n-Heptane
Agent Name
n-Heptane
CAS Number
142-82-5
Formula
C7-H16
Major Category
Solvents
Synonyms
Dipropyl methane; Dipropylmethane; Eptani [Italian]; Gettysolve-C; Heptan [Polish]; Heptanen [Dutch]; Heptyl hydride; Skellysolve C; n-Heptane; [ChemIDplus] UN1206
Category
Aliphatics, Saturated (<C12)
Description
Colorless liquid with a gasoline-like odor; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
"Standard for octane-rating determinations (pure normal heptane has zero octane number) anesthetic, solvent, organic synthesis, preparation of laboratory reagents." [HSDB]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
400 ppm
STEL (ACGIH)
500 ppm
PEL (OSHA)
500 ppm
MAK
500 ppm
IDLH (NIOSH)
750 ppm
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
Other human data: Inhalation of 1,000 ppm for 6 minutes was associated with slight dizziness [Patty and Yant 1929]. Exposure to 5,000 ppm for 4 minutes produced complaints of nausea, a loss of appetite, vertigo, and incoordination [Patty and Yant 1929]. A 15minute exposure to 5,000 ppm produced a state of intoxication characterized by uncontrolled hilarity in some individuals and in others a stupor lasting for 30 minutes after the exposure [Patty and Yant 1929].
Vapor Pressure
46 mm Hg
Odor Threshold Low
40 ppm
Odor Threshold High
547 ppm
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 103,000 mg/m3/4H
Explanatory Notes
Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 230 ppm); Flash point = -4 deg C; TLVs for all heptane isomers (108-08-7, 142-82-6, 565-59-3, 589-34-4, 590-35-2, and 591-76-4); [ACGIH] PEL and MAK for 142-82-6 only; VP from HSDB;
NFPA
may ignite at ambient temp
Adverse Effects
Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: