Hydrocarbons, C9-C11, n-alkanes, isoalkanes, cyclics, <2% aromatics

Hydrocarbons, C9-C11, n-alkanes, isoalkanes, cyclics, <2% aromatics is a refined isoparaffinic petroleum fraction commonly used as the primary carrier solvent in petroleum-based paste waxes and polishes. The C9-C11 carbon chain range gives it a relatively low viscosity as a liquid carrier, but above the GHS H304 viscosity exemption threshold when incorporated into high-solid paste formulas.

At the ingredient level, this fraction is classified as a flammable liquid (H226) and an aspiration hazard (H304) under REACH/CLP. However, in paste wax products where the overall mixture viscosity exceeds 20.5 mm2/s, the H304 classification is not required on the mixture SDS label - the CLP kinematic viscosity exemption applies. The H336 (narcotic vapors) classification indicates the vapor can cause drowsiness or dizziness in confined or poorly ventilated spaces at elevated concentrations.

The low aromatic content (<2%) distinguishes this fraction from heavier naphtha or Stoddard solvent fractions, which carry aromatic constituents (including naphthalene and ethylbenzene) at higher concentrations. REACH ecotoxicity data shows this fraction is rapidly degradable and shows low aquatic toxicity at ingredient level (LC50 values >1000 mg/L for fish and invertebrates).

Note: The US formulation of some products using this carrier may substitute Stoddard solvent or naphtha (which contain Naphthalene and Ethylbenzene), resulting in different Prop 65 status than the EU isoalkane formulation.