Chemical name: 1,3-Cyclooctadiene
Other Common Names: Cycloocta-1,3-diene
CAS Number: 111-78-4
Physical State: Clear liquid with a mild, distinctive odor
Molecular Formula: C8H12
Relevant Use: Often shows up in organic synthesis and catalysis research—think about all the times it comes into play shaping transition metal complexes or working as an intermediate in making other chemicals.
GHS Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 3), Skin irritant (Category 2), Eye irritant (Category 2A), Specific target organ toxicity—single exposure (Category 3, narcotic effects)
Hazard Statements: Liquid and vapor catch fire with ease. Touching or breathing can bring irritation, drowsiness, or dizziness. Breathing in high concentrations knocks you off your feet with headaches, nausea, or confusion.
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from open flame. Use proper protective clothing. Avoid breathing the vapor. Never let it touch eyes or skin if you can help it. Always store containers tightly closed.
Component: 1,3-Cyclooctadiene
Concentration: Over 98% pure in most lab samples
Impurities: Sometimes traces of hydrocarbon isomers show up, but usually well below 1%
Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air fast. Trouble breathing happens—get prompt medical attention. Dizziness or sleepiness can become real problems. Fresh air does wonders, but you can’t ignore someone who passes out.
Skin Contact: Wash right away with plenty of water and some soap. If irritation sticks around, call for medical help. Avoid rubbing the skin since that may let the chemical go deeper.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with gentle stream of water for at least 15 minutes. Don’t let them close their eyes too soon. Get medical care if pain or redness persists.
Ingestion: Rinse harmless liquids from the mouth. Don’t make anyone vomit, and always call for trained medical care. The taste is awful and burns a bit going down.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide. Never use water jets—the splattering just spreads flammable vapor.
Unusual Fire Hazards: Vapors gather low to the ground and spread far from where the container is stored—one spark can travel. Once heated, pressurized vapors pop containers like balloons. Smoke from fire contains nasty fumes.
Personal Protection for Firefighters: Full protective gear including self-contained breathing units. Fighting a fire with this chemical calls for cautious teamwork.
Special Notes: Cool containers exposed to flames since pressure builds up and causes explosions.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate the area if you smell a strong odor or see escaping liquid. Put on gloves and goggles before dealing with the spill.
Environmental Precautions: Block off nearby drains, since this solvent slips into water systems with ease. Collect leaks using sand or inert absorbent rather than letting the liquid run.
Methods for Cleanup: Shovel absorbed material into labeled, tightly-sealed drums for waste pickup. Ventilate the area thoroughly after everything is cleaned up.
Handling: Only open containers in well-ventilated places. Keep far from ignition sources—no smoking, no open flames, and no hot surfaces near this liquid. Ground containers to avoid static build-up. Always wear gloves and splash-proof goggles.
Storage: Tuck containers in cool, dry places, far from sunlight and incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers or acids. Keep storage containers grounded and sealed once you’re done pouring. The vapor builds up even at standard room temperature.
Engineering Controls: Fume hoods or exhaust systems become a must if you use this frequently, since simple windows won’t cut it.
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile or chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, long-sleeve lab coats
Respiratory Protection: Organic vapor respirator for bigger spills or bad ventilation
Work Practices: Never eat or drink while handling this chemical. Wash hands and exposed skin before heading home.
Appearance: Clear, sometimes pale yellow, liquid
Odor: Mild, hydrocarbon smell
Boiling Point: About 170°C
Melting Point: Below -10°C
Flash Point: Around 36°C (open cup method)
Vapor Pressure: Not high, but enough to create flammable mixtures near room temperature
Solubility: Not soluble in water; mixes well with organic solvents
Density: Near 0.87 g/cm³
Evaporation Rate: Faster than water, but not lightning-quick
Stability: Stable under most normal storage conditions, but loose caps or high heat can change the story
Polymerization: Uncontrolled reactions possible in the wrong environment, especially with acids, peroxides, or traces of metal
Incompatible Materials: Oxidizers, acids, and certain metals turn a safe lab into a dangerous spot.
Conditions to Avoid: Direct sunlight, hot surfaces, sparks, or open flames can trigger violent combustion
Acute Effects: Vapor or liquid irritates skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; headaches, dizziness, or drowsiness follow a strong exposure
Chronic Effects: Skin dries out and cracks if exposed repeatedly. Sensitive folks show allergic reactions from skin contact.
Routes of Entry: Inhalation gives the fastest symptoms, but skin and eyes show the burn too.
LD50 Data: Rat and mouse data indicate toxicity at higher concentrations, but this is not one of the most acutely toxic organic chemicals around.
Carcinogenicity: No strong evidence as of now—no classification from major bodies
Other Effects: Sometimes triggers central nervous system symptoms in poorly ventilated spaces.
Aquatic Toxicity: Fishes and small invertebrates feel the impact—acute exposures prove harmful to smaller species
Persistence and Degradability: Tends to linger in the environment before breaking down
Bioaccumulation: Some risk of buildup in aquatic food chains after long-term exposure
Mobility: Spreads through soil if spilled, and can seep down to water tables if not contained fast
Waste Disposal: Collect waste in sealed drums, label the contents, and hand off to a hazardous waste handler. Pouring down the drain or tossing in the trash racks up environmental and legal troubles.
Contaminated Containers: Empty drums must get proper cleaning before recycling. Triple rinse or send for local incineration.
Rationale: The chemical's persistence and aquatic toxicity mean carelessness threatens waterways and soil for years.
Shipping Classification: Flammable liquid—subject to strict federal and international rules
Packaging: Shipped in steel drums or jerricans with grounded closures
Safety Precautions: No transport with oxidizers or acids. Secure containers upright and mark boldly with hazard symbols.
Spill Response: On road or rail, leaks force evacuation and prompt emergency response due to fire risk.
Workplace Requirements: Falls under controlled hazardous substances in the workplace, especially in labs and factories
Environmental Requirements: Must steer clear of contaminating water and soil—regulations cover accidental release reporting
Labeling: GHS pictograms, hazard statements, and signal words call for clear display on every container
Other Restrictions: Use may be limited or documented for export or import in some countries under chemical management standards