Name: 1,4-Hexadiene
Chemical Formula: C6H10
Synonyms: Butadiene, 1,4-hexadiene, alpha,omega-hexadiene
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Sweet, gasoline-like scent
Molecular Weight: 82.15
Uses: Works as an intermediate in organic synthesis, sometimes found in plastics and specialty chemicals
Physical state: Volatile liquid
Dangers: Highly flammable, vapor forms explosive mixtures with air, can cause chemical burns and respiratory irritation
Health effects: Eye and skin irritation, coughing, dizziness, headache, possible narcosis with heavy exposure
Environmental threat: Harmful to aquatic life, persistent in environment, risk of vapor spreading from liquid spills
Pictograms and Signal Word: Flammable liquid symbol; “Danger”
Main constituent: 1,4-Hexadiene (CAS 592-42-7), >98%
Impurities: Minor oligomers and byproducts from manufacture
Other chemicals: Trace solvents may be present from processing
Inhalation: Move outdoors and supply fresh air, monitor for breathing difficulties, seek medical help if symptoms persist
Skin contact: Take off contaminated clothing, wash skin with soapy water, treat for skin irritation
Eye contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least fifteen minutes, avoid rubbing, get medical attention if problems last
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, watch for symptoms like nausea, consult a doctor
General advice: Quick removal from exposure usually limits damage, keep airways open, and stay calm to prevent panic which worsens symptoms
Basic dangers: Liquid and vapor ignite easily, combustion can release toxic smoke including carbon monoxide
Extinguishing agents: Dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide recommended; water may not be effective
Fire response tips: Evacuate area if safe to do so, fight fire from a distance or from upwind
Protective equipment: Firefighters use full gear and breathing apparatus to prevent inhaling fumes
Special hazards: Containers can burst in heat; runoff can pollute waterways
Spill cleanup: Remove ignition sources, ventilate area, use non-sparking tools
Containment: Dike large spills, absorb with clay or sand
Personal safety: Wear gloves, goggles, and respirator
Disposal of waste: Gather soaked materials and seal in an approved drum
Environmental caution: Stop substance from reaching drains or open soil
Storage needs: Store in tightly closed containers, keep in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources
Handling tips: Use in areas with good exhaust or fume hoods, ground storage and transfer equipment to control static
Segregation: Keep away from strong oxidizers, acids, and bases
Inhibitor presence: Some lots have stabilizers to prevent polymerization
Occupational limits: No official OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV, but recommended to minimize exposure
Engineering controls: Use explosion-proof ventilation and local exhaust
Personal protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, flame-retardant lab coats, and in closed settings, a respirator—especially if you don’t trust the ventilation
Hygiene: Wash thoroughly after handling, avoid eating, drinking or smoking near work area, keep work clothes separate
Boiling point: About 63°C
Melting point: Near -140°C
Flash point: −18°C (0°F)
Vapor pressure: High at room temperature, volatile
Specific gravity: About 0.68 (water=1)
Solubility: Insoluble in water, miscible with many organic solvents
Vapor density: Heavier than air
Appearance and odor: Clear liquid, strong hydrocarbon smell
Chemically unstable with: Strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis
Hazardous reactions: Polymerization risk if uninhibited or contaminated
Decomposition: Burns to form carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, other irritants
Incompatibility: Avoid mixing with chlorine, peroxides, nitrates
Exposure symptoms: Inhalation irritates airways, high levels depress central nervous system
Eye/skin contact: Causes redness, pain; absorbs quickly through skin with enough contact
Chronic risk: Limited human studies; animal data suggest long-term inhalation might affect liver and blood
Carcinogenicity: Not classified by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Acute toxicity: Lethal dose in rodents is moderate
Sensitization: No evidence of skin or respiratory sensitization
Persistence: Tends to stay in soil and water, breaks down slowly
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely to build up heavily in animal tissues due to volatility
Aquatic risk: Highly toxic to aquatic life, oil slicks from spills disrupt surface oxygen
Soil and air: Evaporates quickly, vapor travels, sometimes settling in low spots
Degradation products: Breaks down to lower hydrocarbons and eventually carbon dioxide
Recommended method: Incineration at a licensed facility; small amounts can go with hazardous waste pickup arrangements
Not for drains: Never dump in sink, storm sewer, or soils
Contaminated packaging: Empty containers can still hold vapors; triple rinse before disposal or recycling
Regulatory note: Check local requirements, as some regions treat spent solvents more strictly
UN identification: UN 2381, regulated as a flammable liquid
Hazard class: 3 (flammable liquid)
Packing group: II, generally requires special containers and labeling
Shipping tips: Avoid shipping near food or heat, keep upright and secure, note vapor hazard for emergency response crews
Status in US/EU: Listed as hazardous under U.S. EPCRA, right-to-know laws, reach regulations in Europe
Labeling: Flammable pictogram and hazard statements required
Workplace safeguards: Compliance often demands written safety plans and routine training
Environmental release: Must report significant spills, especially if they reach water, to authorities