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
1 product contain this
Gunk Original Engine Brite Heavy Duty Engine DegreaserProp 65engine-degreaser
Health summaries are editorial — we synthesize from SDSs, peer-reviewed sources, and regulatory listings. Not medical advice.