CarCareTruth

Hydrocarbons, C11-C14, n-alkanes, isoalkanes, cyclics, <2% aromatics

  • Aliphatic solvents
  • CAS 926-141-6

C11–C14 isoparaffinic petroleum fraction with <2% aromatics. Classified Asp. Tox. 1 (H304 — aspiration hazard if swallowed). Carries EUH066 — repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking. No H334/H335 inhalation classification at consumer use concentrations.

C11–C14 hydrocarbons (n-alkanes, isoalkanes, cyclics) are a refined petroleum fraction widely used as a low-aromatic carrier solvent in tire dressings, leather conditioners, and water-displacing sprays. The aromatic content cap (<2%) excludes the carcinogenic polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons that drive most petroleum Prop 65 listings, though trace aromatics in the parent stream are still the typical reason a finished product carries a Prop 65 warning. In tire dressings, this solvent disperses the silicone or wax actives, aids initial spreading on the tire sidewall, and flashes off during cure. It carries the H304 (aspiration hazard) classification standard for low-viscosity petroleum fractions — meaningful only if swallowed and aspirated into the lungs, not from normal topical contact. Environmentally, biodegradation is slow but aquatic toxicity at consumer-use concentrations is not a concern. The VOC contribution depends on concentration: at 10–18% in a heavy gel formula, the typical contribution is 100–200 g/L.

Health & environment profile

VOC
yes
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
no
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
yes
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
3/5
Purpose: Carrier solvent in tire dressings and surface treatments; aids spreading and surface wetting

5 products contain this

Health summaries are editorial — we synthesize from SDSs, peer-reviewed sources, and regulatory listings. Not medical advice.