Product Name: Imidazoline Surfactants
Chemical Family: Alkyl Imidazolines
CAS Number: Varied (such as 61791-47-7, 68604-29-7)
Common Uses: Corrosion inhibitors, emulsifiers, fabric softeners, detergents, personal care
Manufacturer: Leading specialty chemical suppliers in North America, Europe, Asia
Emergency Contact: Manufacturer emergency hotline, national poison control centers
Recommended Use Restrictions: Do not use in food, pharmaceutical, or medical applications without verification
Hazard Classification: Skin irritant, serious eye irritant, harmful if swallowed
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin irritation; may cause serious eye irritation. Harmful if ingested. Possible respiratory tract irritation under aerosol exposure.
Pictograms: Exclamation mark; corrosive (for concentrated forms)
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves/eye protection; avoid breathing vapors and contact with skin or eyes; wash skin thoroughly after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke when using product
Key Component: Fatty acid alkyl imidazoline derivatives
Chemical Formula: C17H33N2, variable depending on origin
Concentration: Typically 80-100% active ingredient
Impurities: Unreacted amines, soap by-products, water (up to 20%)
Common Additives: None for neat form; blended forms may include solvents or stabilizers
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air; keep comfortable; seek medical attention for persistent symptoms
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; rinse skin with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids open; remove contact lenses if present and accessible; seek prompt medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; drink small amount of water if victim is conscious; get immediate medical help
Self-Protection for First Aiders: Use gloves, goggles; avoid direct contact
Suitable Extinguishing Agents: Alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry powder, water spray
Unsuitable Agent: Do not use high-pressure water jet
Fire Hazards: Decomposition may release toxic fumes, including nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Special Procedures: Maintain safe distance, keep containers cool with water mist to prevent rupture, contain runoff to prevent environmental contamination
Personal Precautions: Use chemical-resistant gloves and goggles; avoid skin and eye contact
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways, drains, or soil; report uncontrolled releases to local authorities
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with inert absorbent material (such as sand, vermiculite); shovel into suitable containers for disposal; ventilate area; wash spill area after material pick-up
Decontamination: Clean equipment and surfaces with detergent and large amounts of water
Handling Precautions: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; use only with adequate ventilation; do not breathe vapors or mist; wash hands after handling
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, cool dry place, away from heat sources and direct sunlight; avoid storage near oxidizers, acids, and bases
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, alkalis
Recommended Shelf Life: Typically 12-24 months in original unopened container under recommended conditions
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or general room ventilation to avoid vapor buildup
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile or neoprene chemical-resistant gloves; safety goggles or face shield; full skin protection for larger-scale handling
Respiratory Protection: Use approved mask or respirator where exposure limits are exceeded or in confined spaces
Hygiene Measures: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during use; change contaminated clothing promptly; wash thoroughly before breaks and end of shift
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established specific limits for imidazoline surfactants; observe general nuisance dust/vapor limits
Appearance: Pale yellow to brown, viscous liquid or paste
Odor: Amine-like, fatty odor
pH (1% aqueous): 8.0-11.0
Melting Point: 18°C-30°C (varies with alkyl chain)
Boiling Point: >100°C
Flash Point: >100°C (closed cup)
Solubility: Dispersible in water, soluble in organic solvents
Density: 0.90–1.02 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Viscosity: High viscosity, especially at low temperature
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal handling and storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Strong heat, direct sunlight, contamination with acids or oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Nitric acid, sulfuric acid, chlorine, strong bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, amines, smoke
Polymerization: Not expected under recommended storage and handling conditions
Acute Oral Toxicity: LD50 (rat): 500–2000 mg/kg, depending on chemical grade
Acute Dermal Toxicity: LD50 (rabbit): >2000 mg/kg (may cause moderate skin irritation)
Inhalation Toxicity: Not acutely toxic, but respiratory irritation possible from aerosol or mist
Corrosive/Irritation Effects: Skin and serious eye irritation reported; high concentrations can cause burns
Chronic Toxicity: No long-term toxicity data; not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA; long-term skin contact may lead to dermatitis
Sensitization: Possible skin sensitizer in sensitive individuals
Environmental Fate: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions; slow degradation under anaerobic or cold conditions
Aquatic Toxicity: LC50 (96h, fish) 1-10 mg/L; toxic to aquatic life at high concentrations; avoid release to waterways
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low, due to rapid breakdown
Soil Mobility: Moderate; adsorbed by organic matter
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure to high concentrations may affect invertebrates and plant growth
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations; incinerate in approved facility whenever possible
Packaging Disposal: Rinse contaminated containers thoroughly; recycle or landfill only if permitted by authorities
Do Not: Discharge into surface water, storm drains, soil, or sewers
Recommended Actions: Collect product residues, contaminated absorbent, packaging in sealed containers for approved waste facility; keep all records of disposal
UN Number: Not regulated under most transport laws; check for product blends containing hazardous solvents
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous for transport by land, sea, or air in neat form
Packing Group: Not applicable in neat form
Marine Pollutant: May be a marine pollutant in certain concentrations; check local rules
Labeling: Use "irritant" or "corrosive" labels for concentrated forms
US Regulations: TSCA-listed; OSHA Hazard Communication Standard applicable; SARA 311/312 hazard categories: immediate (acute) health
Canada: DSL/NDSL-listed; WHMIS: D2B toxic material causing other toxic effects
Europe: REACH-registered (various registration dossier numbers); CLP-regulated hazard classification
Globally: GHS labeling required; comply with international transport and workplace safety regulations
Other Requirements: Safety Data Sheets must be available in workplace; provide training for workers handling chemical; comply with all national and local reporting obligations
