1-Chlorohexadecane: Physical Characteristics, Properties, and Safe Handling

What is 1-Chlorohexadecane?

1-Chlorohexadecane represents an organochlorine compound, recognized in chemical industries for its role as a specialty raw material. This compound features a straight-chain saturated hydrocarbon backbone with a chlorine atom bonded at the number one carbon, forming a structure with the molecular formula C₁₆H₃₃Cl. Commercial applications often rely on its chemical reactivity and physical consistency, which both stem from this unbranched hexadecane skeleton with a single terminal chlorine substituent.

Product Forms and Typical Uses

People who work in manufacturing or chemical research will encounter 1-Chlorohexadecane in several physical states, most notably as a clear to pale yellow liquid at room temperature. Depending on ambient temperature and purity, it may sometimes appear in solid flakes, powder, or crystalline forms, particularly during storage in cooler environments. Chemists use it as a starting material in the synthesis of long-chain surfactants, specialty lubricants, and in the modification of polymers. Industrial settings may take advantage of its hydrophobic chain and single polar chlorine, offering a combination of solubility control and molecular compatibility in creating specialty chemical blends.

Physical and Chemical Properties

The physical characteristics of 1-Chlorohexadecane stem directly from its molecular weight—276.89 g/mol—and its specific structure. Liquid samples typically register a density near 0.86 g/cm³ at 20°C. It stays insoluble in water, thanks to the dominant nonpolar hydrocarbon chain, but dissolves readily in nonpolar organic solvents such as hexane, toluene, or chloroform. Boiling points can reach close to 340°C, which means this compound remains stable under standard industrial temperature ranges. Flashpoint registers above 150°C, indicating relatively low volatility. Viscosity and pour point measurements indicate a substance workable in fluid formulations, not prone to thickening at moderate temperatures.

Structure and Chemical Reactivity

A simple chemical structure gives this molecule some unique properties. With sixteen carbon atoms strung together and a terminal chlorine, it serves as both an alkyl halide and an anchor for further chemical reactions. This terminal chlorine group allows for nucleophilic substitution reactions or for conversion into quaternary ammonium compounds. In practice, this chemical reactivity enables the synthesis of more complex molecules for use in detergents, emulsifying agents, or modified oils, making it an important intermediate for customization in the lab.

Specifications, HS Code, and Identification

Trade and customs authorities use the Harmonized System (HS) Code 2903.19 for classification and import/export documentation of 1-Chlorohexadecane. As a part of the chlorinated alkanes family, it earns this code based on its chemical functionality and long hydrocarbon structure. The product frequently comes with specific batch specifications including purity (often above 98%), residual unreacted hexadecane content, and chlorine weight percentage to ensure compliance and consistent performance in downstream applications. Detailed regulatory documentation often includes CAS number 4860-03-1, structural formula, safety data, and trace impurity limits to meet international handling standards.

Storage, Hazardous Character, and Safe Handling

At the core of chemical safety is understanding the hazards that come with 1-Chlorohexadecane. This compound is classified as harmful, mainly due to its potential for skin and eye irritation and possible environmental harm if it reaches waterways. Standard protective equipment—gloves, goggles, and lab coats—remains essential during handling. Storage routines must involve tightly sealed containers, with chemicals kept away from heat sources or direct flame. Ventilation reduces inhalation risk, although this compound’s low volatility prevents rapid vapor buildup under normal temperatures. Emergency procedures for accidental release or skin contact should follow protocols based on local and international chemical safety guidance, which underscore thorough washing and medical follow-up.

Material Safety, Environmental Impact, and Compliance

Storing and transporting 1-Chlorohexadecane creates little issue if proper protocols guide the process, yet disposal and spill management cannot be overlooked. Its persistence in the environment, particularly due to its hydrophobic nature and low biodegradability, calls for careful waste management. Direct discharges into water systems risk bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms. Waste containers, absorbent materials for cleanup, and labeling all play a part in preventing unsafe environmental exposure. Regulatory compliance under REACH or OSHA points to the need for regular audits and documentation, with a focus on staff training, secure containment, and robust emergency preparedness plans.

Raw Material Sourcing and Quality Assurance

Sourcing pure 1-Chlorohexadecane requires partnerships with reputable chemical manufacturers, since the substance serves as a base material for further synthesis in multiple high-value industrial chains. Clients in specialty chemicals check for batch traceability, absence of unwanted halogenated byproducts, and documented compliance with safety data sheets. Quality assurance so often leans on analytical verification—gas chromatography to confirm purity, nuclear magnetic resonance for structural authentication, and spectroscopic assays for functional group confirmation. This level of rigor sets the groundwork for safe application downstream and supports supplier reliability, keeping risks in check.

Challenges, Importance, and Responsible Management

Experience in industrial and research labs reveals the real-life stakes of handling chemicals such as 1-Chlorohexadecane. Problems rarely stem only from the compound itself, but from lapses in protocols, rushed production, or missed training. Addressing these challenges means promoting a culture where staff understand both the hazards and the long-term importance of careful documentation. Routine updates to safety data sheets, reminders to refresh training certifications, and investing in monitoring tech to detect leaks or spills make more difference than high-tech containment systems alone. As both resource and risk, raw materials like 1-Chlorohexadecane require responsible management at every stage, from unloading the drum to cleaning the last pipette.