash promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, promptly wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and wash the skin with soap and water. Get medical attention promptly. Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Incoordination. Dizziness. Weakness. Nausea. Drowsiness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Swelling. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• For small (incipient) fires, use media such as "alcohol" foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. For large fires, apply water from as far as possible. Use very larg quantities (flooding) of water applied as a mist or spray; solid streams of water may be ineffective. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• In case of fire: Evacuate area. Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion. Use water spray to cool unopened containers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. -Carbon oxides.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: 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
• 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.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Remove all ignition sources. Consult an expert! 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. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers... Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapors adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for n-Heptane: Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. Remove: WHEN WET (FLAMMABLE) - Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100 °F). Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift. (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Respirator Recommendations: Up to 750 ppm: [Table#259]
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• NIOSH Up to 750 ppm: (APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s) (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister (APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s) (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator (APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode (APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• N-HEPTANE is incompatible with the following: Strong oxidizers (NIOSH, 2024).
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Violent reaction with phosphorous + chlorine.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Strong oxidizers
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Skin, respiratory system, central nervous system
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the skin. The vapour is irritating to the respiratory tract. If swallowed the substance easily enters the airways and could result in aspiration pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system.
  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

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for heptane: Biological treatment.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 1206

Shipping name

• UN 1206; Heptanes
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 3.2; Heptanes
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Heptanes
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Marine pollutant
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN1206
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Flammable Liquid
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 1206 128
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Section 8(a) of TSCA requires manufacturers of this chemical substance to report preliminary assessment information concerned with production, exposure, and use to EPA as cited in the preamble in 51 FR 41329. Effective date: 1/26/94; Reporting date: 3/28/94.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

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

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 8900 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.