© 2026 Sinochem Nanjing Corporation,
All Right Reserved
Chemical Name: Decahydronaphthalene
Synonyms: Decalin
Chemical Formula: C10H18
CAS Number: 91-17-8
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a mild aromatic odor
Uses: Commonly used as a solvent in laboratories, paint removers, and as a component in industrial degreasing baths; also found as a hydrogen donor in fuel and chemical processing industries
GHS Classification: Flammable liquid (category 3), Harmful if swallowed, May cause skin and eye irritation, Possible risk to aquatic environments
Signal Word: Warning
Pictograms: Flame, exclamation mark
Main Hazards: Decahydronaphthalene catches fire with ease, causing moderate vapor risk near heated surfaces or open flames. Prolonged contact with skin can leave redness or mild burns, and accidental splashes to eyes often trigger stinging or watering. Ingestion leads to nausea, upset stomach, and dizziness. There’s potential for organ damage from long-term exposure to high concentrations.
Chemical Identity: Decahydronaphthalene
Purity: Usually above 97%
Other Ingredients: Trace polycyclic hydrocarbons possible, no significant stabilizers or additives in high-purity chemical grade.
Inhalation: Move outdoors for fresh air quickly upon dizziness or coughing; avoid deep inhalations that carry fumes deeper into the lungs
Skin Contact: Wash exposed areas thoroughly with mild soap and flowing water, paying attention to skin folds and undersides of jewelry to prevent lingering irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes under cool running water for several minutes, blinking actively while irrigating; keep eyelids apart to flush well
Ingestion: Avoid inducing vomiting; seek medical advice if more than a minor accidental taste occurs; keep conscious and give small sips of water only if safe
Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide; avoid spraying water directly on burning liquid as it may spread the fire
Fire Hazards: Vapors are heavier than air and may move along surfaces to distant ignition sources, flashing back dangerously
Protective Gear: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective suits to reduce risk of inhaling toxic vapors
Personal Precautions: Don protective gloves and safety eyewear; ventilate area to disperse vapors
Containment: Stop leak at source if possible; use inert absorbent (sand, earth) to soak up liquid, scooping it into tightly closed disposal containers
Environmental Precautions: Prevent run-off into drainage or soil, since decahydronaphthalene can spread through groundwater and harm aquatic species
Cleanup: Ensure proper disposal of clean-up materials; ventilate area afterward to dissipate lingering fumes
Safe Handling Practices: Pour and transfer only in well-ventilated areas, keeping containers sealed whenever not actively in use. Keep away from fire, sparks, and static discharge as vapors ignite with surprising ease.
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated place in tight, chemical-resistant containers away from direct heat and sunlight. Keep away from acids and oxidizers, as these accelerate degradation and raise hazard levels.
Workplace Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation to minimize vapor buildup, especially in enclosed areas
Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles, and lab coats or aprons; consider using a respirator or mask during large-scale handling or in poorly ventilated spaces
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and arms thoroughly after working, before eating, drinking, or using restroom facilities. Keep work areas free of spilled material and dispose of contaminated garments through safe laundering.
Physical State: Liquid
Odor: Slight petroleum-like odor
Boiling Point: About 189°C
Melting Point: Approximately -43°C
Flash Point: Roughly 65°C (closed cup)
Solubility: Negligible in water, dissolves in organic solvents
Density: About 0.89 g/cm³ at 20°C
Vapor Pressure: Moderate vapor pressure; fumes concentrate near ground level
Stability: Stable under ordinary use and storage, breaks down with excessive heat or combined with potent oxidizers
Reactivity: Forms flammable mixtures with air; reacts with strong oxidizing acids
Hazardous Decomposition: Gives off irritating fumes and carbon oxides on burning or strong heating, so local ventilation matters during accidental fires or spills
Acute Effects: Breathing in high vapor levels can trigger headache, drowsiness, or dizziness. Splashes on skin prompt red, itchy patches after repeated contact. Taking in the liquid, even in small amounts, can upset the stomach and sometimes slow breathing.
Chronic Effects: Long-term, repetitive skin contact dries out and cracks skin; sustained inhalation may affect liver and kidney function.
Sensitization: Little reported allergy risk, but sensitive individuals still risk contact dermatitis.
Carcinogenicity: No clear evidence connecting decahydronaphthalene to cancer in humans, but prudent avoidance of chronic exposure makes sense.
Aquatic Toxicity: Even small spills threaten fish and aquatic insects, as the chemical floats on water and blocks oxygen exchange.
Persistence: Stays in the environment longer than some other solvents, passing slowly through groundwater.
Degradability: Breaks down partly from sunlight and microbial activity but does not vanish instantly. Regular transport through the environment may concentrate effects further from spill sites.
Product Waste: Collect leftover or spilled liquid in closed, labeled containers for disposal through licensed hazardous waste handlers; pouring into drains or soil poisons ecosystems and may break local laws
Contaminated Materials: Dispose of cleaning rags, gloves, and absorbents as chemical waste. Air dry open containers outdoors in a safe, ventilated spot to release vapors before cleaning or recycling.
UN Number: UN 1147
Transport Hazard Class: Flammable liquid (Class 3)
Precautions: Ship in well-sealed drums built to prevent leaks. Avoid loading with incompatible chemicals such as strong oxidizers. Ensure vehicles carrying material have proper labeling and are equipped for spill cases.
Chemical Inventories: Registered in several international inventories. Transport, use, and disposal governed by chemical safety laws and environmental agencies in many regions.
Workplace Regulation: Occupational exposure limits in place in several countries; workers need clear training and regular review of safety routines.
Environmental Restrictions: Discharging large amounts into waterways or soils forbidden; municipal and national guidelines set the thresholds.
