Heptanol

1Identification

Name

Heptanol

IUPAC name

heptan-1-ol

CAS number

111-70-6 (also reported: 53535-33-4)

EC number

203-897-9

Molecular formula

C7H16O

Molecular weight

116.2 g/mol

InChIKey

BBMCTIGTTCKYKF-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CCCCCCCO

PubChem CID

8129

Synonyms

Heptan-1-ol, Heptyl alcohol, Heptanol, n-Heptanol, Enanthic alcohol, Hydroxy heptane, Hydroxyheptane, Hexyl carbinol, C7 alcohol, Pri-n-heptyl alcohol, Heptyl alcohol, primary, 1-heptyl alcohol, Heptyl alcohol (natural), heptanol-1

Recommended uses

• Used as an organic intermediate, solvent, and additive in cosmetics, fragrances, and flavoring agents; [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• In the United States, practically the whole production is processed further to phthalates or adipates, used as plasticizers. ... The alcohol mixtures are used as solvents or solubilizers in the paint and printing ink sector, as components in textile auxiliaries and pesticides, for hormone extraction, and in the surfactant field as foam boosters or antifrothing agents. /C7 alcohol mixtures/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Food additive
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Intermediate
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Fragrance Ingredients · Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENT -> JECFA Functional Classes · Flavoring Agents -> JECFA Flavorings Index

Description

• Watery colorless liquid with a weak alcohol odor. Floats on water. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Heptan-1-ol is a primary alcohol that is heptane substituted by a hydroxy group at position 1. It has been isolated from Capillipedium parviflorum. It has a role as a flavouring agent, a fragrance, a gap junctional intercellular communication inhibitor and a plant metabolite. It is a primary alcohol and a heptanol.
  ChEBI
• heptyl alcohol has been reported in Magnolia officinalis, Zea mays, and other organisms with data available.
  LOTUS - the natural products occurrence database

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07

Classification source

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

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

Health hazards

• Low toxicity; liquid may irritate eyes. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]: Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion hazards. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. Substance may be transported in a molten form. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Combustible. Above 70 °C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations may cause CNS effects; [HSDB] Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression; [CHEMINFO] Defats the skin; May cause effects on the central nervous system; [ICSC] An irritant; May be absorbed through skin; [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

• Flush all affected parts with plenty of water. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

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

5Fire-fighting measures

• /To fight fire use/ alcohol foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. 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)
• AEROBIC: 1-Heptanol degrades fast in aerobic biodegradation screening tests(1-5). In a 5-day BOD test using acclimated mixed cultures, 56.3% of theoretical BOD was consumed(1). Other tests show 30% of theoretical BOD was expended in 5 days(2) and 28.9% of theoretical BOD was expended in 1 day using 500 ppm of 1-heptanol and an activated sludge inoculum(3). An aerobic biodegradation rate constant of 0.124 1/hr(4), which corresponds to a half-life of 0.23 days(SRC), was determined in an aerobic screening test at pH 7 and 25 °C using an activated sludge inocula.
  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)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from strong acids, oxidants and food and feedstuffs.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Separated from strong acids, oxidants, food and feedstuffs.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• Chemical goggles or face shield. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• HEPTANOL is an alcohol. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of alcohols with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. They react with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Oxidizing agents convert them to aldehydes or ketones. Alcohols exhibit both weak acid and weak base behavior. They may initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• No rapid reaction with air. No rapid reaction with water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Can react with oxidizing materials.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Routes of exposure

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

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance is mildly irritating to the skin. If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis. Exposure at high levels could 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

Environmental fate

• 1-Heptanol's production and use as an intermediate, primarily in the production of plasticizers, and as a solvent and solubilizing agent may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. It is also a natural product found in plants, meats, fruits, vegetables and even in the expired air of healthy, unexposed people. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 0.216 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates 1-heptanol will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase 1-heptanol 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 28 hours.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Ecotoxicity

• LC50 Nitocra spinipes (Harpacticoid copepod) 169 mg/L/96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• LC50 Alburnus alburnus (Bleak) 45 mg/L/96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• LC50 Xenopus laevis (African clawed frog, 3-4 wk after hatching) 44 mg/L/48 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. 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 soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 2810

DOT label

• Poison
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: III
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Heptyl alcohol 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 2) 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 8129 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.