Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for DL-Tartrate

Identification

Product Name: DL-Tartrate
Chemical Formula: C4H6O6
Other Names: Racemic Tartaric Acid
CAS Number: 133-37-9
Recommended Use: Used in laboratory research, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and industrial applications
Manufacturer or Supplier: Supplier contact information should be printed right on the packaging or provided with the shipment—contact yours directly if in doubt
Emergency Contact: Emergency phone number can be found on shipping documentation or company MSDS contact

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous based on current GHS guidelines, but good lab practices remain essential
Eye Contact: Can cause irritation, redness, and watering
Skin Contact: Prolonged exposure may result in irritation and redness, especially in sensitive individuals
Inhalation: Dust can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and mild throat discomfort
Ingestion: Possible gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, or abdominal pain in larger amounts
Label Elements: No pictogram required, safety phrases recommend avoiding dust formation
Other Hazards: Fine powder can aggravate pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma; avoid generating dust clouds

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: DL-Tartrate
Pureness: Usually provided as a reagent-grade substance with purity above 99%—check your certificate of analysis
Contributing Hazardous Components: Contains no toxic additives or preservatives
Synonyms: 2,3-Dihydroxybutanedioic acid, Racemic Acid
Molecular Weight: 150.09 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Flush eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open; seek medical advice if irritation remains
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin with soap and water thoroughly; persistent irritation may require medical supervision
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, support breathing, clear nose and mouth, consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute; do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel
Notes for Medical Personnel: Treat symptomatically

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Slightly combustible, dust may pose minimal explosion hazard in confined, poorly ventilated spaces
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Use full protective gear and self-contained breathing equipment as standard for chemical fires
Special Procedures: Move containers from fire area if it can be done safely, use water spray to cool exposed containers

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust, ventilate area, use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves and goggles
Spill Containment: Sweep or vacuum powder up promptly; avoid generating airborne dust
Cleanup Methods: Collect in suitable, labeled containers for proper disposal; wash affected area with water afterwards
Environmental Precautions: Do not let product enter drains or waterways; small spills pose low risk but should be managed responsibly

Handling and Storage

Handling: Keep away from incompatible materials like strong oxidizers; avoid creating dust; work in well-ventilated spaces and use proper laboratory practices
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, away from direct sunlight and moisture, at room temperature; keep container labeled and segregated from food and beverages
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands after use, keep work area clean, do not eat, drink, or smoke near chemical handling

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Recommended Exposure Limit: No OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV established; general dust limit of 10 mg/m³ applies
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to minimize airborne exposure during weighing or dispensing
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear protective gloves, safety glasses or goggles, and laboratory coat; dust mask or N95 respirator in dusty conditions
General Safety Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White, odorless crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol
Melting Point: About 200 °C with decomposition
pH (1% solution): Approximately 2.2
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not applicable—nonvolatile solid
Density: 1.76 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): Not relevant for routine safety assessment

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions, no hazardous polymerization expected
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with strong oxidizers can lead to reaction and possible fire hazard
Conditions to Avoid: Protect from moisture, strong heat sources, or oxidizing chemicals
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possibly irritating fumes when heated beyond decomposition temperature

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Not considered toxic by ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact at normal workplace exposure levels
Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure to dust can cause mild respiratory irritation; no mutagenic, carcinogenic, or reproductive toxicity reported
LD50: Data from animal studies show oral LD50 (rat) > 5,000 mg/kg, suggesting low acute toxicity
Symptoms of Exposure: Irritation to eyes, skin, upper airways upon direct contact or inhalation

Ecological Information

Environmental Impact: Not expected to bioaccumulate or present major environmental hazards
Aquatic Toxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic organisms; readily biodegradable
Mobility: Highly soluble in water, can disperse in soil and water quickly
Persistence and Degradability: Readily degrades under environmental conditions
Other Effects: Spills in large quantities may change local pH in water bodies

Disposal Considerations

Product Disposal: Dispose using approved waste handlers in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Unused Material: Dilute small amounts with water and discharge to drain only if permitted by authorities; larger quantities require hazardous waste arrangement
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse and discard as per chemical waste protocol, following regulatory guidelines

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous for land, sea, or air transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Protect container from damage and weather exposure during transit; secure to prevent spillage
Label Requirements: Use clear product labeling showing identity, hazards, and origin

Regulatory Information

Inventory Listings: Listed in major chemical inventories including TSCA (US), EINECS/ELINCS (EU), and DSL (Canada)
Safety Assessments: Not classified as hazardous under current U.S. OSHA, European CLP, or GHS systems
Labeling: Safety phrases relevant for workplace labeling include “Avoid contact with eyes” and “Keep away from foodstuffs”
Restrictions: No specific regulatory restrictions identified for supply or use in research, food, or industrial processes; always verify with local jurisdiction