Substance profile
Heptachlor
Heptachlor is a white to light tan waxy solid with a camphor-like odor.
01 · Identification
What Heptachlor is
Heptachlor is a white to light tan waxy solid with a camphor-like odor. Its molecular formula is C10H5Cl7 and its molecular weight is 373.3 g/mol. It boils at 145 °C, melts at 95 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Other names for Heptachlor
- heptachlor (ISO)
- 1,4,5,6,7,8,8-heptachloro-3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-4,7-methanoindene
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H351 | Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H373 | May cause damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P260, P270, P273, P280, P301, P302, P308, P310, P313, P314, P330, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Heptachlor properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 145 °C (293 °F) | decomposes | NIOSH |
| 145 °C (293 °F) | at 1.5 mmHg (reduced pressure) | HSDB | |
| Melting point | 95 °C (203 °F) | NIOSH | |
| 95.5 °C (203.9 °F) | DOE PAC | ||
| Density | 1.66 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.6 g/cm³ | ICSC | ||
| 1.66 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Soluble in hexane. | HSDB | |
| Soluble in ethyl ether, ethanol, ligroin | HSDB | ||
| g/100 ml solvent @ 27 °C: acetone 75, benzene 106, carbon tetrachloride 112, cyclohexanone 119, alcohol 4.5, xylene 102 | at 27 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0004 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 0.0003 mmHg | at 25 °C | NIOSH | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Heptachlor is not combustible, but may be dissolved in flammable liquids. | HSDB | |
| Noncombustible Solid, but may be dissolved in flammable liquids. | NIOSH | ||
| Odor threshold | 0.02 PPM | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Corrosive to metals. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Heptachlor
Storage conditions
Protect containers against physical damage. Outdoor or detached storage is preferred; in case of indoor storage, cool, well-ventilated, fire-proof place should be used and kept away from source of ignition.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Heptachlor can react with iron and rust to form ... hydrogen chloride gas.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
HEPTACHLOR is incompatible with strong alkalis. Corrosive to metals. Can react with iron and rust to form toxic gases. Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. Susceptible to epoxidation (NTP, 1992).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Heptachlor in the storage compatibility matrix →