Chemical Name: 4,4-Dimethylheptane
Common Names: 4,4-DMH, Dimethyln-Heptane
CAS Number: 17301-94-9
Physical Form: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, characteristic of aliphatic hydrocarbons
Uses: Laboratory research, organic synthesis, and as reference material for fuel research.
Hazard Class: Flammable liquid, Category 3
GHS Label Elements: Flame symbol, Warning
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor; may cause drowsiness or dizziness; may be harmful if swallowed or inhaled
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Symptoms: Headache, lightheadedness, nausea, respiratory irritation.
Chemical Composition: Pure substance (C9H20)
Synonyms: Heptane, 4,4-dimethyl-
Impurities: Trace hydrocarbon isomers possible, not typically a mixture
Concentration: Usually supplied at high purity, 98% or greater for analytical uses
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; loosen tight clothing; seek medical advice if symptoms linger
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with clean water, raise eyelids; medical attention if irritation remains
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; get medical attention; do not try to induce vomiting
Notes for Physicians: Symptomatic treatment, monitor respiratory and neurological function
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder
Unsuitable Media: High-pressure water may spread fire
Specific Hazards: Vapors may travel and ignite at a distance; forms explosive mixtures with air
Special Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Firefighting Advice: Cool exposed containers using water spray to prevent rupture; evacuate area if large amounts involved
Personal Precautions: Ventilate area; remove ignition sources; wear gloves and eye protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, waterways, or soil
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with non-combustible material like sand; collect in labeled containers for disposal; ventilate and wash affected area after cleanup
Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas; keep away from heat, flames, and sparks; use proper grounding and bonding for vessels when transferring large volumes
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from incompatible substances; keep away from oxidizers
Other Precautions: Use spark-proof tools and equipment; do not smoke when handling; avoid breathing vapors or prolonged skin contact
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or fume hoods where possible
Personal Protection: Chemical safety goggles, solvent-resistant gloves, and protective clothing recommended
Respiratory Protection: Organic vapor respirator where ventilation inadequate
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and exposed skin before breaks and after work; remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific TLV or PEL published for 4,4-dimethylheptane, but analogues like heptane set at 400 ppm TWA (ACGIH guideline)
Molecular Formula: C9H20
Molecular Weight: 128.26 g/mol
Appearance: Clear liquid
Odor Threshold: Similar to other alkanes, perceptible at low concentrations
Boiling Point: Approximately 140–145°C
Melting Point: Ranges below -60°C
Flash Point: Close to 35°C (estimation, similar to other heptanes)
Vapor Pressure: Moderate at room temperature
Solubility in Water: Negligible; soluble in organic solvents
Density: Slightly less than water (estimated 0.73–0.76 g/cm³)
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents like nitric acid or potassium permanganate
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Fumes may release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons if heated or burned
Reactivity Profile: No strong reactivity expected with common container materials
Acute Toxicity: Data limited for this isomer, but similar alkanes show low acute oral and dermal toxicity
Skin Contact: Can cause dryness or mild irritation with prolonged exposure
Inhalation: High concentrations may depress the central nervous system, cause dizziness, nausea, headaches
Mutagenicity/Carcinogenicity: No data suggesting mutagenic or carcinogenic effects in humans; not listed by IARC
Chronic Effects: Solvent abuse or repeated exposure, as with many hydrocarbons, can affect nervous system function
Target Organs: Central nervous system at elevated exposure; skin and respiratory tract with repeated contact
Aquatic Toxicity: Data not widely available, but straight-chain and branched alkanes typically show moderate to low acute toxicity for aquatic organisms
Persistence and Degradability: Expected to degrade slowly in environment; tends to evaporate quickly from soil or water surfaces
Bioaccumulation: Non-polar, lipophilic hydrocarbons can bioaccumulate; risk in aquatic environments rises with repeated releases
Mobility: Likely to volatilize and disperse in air; low solubility limits movement in water
Waste Handling: Treat as hazardous waste; do not pour down drains or into natural water sources
Disposal Methods: Consign to licensed waste contractor; incinerate if local regulations permit
Container Disposal: Triple rinse empty containers; do not reuse or puncture; deliver to chemical waste facility
UN Number: Falls under aliphatic hydrocarbon classification for flammable liquids
Transport Hazard Class: Flammable liquid
Packing Group: III
Labeling Requirements: Flammable liquid diamond, proper shipping name, and hazard class marking
Special Precautions: Protect from sources of heat, open flames, and rough handling; secure containers properly during transit
OSHA: Regulated under the general duty clause for hazardous chemicals
EPA: Potentially listed as a volatile organic compound (VOC) under Clean Air Act regulation
RCRA: Disposal according to federal and local hazardous waste regulations
International Regulation: Subject to transport restrictions under IMDG and IATA for flammable liquids
Workplace Labeling: Compliance with GHS or equivalent required for labeling and training staff who handle chemicals