Chemical Name: (2RS,3RS)-Tartaric acid
Synonyms: DL-Tartaric acid, Racemic Tartaric acid
CAS Number: 133-37-9
Recommended Use: Acidulant in food processing, pharmaceutical preparations, textile and chemical synthesis, laboratory reagent
Manufacturer Information: Contact details provided on request
Emergency Contact: Provided per region and facility management
Classification: Eye Irritant (Category 2), Skin Irritant (Category 2)
GHS Label Elements: Warning symbol, exclamation mark
Hazard Statements: Causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves, safety goggles, handle in well-ventilated areas, wash exposed skin thoroughly
Potential Health Effects: Short-term contact can result in redness, tearing, stinging in eyes; skin contact may cause dryness or mild inflammation
Environmental Hazards: Expected low toxicity for aquatic life in standard concentrations, but local spillages may affect sensitive systems
Chemical Identity: (2RS,3RS)-Tartaric acid
Common Name: DL-Tartaric acid
Concentration: 99-100%
CAS Number: 133-37-9
Molecular Formula: C4H6O6
Molecular Weight: 150.09 g/mol
Impurities: Trace levels of water possible from atmospheric absorption; generally less than 1%
Inhalation: Move affected individual to fresh air, provide oxygen if shortness of breath, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove any contaminated clothing, wash skin with running water and soap for 10–15 minutes, seek advice if irritation continues
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present, call medical professionals for persistent discomfort
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical direction
Notes for Health Professionals: Treat symptoms, provide supportive care where systemic effects occur, consider observation for severe eye contact
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, foam, carbon dioxide, water spray
Specific Hazards: Material may decompose in fire situations, producing carbon oxides
Protective Equipment: Use self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective suit
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Avoid smoke inhalation, keep run-off water out of sewers, use water spray to cool nearby containers
Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possible traces of organic acids
Personal Precautions: Wear suitable protective gloves, goggles, dust mask in poorly ventilated spaces
Environmental Precautions: Contain spillage to prevent spread, avoid discharge into drains, surface waters or soil
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up and store in closed containers for proper disposal, use non-sparking tools, ventilate area
Prevention of Secondary Hazards: Wash spills with copious amounts of water after bulk has been removed, check for residual dust
Handling: Keep container tightly closed, avoid creating dust, use only in areas with adequate ventilation, do not mix with strong oxidizing agents
Storage: Store in a cool, dry location away from sunlight, heat sources and incompatible chemicals like alkalis and oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Strong bases, oxidizing chemicals, certain metals can react or degrade product quality
Technical Measures: Ensure storage containers are properly labeled and sealed, check for leaks or deterioration regularly
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands after handling, keep work area clean, prohibit eating or drinking in handling areas
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation during processing or handling, consider closed systems for bulk handling
Individual Protection: Safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), lab coat or protective clothing
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask or respirator in areas with insufficient ventilation
Exposure Limits: No workplace exposure limits officially established, good work practices suggest minimizing airborne dust
General Protective Measures: Avoid direct skin and eye contact, do not inhale powder or dust, handle with care to prevent accidental release
Appearance: White crystalline powder, characteristic acid taste
Odor: Odorless
pH (1% solution): 2.2
Melting Point: 206 °C (decomposes at melting)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol
Density: 1.79 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): -1.91
Flash Point: No data; not classified as flammable
Other Data: Stable under normal storage conditions, can absorb moisture from air
Chemical Stability: Stable under usual storage conditions, avoid excessive moisture, heat, and open flame
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with strong bases or oxidizers may cause reaction or decomposition
Conditions to Avoid: High temperature, humidity, open flame, contact with incompatible materials
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, irritating organic fumes can form during combustion or decomposition
Polymerization: Does not undergo hazardous polymerization
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 7,500 mg/kg, relatively low hazard for most users in lab or industrial settings
Irritation: May cause mild skin and moderate eye irritation on direct contact
Sensitization: Not classified as sensitizer
Inhalation: Inhalation of dust may cause sore throat, coughing, mild irritation of respiratory tract
Chronic Toxicity: No evidence of long-term effects reported with routine handling, long-term high ingestion can impact mineral balance due to chelation properties
Carcinogenicity, Mutagenicity, Reproductive Toxicity: No known carcinogenic, mutagenic, or adverse reproductive effects reported in current clinical or animal data
Aquatic Toxicity: Not expected to harm fish or aquatic invertebrates at usual concentrations, readily biodegradable
Persistence and Degradability: Rapidly degrades in the environment, does not accumulate
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low likelihood of accumulation in food chains
Mobility in Soil: Moderately mobile in water, moves through soil but natural acids tend to neutralize
Effect on Wastewater Systems: High concentrations could affect pH if dumped untreated
Other Information: Use in quantities typical to research and manufacturing rarely poses environmental risk
Waste Procedures: Collect residue and dispose of using approved local, regional or national hazardous waste guidelines
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse well with water before recycling or discarding; follow local environmental regulations
Disposal Methods: Incineration or landfill in compliance with statutory guidelines
Septic/Drain Disposal: Avoid dumping in drains, watercourses, or on open ground without proper neutralization
Special Precautions: Label and secure all containers holding waste for transport
UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Tartaric acid
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous
Packing Group: None assigned
Special Precautions for Transport: Protect from moisture, keep tightly closed during transit, avoid crushing or rupture of packaging
Environmental Hazards During Transit: None known, manage spills as per accidental release protocol
USA: Listed on TSCA Inventory; not subject to specific reporting requirements beyond hazardous communication
Europe: Registered under REACH regulations; not classified as a dangerous substance under CLP
Canada: Listed under DSL, no special restrictions
Other Regulations: Not included on international banned or restricted lists; generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use at specific levels
Workplace Requirements: Complies with OSHA, WHMIS, and EU health and safety labeling practices
Additional Notes: Users must review local, regional and national regulations for applicability in their work environment