Material Safety Data Sheet: DL-Tartaric Acid

Identification

Product Name: DL-Tartaric Acid
Chemical Formula: C4H6O6
CAS Number: 133-37-9
Synonyms: Racemic Tartaric Acid, 2,3-Dihydroxysuccinic acid
Relevant Identified Uses: Laboratory reagent, food additive (acidulant), pharmaceutical excipient, chemical synthesis aid, cleaning products, tanning agent
Supplier Identification: Contact details (address, phone, email) from manufacturer or distributor
Emergency Contact: Emergency hotline number listed by supplier, often referencing CHEMTREC or similar services

Hazard Identification

Classification (GHS): Eye Irritation Category 2A, Skin Irritation Category 2
Label Elements: Signal word: Warning; Pictograms: Exclamation Mark
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation, may cause skin irritation, prolonged exposure may cause discomfort to respiratory system
Precautionary Statements: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, wear protective gloves and eye protection, avoid breathing dust, use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation can trigger coughing or mild respiratory discomfort, skin contact might lead to redness or rash, eye exposure causes irritation requiring immediate flushing, ingestion could result in mild stomach upset
Environmental Hazard: Not classified as dangerous to the environment but excessive dumping can alter aquatic pH

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: DL-Tartaric Acid
Concentration: >98% (by weight)
Impurities: Trace levels of water, possible trace organic residuals
Chemical Family: Organic acid
Molecular Weight: 150.09 g/mol

First Aid Measures

General Advice: Remove contaminated clothing, move victim to fresh air as needed, seek medical attention if irritation or symptoms persist
Inhalation: Move individual to a location with fresh air, encourage slow and deep breathing, seek medical help if symptoms do not resolve
Skin Contact: Clean affected area with soap and water, rinse completely to ensure no residue, apply emollient if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse gently with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, keep eyelids open, remove contact lenses if present, seek medical attention for persistent irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, drink several glasses of water to dilute, avoid forcing vomiting, consult a physician

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known for small laboratory quantities
Specific Hazards: Decomposes when burned releasing carbon oxides and irritating fumes
Protective Equipment: Full protective clothing and a self-contained breathing apparatus
Advice for Firefighters: Evacuate area if large fire occurs, prevent runoff of water and contents into sewers, cool containers with water mist from a safe distance

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Minimize dust formation, ventilate the area well, avoid breathing fumes or dust, use personal protection like gloves, goggles, and a dust mask
Environmental Precautions: Avoid release into drains, surface waters, or soil, contain spilled product to prevent large-scale contamination
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up spilled granules or powder, collect in sealed labeled containers for proper disposal, use wet methods to reduce dusting in larger spills, clean surfaces with water

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use local exhaust or ventilation to keep dust low, avoid repeated skin or eye contact, do not eat or drink near product
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers, keep container dry and away from direct sunlight, recommended storage temperature below 30°C (86°F), protect from moisture to prevent clumping and hydrolysis
Special Considerations: Store separate from strong oxidizers or bases, avoid storing with incompatible metals

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA, ACGIH, or NIOSH exposure limits; recommend keeping dust concentration below 10 mg/m³ (total dust)
Engineering Controls: Employ local exhaust ventilation at points of dust generation
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses or goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, dust mask or NIOSH-approved respirator if dusty, lab coat or protective clothing
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, avoid touching face or exposed skin without prior washing

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless or very faint acidic smell
pH (1% solution): 2.0–2.5
Melting Point: 206 °C (403 °F) (decomposition begins)
Solubility: About 139 g/L at 25°C in water; slightly soluble in ethanol
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Density: 1.79 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Other Data: Non-volatile, non-flammable, stable under recommended conditions, not explosive

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong oxidizers, strong bases, and some metals
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other organic acids can form upon burning
Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged exposure to moisture and heat accelerates decomposition, avoid exposure to oxidizing substances
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, reducing agents, strong bases, some reactive metals like sodium or potassium

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 for rats ranges between 4200–5000 mg/kg; limited toxicity to humans in standard lab handling amounts
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Prolonged or repetitive skin exposure might trigger slight skin irritation
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes significant irritation, redness, and soreness
Respiratory Effects: Dust inhalation may result in irritation of the nose, throat, or lungs
Chronic Effects: Not classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or as a reproductive hazard
Other Information: Rare allergic reactions possible if significant exposure continues, seek medical advice for persistent effects

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low aquatic toxicity, no chronic effects have been measured on invertebrates or fish in routine laboratory studies
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable in soil and water surfaces under normal environmental conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Does not bioaccumulate in aquatic systems; has low partition coefficient (log Kow)
Mobility in Soil: Highly water soluble, may move through soil if released in large quantities
Other Adverse Effects: Large spills can lower pH in local aquatic systems and disrupt balance

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with all local, regional, and national environmental regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Clean containers thoroughly before recycling or disposal, do not reuse packaging for food or drink
Special Precautions: Avoid direct disposal into sewage, soil, or natural waterways, neutralize with lime or sodium carbonate for larger waste

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport under most international guidelines
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as hazardous under standard transport requirements
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous for road, air, sea, or rail transport
Packing Group: Not applicable
Other Transport Precautions: Avoid rough handling of containers and prevent spillage during movement

Regulatory Information

Regulations: Not classified as a hazardous substance under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
Inventory Listings: Listed on TSCA (USA), EINECS/ELINCS (Europe), DSL/NDSL (Canada), ENCS (Japan), AICS (Australia), IECSC (China)
SARA Title III: Not subject to Section 302, 304, or 313 reporting
California Prop 65: Not listed
WHMIS Classification: Not controlled
Other State or International Regulations: May have workplace labeling or reporting requirements in some regions