Product Safety Summary — Naphthenic Acid

Chemical Identity

Naphthenic Acid
CAS #1338-24-5
EC # 215-662-8

Also commonly called

• Carboxylic acid
• Fatty acid

Product Overview

• Naphthenic Acid is a naturally occurring compound found in crude oil deposits. It is extracted out of oil refinery streams during the refining process. Merichem receives the naphthenic acid and further processes and distills it to meet our customer specifications.
• It has many industrial uses:
  • Tire cord adhesion promoter.
  • Lubricants.
  • Fuel additive for corrosion inhibitors
  • Paint and ink drying promoters.
  • Surfactants
  • Preservatives for wood and fabrics
  • Many other miscellaneous uses.
    
• The primary hazard is as an eye and skin irritant. The material is a low ingestion hazard and can be a respiratory tract irritant. There are no known chronic, mutagenic or teratogenic effects and no airborne exposure limits have been established.
• The material is stable at standard temperature and pressure and is not reactive.
• For further health and safety information, please consult the MSDS.

Physical/Chemical Properties

• Naphthenic Acid is a clear, amber colored liquid with a hydrocarbon odor.
• pH = 5.2 – slightly acidic
• Boiling point = 515F, freeze point not established
• Flash point = >300F Therefore it will not easily catch on fire
• Not an oxidizer and not explosive
• Vapor density = 6.5 (air =1), much more dense than air
• Not water soluble
• Stable (not reactive) at standard temperature and pressure
  

Health Information

Naphthenic acid is an eye and skin irritant. It can also be a respiratory irritant if there is exposure to very high vapor levels. Lung damage may occur if swallowed and aspirated. There are no known chronic, mutagenic, or teratogenic hazards.

Skin contact

Wash affected areas with soap and water.

Ingestion

Do not induce vomiting. Give 2-3 glasses of milk or water to dilute. Contact physician or poison control center for further treatment.

Inhalation

Remove to fresh air. Seek medical attention if irritation develops.

Eye Contact

Flush with water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation develops.

Environmental Information

• Ecotoxicity — no known ecotoxic effects
• Persistence and degradability — not known
• Bioaccumulation potential — not known
• Mobility in soil — not known

No formal ecological data is available. As with any organic liquid with low solubility in water, care should be taken to prevent spilled material from reaching waterways, storm drains, sewers, or direct ground contact.

Additional Hazards

None known.

Exposure Potential

Naphthenic acid is intended as an industrial product only; no direct consumer contact is expected to occur. Industrial users should handle this material in strict accordance with MSDS guidelines and common industry practices.