Sulfuric acid, mono-C14-16 (even numbered)-alkyl esters, sodium salts

Endpoint summary

Additional information

The category consists of alkyl sulfates with a predominantly linear alkyl chain length of C8-C18. Most chemicals of this category are not defined substances, but mixtures of homologues with different alkyl chain lengths (UVCBs). The most important common structural feature of the category members is the presence of a predominantly linear aliphatic hydrocarbon chain with a polar sulfate group, neutralized with a counter ion (i.e., Na+, K+, NH4+, or an alkanolamine cation). The hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain (with a length between C8 and C18) and the polar sulfate group confer surfactant properties and enable the commercial use of these substances as anionic surfactants. Common physical and biological pathways result in structurally similar breakdown products, and are, together with the surfactant properties, responsible for similar environmental behaviour and essentially identical hazard profiles with regard to human health. The counter ion will not influence chemical reactivity and classification for the purpose of this assessment is not expected to be affected by the difference in counter ion.

In accordance with Article 13 (1) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, "information on intrinsic properties of substances may be generated by means other than tests, provided that the conditions set out in Annex XI are met. In particular for environmental fate and eco-toxicity, information shall be generated whenever possible including the use of information from structurally related substances.

In this particular case the similarity of the alkyl sulfates category members is justified, in accordance with the specifications listed in Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 Annex XI, 1.5 Grouping of substances and read-across, is based on the scope of variability and overlapping of composition, representative molecular structure, physico-chemical properties, toxicological, ecotoxicological profiles and supported by various QSAR methods. There is no convincing evidence that any one of these chemicals might lie out of the overall profile of this category.

 

Physico-chemical properties relevant for environmental toxicity of alkyl sulfates:

Physico-chemical characteristics of the substances in the category are similar, or follow regular patterns. The most important parameter influencing PC-properties is the varying length of the alkyl chain.

- Vapour pressure - as ionic substances, category members are characterized by low vapour pressures.

- Partition coefficient - as surfactants concentrate at hydrophilic/hydrophobic boundaries and do not equilibrate between phases, Pow is not a good descriptor of surfactant hydrophobicity and only of a limited predictive value for the partitioning of these compounds in the environment. Nevertheless, experimental Pow values have been obtained, usually as quotients of solubilities in octanol and in water. Partition coefficients are low and they increase with the alkyl chain range.

- Water solubility - the solubility in water of the category members is high; particular values decrease with the alkyl chain range.

 

Environmental fate and pathways of alkyl sulfates:

- The substances are readily biodegradable. Abiotic degradation (e.g. hydrolysis) is not a relevant for environmental pathway due to the chemical structure of the substances.

- All the substances in this category are essentially non-volatile, which implies that atmospheric photodegradation is irrelevant.

- As the log Pow-value is below 3, a potential for bioaccumulation can be excluded.

- Due to the low to moderate log Koc-value, it can be predicted that the sorption to sludge, sediments and soils will be relatively low. Alkyl sulfates are unlikely to persist in the aquatic environment.

  Terrestrial toxicity of alkyl sulfates:

- Soil macroorganisms (Eisenia fetida, mortality): >1000 mg/L (nominal concentration, UBA Berlin 3/1984)

- Plants: (Raphanus sativus; Brasica rapa, seedling growth) >300 mg/kg soil d.w. (C(L1)3: Higher Plant, EEC-Directive 79/831)

- The substance is not supposed to be directly applied to soil and further is readily biodegradable. Hence in case of indirect exposure to soil, the substance is expected to rapidly degrade. Therefore soil is not expected to be a compartment of concern.

- The Equilibrium Partitioning Method was used to calculate the PNECs values for the terrestrial compartment. The substance exhibits an adsorption coefficient (log Koc) below 4 and is readily biodegradable. In case of exposure to soil, the substance is expected to rapidly degrade, thus the hazard to terrestrial organisms is negligible. Hence, the Equilibrium Partitioning Method is sufficient to calculate the PNECs values for the terrestrial compartment according to the “Guidance on information requirements and chemical safety assessment Chapter R.7c: Endpoint specific guidance”, Section 7.11.6 Integrated Testing Strategy for Effects on Terrestrial Organisms (ECHA 2017).