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Chemical collection and stock control for UK schools, universities and hospitals

Sebacoyl chloride (CAS 111-19-3): storage and disposal

Nylon rope demonstrations leave school and college stores with sebacoyl chloride, either as the neat liquid or as a made-up solution. It is classified as harmful if swallowed and as causing severe skin burns and eye damage. As an acid chloride it reacts with moisture in the air, so an old bottle tends to fume and corrode its own cap.

CAS number
111-19-3
Form
Liquid
Storage class
Corrosive
Signal word
Danger
Usual EWC code
16 05 06*
  • Corrosive pictogramCorrosive
  • Harmful or irritant pictogramHarmful or irritant

What to do this week

  1. Check the label is readable and write down the opened date if it is not already there.
  2. Check it is stored as corrosive stock and apart from the items listed under "Do not store with".
  3. If you no longer need it, add it to your disposal list so it goes on the next collection.

Safe storage in a school or lab

Keep the cap on tight and the bottle dry. Acid chlorides react with water, releasing hydrogen chloride, so the thread of the bottle is the first place to look for trouble. Sebacoyl chloride sits low down on a resistant tray in a ventilated corrosive store, with damp protection, away from wet bench areas and aqueous stock, and never beside a sink. Keep sebacoyl chloride away from moisture, incompatible materials and unsuitable container materials. Store prepared solutions according to the hazards of both the acid chloride and the solvent. A demonstration solution should be dated and labelled as such.

How to tell it has deteriorated

Fuming on opening is the classic sign: moisture has got into the bottle, and acid chloride has reacted to give acidic fumes. Before that, crust around the cap and corroded fittings near the shelf show the same thing happening slowly. The liquid may darken, and the cap may seize or the bottle pressurise with gas. A solution stored for the nylon demonstration may also show a lower level or a stained label. Cracked containers and damaged shelving belong on the list. Nobody should open a crusted bottle to check it, because the vapour causes burns.

How it must be disposed of

By specialist collection only. It never goes down the drain or into general waste. It is normally packed in a corrosive other laboratory pack with compatible chemicals.

Say plainly whether the bottle holds the neat liquid or a demonstration solution, give the volume and note any crust or fuming at the cap. The collector needs to know it is moisture-reactive and burns skin and eyes, so describe it that way. It is never rinsed with water, poured into a sink or left to react in a fume cupboard, because each creates acid fumes. The discarded organic chemical code applies outside a lab pack. The carrier groups it with other corrosive organics and keeps it dry in transit.

Waste codes and transport details for Sebacoyl chloride
EWC code, laboratory chemicals16 05 06*
Discarded organic chemical, not a laboratory pack16 05 08*
Hazardous wasteYes

The code depends on where the waste came from and what it is mixed with. Use the waste code finder to see why.

Do not store with

  • FlammableA leak of corrosive stock can break down flammable containers and feed a fire.
  • OxidiserCorrosive stock can react with oxidisers, releasing heat or fumes.

Named chemicals to keep apart

  • AcetoneA leak of corrosive stock can break down flammable containers and feed a fire.
  • Calcium hypochloriteCorrosive stock can react with oxidisers, releasing heat or fumes.
  • EthanolA leak of corrosive stock can break down flammable containers and feed a fire.
  • HexaneA leak of corrosive stock can break down flammable containers and feed a fire.
  • Hydrogen peroxideCorrosive stock can react with oxidisers, releasing heat or fumes.
  • MethanolA leak of corrosive stock can break down flammable containers and feed a fire.
  • Potassium nitrateCorrosive stock can react with oxidisers, releasing heat or fumes.
  • Potassium permanganateCorrosive stock can react with oxidisers, releasing heat or fumes.
Show 1 more
  • TolueneA leak of corrosive stock can break down flammable containers and feed a fire.

Common quantities we collect

Usually held as: neat, solution for nylon demonstration.

Part-used bottles and full containers are both fine. Tell us the size and how many, and an estimate is enough for a first price.

Where it is commonly held

Hazard statements

  • H302 Harmful if swallowed.
  • H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Precautionary statements
  • P260 Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264 Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301+P317 IF SWALLOWED: Get medical help.
  • P301+P330+P331 IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
  • P302+P361+P354 IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes.
  • P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P316 Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P321 Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instruction on this label).
  • P330 Rinse mouth.
  • P363 Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
  • P405 Store locked up.
  • P501 Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional, national and international regulations.

Substance as classified, dilutions may differ.

Questions

Why does my bottle of sebacoyl chloride fume when opened?

Moisture has reached the contents and the acid chloride has reacted, releasing acidic fumes. Do not open old bottles to check. Keep them closed, upright and dry and request collection.

Is the made-up demonstration solution safer than the liquid?

It may be less hazardous than the neat liquid, but it is not safe to assume so. Label and date it, keep it dry and closed, and treat it as corrosive stock until the supplier safety data sheet is checked.

Can it be washed out with water after the demonstration?

No. Water reacts with acid chlorides and gives off acidic fumes. Leftover liquid and any contaminated containers stay closed, labelled and dry, and they go for specialist collection instead.

Guidance only. Check your own risk assessment and your supplier's safety data sheet.

Hazard data source: PubChem GHS Classification, retrieved 31 Oct 2026. Formula C10H16Cl2O2. EC number 203-843-4.

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