Chemical Name: Ethyl Octanoate
Synonyms: Ethyl caprylate, Octanoic acid ethyl ester
CAS Number: 106-32-1
EC Number: 203-377-1
Molecular Formula: C10H20O2
Molecular Weight: 172.27 g/mol
Product Use: Flavoring agent, fragrance component, food additive, chemical intermediate
Manufacturer: Commonly produced by chemical manufacturers specializing in esters and food additives
Emergency Contact: Refer to local, national emergency phone numbers available on company-specific documentation
GHS Classification: Eye irritation, Category 2A; Skin irritation, Category 2; Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure), Category 3
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: May cause eye irritation. May cause skin irritation. Vapor or mist may cause respiratory irritation.
Pictogram: Exclamation mark
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, eye, skin contact
Potential Health Effects: Contact causes discomfort or mild irritation; large inhaled quantities irritate the respiratory tract; no notable chronic effects documented
Chemical Name: Ethyl Octanoate
Concentration: ≥98%
Impurities: Less than 2% (fatty acid ethyl esters, caproic or capric acid derivatives)
Hazardous Components: No components present at or above reportable levels under OSHA criteria besides main ingredient
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air immediately; provide oxygen if breathing is difficult; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash skin promptly with water and mild soap; remove contaminated clothing; seek attention for ongoing irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with running water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally; consult an ophthalmologist if irritation remains
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; seek medical advice if feeling unwell
Advice for Medical Responders: Treat symptomatically based on patient’s complaints; no specific antidote recognized
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, or water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid direct water streams on burning liquid to prevent spreading
Special Hazards: Vapors heavy and may travel along ground to ignition source; combustion yields fumes of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Firefighter Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Thermal Decomposition Products: Irritating, toxic gases under fire conditions
Personal Precautions: Use personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and appropriate ventilation
Environmental Precautions: Keep away from drains, water courses, and soil; prevent major spills from reaching environment
Clean-up Methods: Absorb liquid on inert materials like sand or earth; collect into suitable containers for disposal; ventilate area thoroughly
Spill Response: Evacuate unprotected personnel; eliminate open flames, sparks, or heat sources
Handling Precautions: Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing; do not breathe vapors; use in well-ventilated spaces; observe good industrial hygiene
Storage Requirements: Store tightly sealed in cool, dry location away from sunlight and incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers
Other Considerations: Use explosion-proof electrical equipment; keep away from ignition sources; label containers properly
Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits set for ethyl octanoate in most jurisdictions
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or general area ventilation; emergency shower and eyewash station recommended
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves made from nitrile or similar chemical-resistant materials; splash goggles or safety glasses; protective clothing if high exposure possible; use respirators if vapor concentrations may exceed safe levels
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating, after handling; remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Fruity, sweet, reminiscent of pineapple or apricot
Boiling Point: 208–211°C (406–412°F)
Melting Point: -32°C (-26°F)
Flash Point: ~95°C (203°F) (Closed Cup)
Flammability: Flammable liquid
Vapor Pressure: 0.06 mmHg at 25°C
Density: 0.86–0.87 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; miscible with most organic solvents
Auto-ignition Temperature: 410°C
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 3.82
Viscosity: Low viscosity liquid
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal ambient conditions and recommended storage
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions under normal use and storage
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, alkalis increase risk of hazardous reactions
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, irritating aldehydes when burned
Acute Toxicity: Low oral toxicity; LD50 (oral/rat) >5000 mg/kg
Skin Sensitization: No reported sensitization effects under typical use
Eye Irritation: Causes mild to moderate irritation
Mutagenicity: Not known to be mutagenic or genotoxic according to available studies
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence in scientific literature
Aquatic Toxicity: Expected low toxicity to aquatic organisms; LC50 (fish, 96 hr): >10 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable as an organic ester; breaks down in environment primarily by microbial activity
Bioaccumulation Potential: Moderate due to octanol-water partition coefficient
Mobility in Soil: Potential for moderate mobility; rapid breakdown minimizes risk of long-term contamination
Other Effects: No major hazardous effects recorded for ecosystem under typical release quantities
Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations for organic chemicals; incineration preferred for large volumes
Contaminated Packaging: Clean containers before reuse or recycle; triple rinse with suitable solvent
Special Precautions: Do not pour into untreated municipal sewers, surface water, or soil; avoid release of undiluted material into environment
UN Number: Not regulated for transport in most jurisdictions due to low flammability risk
Proper Shipping Name: Ethyl Octanoate
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as a dangerous good by road, rail, air or sea
Packing Group: None assigned
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant
Special Precautions for User: Secure containers well; keep away from heat and ignition sources during transport
OSHA Status: Not classified as hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA: Listed in the United States TSCA Inventory
REACH Status: Registered as a chemical substance in the EU; not listed for restriction
SARA Title III: No reportable quantities listed
California Proposition 65: Not listed as a chemical known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity
Other Regulations: Complies with most international food safety standards when used as a flavoring or fragrance at regulated concentrations
Workplace Labeling Requirements: Product identifiers, signal word, hazard statements, and supplier information should appear on workplace containers
