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PALMITIC ACID ICSC: 0530
November 1997
Hexadecanoic acid
1-Pentadecanecarboxylic acid
Cetylic acid
PDF for printing Explanation of fields
CAS No: 57-10-3
RTECS No: RT4550000
    C16H32O2
Molecular mass: 256.5

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE
ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Combustible. NO open flames. Powder, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION      
 
EXPOSURE   PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!  
Inhalation   Local exhaust or breathing protection. Fresh air, rest.
Skin      
Eyes   Safety spectacles. First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion   Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting.  

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
  Separated from bases, oxidants and reducing agents. Well closed.

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS OR WHITE CRYSTALS.

Physical dangers
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

Chemical dangers
Reacts with bases, oxidants and reducing agents.

Occupational exposure limits
TLV not established.
MAK: IIb (not established but data is available) (DFG 2006).

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

Inhalation risk
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a nuisance-causing concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly by dispersing.


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: 351-352°C
Melting point: 63°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.85
Solubility in water: none
Vapour pressure, Pa at 154°C: 133
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 5.31
 

NOTES
Health effects of exposure to the substance have not been investigated.
Card has been partially updated in August 2007: see Occupational Exposure Limits.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety
WHO ILO UNEP EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2006
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information.

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