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Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.

The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.

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Alkane 4 is a poly alpha olefin, and although it was not registered as a member of the Poly alpha olefin (PAO) category, it is appropriate to consider the PAO category for read-across.

Alkane 4, like other members of the polyalphaolefin (PAO) category, does not contain any hydrolysable functional groups, so will not undergo hydrolysis. Data for various polyalphaolefin (PAO) category members indicate that they cannot be considered to be readily biodegradable.

In accordance with Column 2 Adaptation as stated in REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (section 9.3.2, Annex IX) the bioaccumulation study does not need to be conducted if the substance has a low potential to cross bioolgical membranes.

The optimal range for diffusive uptake is log Kow -1 to 4 according to ECHA guidance chapter R.7c , see toxicokinetic assessment). Moderate log P values (between -1 and 4) are favourable for absorption by passive diffusion. Any lipophilic compound may be taken up by micellular solubilisation but this mechanism may be of particular importance for highly lipophilic compounds (log P >4), particularly those that are poorly soluble in water (1 mg/l or less) that would otherwise be poorly absorbed. The submission substance has a log Kow >10 and is therefore not expected to bioaccumulate.

Members of this category are highly lipophilic and their calculated log Kow is greater than 10 indicating that members of this category are not expected to bioaccumulate. They are also instead expected to adsorb strongly to soil and sediment.