CarCareTruth

C9–C15 Heavy Aromatic Hydrocarbons

  • Aromatic solvents
  • CAS 64742-94-5
  • IUPAC: Solvent naphtha (petroleum), heavy aromatic

Carries Asp. Tox. 1 (H304) and STOT SE 3 (H336 narcotic) at ingredient level. ACGIH skin designation. OSHA PEL 400 mg/m³; ACGIH TWA 200 mg/m³ (non-aerosol — meaning the aerosol form is more hazardous). The aromatic content is the source of the 'solvent-narcotic' headaches and dizziness reported with heavy use of solvent-based degreasers.

Solvent naphtha (petroleum), heavy aromatic (CAS 64742-94-5) is a petroleum cut rich in aromatic ring hydrocarbons in the C9–C15 range — alkylbenzenes, trimethylbenzenes, and naphthalene homologs. Aromatic solvents dissolve heavier and more polar grease residues that aliphatic distillates leave behind, which is why heavy-duty mechanic degreasers blend the two solvent families. The aromatic content also drives the inhalation-narcotic profile of the parent mixture. STOT SE 3 (H336 — drowsiness/dizziness) at the ingredient level translates to the well-documented "solvent headache" reported after extended use of petroleum-based degreasers in poorly-ventilated garages. Acute aquatic toxicity is real (EC50 single-digit mg/L for daphnia and fish), which is the basis for the SDS aquatic classification when this fraction appears at meaningful concentrations. For users: this is the ingredient that makes solvent-based degreasers smell aggressive and produces the dizzy/headachy feeling on prolonged use. Outdoor application, full stop.

Health & environment profile

VOC
yes
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
no
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
yes
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
2/5
Purpose: Aromatic-solvent fraction — boosts grease-cutting on heavier, more polar hydrocarbon residues (baked-on cooked oils, ATF varnish) that pure aliphatic solvents struggle with.

1 product contain this

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