Product Identification

Product Name

Policosanol

Synonyms

Cluytyl alcohol
Montanyl alcohol
Octacosyl alcohol

CAS

557-61-9

Formula

C28H58O

Molecular Weight

410.76

EINECS

209-181-2

Merck

12,6840

Beilstein/Gmelin

1786879

Beilstein Reference

4-01-00-01915

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Brownish-white powder with a characteristic odor.

Solubility in water

Insoluble

Melting Point

83.3

Boiling Point

428

Vapor Pressure

4E-9 (25 C)

Partition Coefficient

13.63

Heat Of Vaporization

78.9 kJ/mol

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician.

Inhalation

IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used.

Skin

IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

Eyes

First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place at 25 C or lower.

Handling

Containers of this material may be hazardous when emptied. Since emptied containers retain product residues (vapor, liquid, and/or solid), all hazard precautions given in the data sheet must be observed. Use good personal hygiene practices. Wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking, or using toilet facilities. Promptly remove soiled clothing and wash before reuse. Shower after work using plenty of soap and water.

Hazards Identification

Ingestion

Swallowing this material is not likely to be harmful.

Inhalation

This material is a dust or may produce dust. Breathing small amounts of this material is not likely to be harmful.

Skin

Unlikely to cause skin irritation or injury.

Eyes

Dust can cause eye irritation. Symptoms include stinging, tearing, redness, and swelling of eyes.

Hazards

Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion and poison hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.

UN (DOT)

1986

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Wear appropriate protective gloves, clothing and goggles.

Respirators

Wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter.

Fire Fighting Measures

Flash Point

135

Fire Fighting

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher.

Fire Potential

This material is probably combustible.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

If you spill this chemical, you should dampen the solid spill material with water, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with water to pick up any remaining material. Seal your contaminated clothing and the absorbent paper in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash all contaminated surfaces with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

Stability and Reactivity

Incompatibilities

Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by combination with with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents Reacts with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water Incompatible with oxidizing agents.

Stability

Stable at normal temperatures and pressures.

Decomposition

Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.

Combustion Products

Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

Transport Information

UN Number

1986

Hazard Class

3

Packing Group

I; II; III