Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Diethyl Tartrate

Identification

Product Name: Diethyl Tartrate
Synonyms: Tartaric acid diethyl ester, Ethyl tartrate
Chemical Formula: C8H14O6
CAS Number: 87-91-2
Molecular Weight: 206.19 g/mol
Manufacturer Information: Reliable chemical suppliers frequently provide product-specific details, including phone numbers and addresses for emergencies. The product is usually labeled for lab, industrial, or pharmacological use based on intended applications.

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Eye Irritant, Skin Irritant
Hazard Symbols: Exclamation Mark (Irritant)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin irritation, Causes serious eye irritation
Precautionary Statements: Wash thoroughly after handling. Wear suitable gloves and eye protection. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. The chemical can pose a mild risk to respiratory tract if inhaled as a mist or vapor during poor ventilation.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Diethyl Tartrate
Concentration: 100% pure or as specified by the supplier
Impurities: Minor trace solvents or stabilizers may appear in manufacturing batches; explicit details are generally available in supplier analysis reports.

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Restore breathing if needed. Obtain medical attention for persistent symptoms.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Cleanse area with mild soap and water for many minutes. Medical follow-up recommended for irritation.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with copious water, holding eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present. Continue rinsing for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention for irritation.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical guidance.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, or water spray.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides including CO and CO₂ develop under fire.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear full-body suit and breathing apparatus.
Precautions: Remove containers near fire. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air if temperatures are high enough.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing to avoid direct contact. Ventilate spill area.
Spill Containment: Prevent entry into drains and sewers. Use absorbent material such as sand or inert compound.
Cleanup Methods: Collect and seal contaminated absorbent for disposal. Wash surfaces thoroughly after removal.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid inhalation, eye or skin contact. Always wash hands after use. Use in fume hood or well-ventilated area.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers. Place in cool, dry, and well-ventilated spot. Keep away from strong oxidizers and chemicals incompatible with esters. Protect from temperature extremes and direct sunlight. Label containers clearly for safety auditing purposes.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits exist for Diethyl Tartrate. Standard precautions apply.
Engineering Controls: Work under local exhaust ventilation. Eye-wash and safety showers in laboratory setting add a layer of protection.
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, well-fitting splash goggles, lab coats, closed footwear. Good hygiene practices, such as not consuming food or drinks where chemicals are handled, contribute to safety.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid or low-melting solid
Odor: Mild, fruity odor
Boiling Point: 142°C at 18 mmHg (lower pressure)
Melting Point: -15°C to -10°C (varies slightly by enantiomer)
Solubility: Insoluble in water, miscible with alcohols and ethers
Density: 1.21 g/cm³ at 20°C
Vapor Pressure: Low under ambient conditions
Flash Point: 123°C (closed cup)
Viscosity: Moderate, consistent with small esters
Specific Gravity: About 1.207 (20°C/4°C)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures or direct sunlight may cause decomposition.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, alkalis
Decomposition Products: On burning, forms carbon oxides
Hazardous Reactions: Vigorous reaction unlikely unless combined with reactive agents.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD₅₀ (oral-rat): >5000 mg/kg
Skin Contact: May cause irritation, redness, or dryness
Eye Contact: Can result in watery, irritated eyes
Inhalation: Inhalation of vapors or mists may cause mild respiratory discomfort
Chronic Effects: No data available indicating carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxicity events at normal exposure.
Sensitization: May trigger skin sensitization in individuals prone to allergies.

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: No specific data, although most simple esters display moderate ease of biodegradation. Low risk for acute hazardous effects in aquatic settings.
Persistence and Degradability: Likely to undergo bio-degradation via hydrolysis and microbial action
Bioaccumulation Potential: Generally low due to solubility and molecular structure
Mobility in Soil: May migrate in liquid form, but moderate environmental hazard due to low toxicity.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of as hazardous waste, following local, regional, and national regulations.
Container Disposal: Triple-rinse empty bottles. Deface labels before safe recycling or landfilling.
Disposal Precautions: Keep material segregated from general household waste. Use proper registries for chemical waste.

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for surface transport in most countries
Proper Shipping Name: Diethyl Tartrate
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous for transport
Packing Group: Not assigned
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Precautions: Protect containers from ruptures, follow shipment labeling standards.

Regulatory Information

Safety, Health and Environmental Regulations: Diethyl Tartrate does not appear on major hazardous substance inventories such as the US TSCA or EU REACH’s restricted lists. Complies with workplace safety protocols for labs and industrial sites when handled properly.
Labeling Requirements: Clearly display chemical name, hazard warnings, and manufacturer details.
Workplace Labelling: Ensure workplace containers match original labeling.
National and International Listings: Check regional updates for any changes in regulated status or transportation rules. Local, state, and national environmental or occupational health agencies set best practices.