Octane

Synonyms

n-Octane; normal-Octane; [NIOSH] Oktan [Polish]; Oktanen [Dutch]; Ottani [Italian]; [ChemIDplus] UN1262

Category

Aliphatics, Saturated (<C12)

Description

Colorless liquid with a gasoline-like odor; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used as a solvent, chemical raw material, antiknock agent for high compression engine fuels, lacquer diluent, carrier solvent in polymer manufacturing, blowing agent for foam rubber used in rocket propellants, for calibrations, and azeotropic distillations; [HSDB]

Comments

A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Ingestion can cause aspiration into the lungs; Inhalation may cause lowering of consciousness; [ICSC] Inhalation of vapor may cause giddiness, vertigo, headache, anesthetic stupor, and convulsions; Five hour dermal exposure causes blisters but no anesthesia; [HSDB] A skin irritant; Inhalation may cause drowsiness or dizziness; An aspiration hazard by ingestion (may cause lung injury); [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

300 ppm

500 ppm

500 ppm

1000 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Human data: The narcotic concentration has been estimated to be either 8,000 ppm [Flury and Zernik 1931] or 10,000 ppm [Patty and Yant 1929]. The fatal concentration has been estimated to be 13,500 ppm [Flury and Zernik 1931].

14.1 mm Hg

15 ppm

Odor Threshold High

235 ppm

LC50 (rat) = 118,000 mg/m3/4hr

Explanatory Notes

IDLH = 10% LEL (lower explosive limit); Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 150 ppm); TLV and PEL for all isomers of octane; MAK for all except Trimethylpentane isomers; [Guide to Occupational Exposure Values] VP from HSDB;

may ignite at ambient temp

Acute solvent syndrome

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Painting (Solvents)