Material Safety Data Sheet for Epinephrine Bitartrate

1. Identification

Product Name: Epinephrine Bitartrate
Chemical Name: (R)-1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-methylaminoethanol (+)-bitartrate
CAS Number: 51-42-3
Synonyms: Adrenaline bitartrate, Epinephrinum bitartrate
Recommended Use: Pharmaceutical ingredient, laboratory reagent
Restrictions on Use: Not to be used outside controlled settings
Supplier Contact: Refer to local supplier or manufacturer
Emergency Contact: Chemtrec: 1-800-424-9300

2. Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Dermal, Inhalation), Eye Irritation, Reproductive Toxicity, Specific Target Organ Toxicity
GHS Label Elements: Signal word: Danger; Hazard pictograms: Health Hazard, Exclamation Mark, Environment
Hazard Statements: Toxic in contact with skin, inhaled, or swallowed; Causes eye and skin irritation; Suspected of causing genetic defects; May cause adverse effects to cardiovascular system
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust; Wash hands thoroughly after use; Wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye protection

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: C9H13NO3·C4H6O6
Purity: >98% by mass
Major Components: Epinephrine Bitartrate 100%
Impurities: Trace catechol-related byproducts and tars, typically less than 2%

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move individual outdoors to fresh air; give artificial respiration if not breathing; seek medical attention immediately
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; consult a physician
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids occasionally; seek medical care
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting; seek emergency care without delay

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, foam
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic fumes under fire conditions (nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide)
Protective Equipment: Firefighters require self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Additional Information: Keep containers cool with water spray; evacuate area if necessary due to toxic smoke

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate personnel to safe area; use PPE including gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into sewers and soil; contain with dikes if appropriate
Methods for Cleanup: Sweep up without creating dust, collect in suitable closed container for disposal; ventilate area and wash spill site with soap and water

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in a chemical fume hood under local exhaust; avoid dust generation; wear suitable protective clothing; avoid exposure to open flames, sources of ignition, and incompatible materials
Storage: Store at 2–8°C in a tightly sealed container, away from direct sunlight; ensure containers remain clearly labeled; segregate from strong oxidizers and alkalis; adequate ventilation in storage area is critical

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Work in a chemical fume hood or under local exhaust ventilation system; ensure eyewash stations and safety showers nearby
Personal Protection Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), protective lab coat or apron, certified safety goggles, NIOSH-approved respirator for dust or aerosol generation
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA or ACGIH limits assigned, but minimize exposure as much as possible
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after handling; prohibit eating, drinking, and smoking in work area; decontaminate protective equipment after handling

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to slightly off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH: Approx. 3.0–5.0 (1% aqueous solution)
Melting Point: 165–175°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol, practically insoluble in ether
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Density: Approximately 1.52 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient: log Kow: -1.37
Flash Point: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not determined

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; may discolor upon exposure to air or light
Reactivity: Sensitive to light, heat, and moisture; may oxidize
Hazardous Reactions: Incompatible with strong oxidizers, alkalis
Decomposition Products: Produces toxic fumes (NOx, CO, CO2) upon combustion or thermal decomposition
Conditions to Avoid: Air, light, excessive moisture, elevated temperatures

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): approximately 10 mg/kg
Skin Contact: Can cause redness, irritation, and systemic toxicity
Eye Contact: Irritation, redness, and possible damage
Inhalation: Can lead to respiratory distress and neurotoxic effects
Sensitization: May cause allergic reaction in sensitized individuals
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: Experimental evidence indicates potential mutagenic effects
Reproductive Toxicity: Documented negative fetal effects in animal studies
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure may impact cardiac, neurological, and metabolic systems

12. Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Harmful to aquatic organisms in high concentrations; EC50 (Daphnia magna): 0.14 mg/L (48 h)
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable, but acute aquatic toxicity can occur before breakdown
Bioaccumulative Potential: Log Kow suggests low potential for bioaccumulation
Mobility in Soil: High solubility in water points to potential mobility in aquatic environments
Other Adverse Effects: No evidence for long-term environmental hazard, but short-term effects on local water systems can occur

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations; incineration preferred method for large quantities
Container Disposal: Triple rinse containers, render unusable, dispose as chemical waste
Precautions: Prevent material from entering drains, sewers, or natural water systems; contact licensed professional waste disposal service
General Guidance: Do not mix with incompatible waste streams

14. Transport Information

UN Number: UN2811
Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, organic, n.o.s. (Epinephrine Bitartrate)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: II
Marine Pollutant: Not classified
Special Precautions: Protect containers from physical damage, temperature extremes, and moisture during transportation
Labeling: Ensure proper hazard warning labels remain visible throughout shipment

15. Regulatory Information

OSHA: Hazardous by definition of Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
TSCA: Listed on the Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting under Sections 302, 304, 313
California Proposition 65: Not listed as a chemical known to cause cancer or reproductive harm
EU Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH): Requires notification for handling quantities above 1 kg/year
Other State and International Regulations: Subject to classification and labeling according to local chemical safety regulations; refer to specific country legislation for worker protection