MSDS for (2S,3S)-(-)-Tartaric Acid

1. Identification

Product Name: (2S,3S)-(-)-Tartaric acid
Synonyms: L-(+)-Tartaric acid, Natural tartaric acid, 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid
Chemical Formula: C4H6O6
Molecular Weight: 150.09 g/mol
CAS Number: 87-69-4
Recommended Use: Analytical reagent, food additive, lab chemical, acidity regulator
Supplier Information: Manufacturer contact details required on label, including company address and emergency phone.
Emergency Phone: Chemtrec or regional poison control center contact provided for immediate response during incidents.

2. Hazard Identification

Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2), Skin irritation (Category 2)
GHS Label Elements: Signal word: Warning. Hazard statements: Causes serious eye irritation. Causes skin irritation.
Pictograms: Exclamation mark symbol on label.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Potential Health Effects: Irritation to eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Excess inhalation can cause mild respiratory discomfort. Ingestion of large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset, including abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Prolonged skin contact sometimes leads to dermatitis or dryness.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust. Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Wear protective gloves and eye protection.

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: (2S,3S)-(-)-Tartaric acid
Concentration: ≥99% pure
CAS Number: 87-69-4
EC Number: 201-766-0
Impurities: Trace limits of moisture or similar organic acids possible, usually below detection levels for analytical grade material.
Stabilizing Additives: None.

4. First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Seek immediate medical attention if irritation persists.
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. Seek medical attention if rash or irritation develops.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. If breathing becomes difficult, obtain medical assistance.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting unless advised by medical personnel. Drink moderate amounts of water if the person is conscious. Call poison control or a physician for guidance.
General Advice: Always show the safety data sheet or label to medical personnel providing assistance.

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, foam
Hazards from Combustion: Produces carbon oxides (CO, CO2) under combustion. No highly toxic or unusual gases expected.
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters must wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
Advice for Firefighters: Keep containers cool with water spray; prevent runoff from entering drains and water sources where feasible.
Unusual Fire Hazards: Product is combustible at very high temperatures, not highly flammable under typical conditions.

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear suitable gloves, goggles, and dust mask if large quantities are involved. Prevent skin and eye contact.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent from entering drains, waterways, and soil. Dilute residues with plenty of water.
Method for Clean-up: Sweep up spills using a method that minimizes dust generation. Place in suitable labeled containers for disposal. Ventilate area and wash the spill site after material pickup is complete.
Recommended Tools: Non-sparking tools, appropriate dust control measures.
Disposal: Dispose of waste according to local or national regulations.

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas. Avoid creating dust. Use personal protective equipment including gloves and goggles. Always wash hands after handling.
Storage: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry place. Store away from incompatible materials, such as strong oxidizing agents and bases. Recommended storage temperatures: 15–25°C.
Storage Class: General chemicals, no special restrictions, but keep segregated from oxidizers.

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or general dilution ventilation to minimize dust exposure.
Personal Protective Equipment: • Eye Protection: Chemical splash-resistant goggles.
• Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant nitrile or neoprene gloves; long sleeves or lab coat.
• Respiratory Protection: Dust mask or particulate respirator if dust is generated or exposures approach limits.
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits in US OSHA or ACGIH, but control dust to minimal levels.
Hygiene Recommendations: Wash hands after use, do not eat or drink in work area, change contaminated clothing and clean before reuse.

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless or slight acidic odor
pH (1% solution): 2.2
Melting Point: 168–170°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Soluble in water (139 g/L at 20°C), slightly soluble in ethanol
Relative Density: 1.76 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Flash Point: Not applicable (non-volatile, decomposes)
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): -1.92
Other Data: Stable under normal conditions, sharp distinctive crystals.

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at recommended storage conditions.
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions known under normal use.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong bases. Risk of reaction producing heat or decomposition under extreme conditions.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide if heated strongly.
Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization reported.
Conditions to Avoid: Excess moisture, temperatures above 170°C, direct sunlight for prolonged periods, incompatible contacts.

11. Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, eyes.
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): approximately 7,500 mg/kg.
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause skin dryness or mild irritation.
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes serious eye irritation.
Respiratory Sensitization: Not expected under normal use, but avoid prolonged dust inhalation.
Chronic Effects: No evidence of long-term carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or teratogenicity in humans. Not classified as toxic or harmful by regulatory agencies.
Symptoms of Overexposure: Redness, pain, discomfort at contact sites, possible stomach discomfort or diarrhea if ingested in quantity.

12. Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Material has low toxicity to aquatic and terrestrial organisms based on available data.
Aquatic Toxicity: LC50 (fish, 96h): >100 mg/L, EC50 (daphnia, 48h): >100 mg/L, high dilutions unlikely to cause harm.
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in the environment, for example, breakdown via microorganisms is rapid.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Very low, log Pow less than zero indicates low potential.
Mobility in Soil: Highly mobile in water, potentially leaches to groundwater in large spills.
Other Adverse Effects: No data suggest significant ozone depletion, global warming, or photochemical effects.

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Preferred solution is landfill or incineration in compliance with federal, state, and local environmental control regulations.
Unused Product: Avoid disposing material directly to the environment or drains. Any unused product should be delivered to an authorized chemical waste disposal processor.
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse packaging material thoroughly prior to recycling or disposal. For bulk packaging, follow regulations for hazardous waste packaging.
Precautions: Do not mix waste streams; use dedicated containers. Ensure all personnel wear adequate protective gear during clean-up and disposal.

14. Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport under ADR, RID, IATA, IMDG, US DOT regulations.
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous.
Packing Group: Not applicable.
Marine Pollutant: No.
Special Precautions: Ship in sealed, robust containers to avoid leaks or dust generation. Maintain inverting or upright position during transit.
Transport Label: None required for non-dangerous materials.

15. Regulatory Information

EU Regulations: EINECS No. 201-766-0, not classified as hazardous by EU CLP Regulation.
US Regulations: Listed on TSCA Inventory, not regulated as toxics or hazardous by SARA Title III, CERCLA, or RCRA.
Canada WHMIS: Not classified as hazardous under current Canadian law.
Other Regulations: Meets food safety purity standards in US and EU. No workplace-specific OELs set.
Inventory Listings: Registered in Japan, Korea, Australia, Philippines, and China chemical inventories.
Labeling Requirements: Standard chemical labeling with caution for eye and skin irritation, appropriate hazard pictogram, and contact information.
Restrictions: None for intended lab or regulated industrial use.