Material Safety Data Sheet: Ethyl Tartrate

Identification

Chemical Name: Ethyl Tartrate
Synonyms: Diethyl tartrate, Tartaric acid diethyl ester
CAS Number: 87-91-2
Molecular Formula: C8H14O6
Recommended Use: Intermediate for organic synthesis, chiral reagent, fragrance ingredient
Manufacturer Contact: Emergency phone numbers, address, and regular business phone of supplier or manufacturer

Hazard Identification

Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2A), Skin irritation (Category 2), Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure (Category 3)
Label Elements: Signal word: Warning. Pictograms: Exclamation mark.
Hazard Statements: Causes mild skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray, wash hands thoroughly after handling, use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, wear protective gloves and eye protection, if inhaled: remove to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Ethyl Tartrate
Concentration: ≥98%
Impurities: May contain trace levels of water, residual solvents (ethanol, methanol), unreacted tartaric acid
Hazardous Components: No additional hazardous components anticipated based on current information

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical advice if symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with plenty of water for several minutes, seek medical attention for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, seek medical advice if redness or pain continue
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention if feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Decomposition may produce carbon oxides (CO, CO2), strong acids, irritating fumes
Advice for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing, prevent runoff from entering water sources, cool adjacent containers with water spray, evacuate area as required
Flash Point: 132°C (open cup, literature value)

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Keep unnecessary personnel away, ventilate affected area, avoid dust or vapor formation, wear suitable protective equipment
Environmental Precautions: Do not allow product to enter drains, surface water, or soil, report leaks to local authorities as required
Methods for Containment/Cleanup: Cover spill with inert absorbent material (sand, earth), collect and dispose in suitable containers, thoroughly ventilate and wash area after cleanup, dispose collected material according to local regulations

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Work in a well-ventilated area, avoid breathing dust or vapors, minimize handling, avoid contact with eyes and skin, do not eat, drink, or smoke during use, keep containers tightly sealed
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, away from incompatible substances (strong oxidizers, acids, bases), store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, protect from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids or bases, reducing agents

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific limits established for ethyl tartrate
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or process enclosure ventilation to minimize vapor or dust exposure
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles or face shield, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), lab coat or apron, approved respirator in case of insufficient ventilation
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke during use, remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Mild, sweet, fruity
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH: Not determined
Melting Point/Freezing Point: ~-31°C
Boiling Point: 282°C at 1013 hPa
Flash Point: 132°C
Evaporation Rate: Not determined
Flammability: Not classified as highly flammable
Vapor Pressure: <0.01 mmHg at 20°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in alcohols and organic solvents
Density: 1.185 g/cm³ at 25°C
Partition Coefficient: log Kow approximately -0.6
Viscosity: Not determined
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not determined

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: None expected during normal use
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, strong light, open flame, incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, potentially irritating organic vapors

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low oral toxicity, LD50 (rat, oral) estimated >2000 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mild irritant in sensitive individuals
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes eye irritation
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: No data for sensitizing potential
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: No evidence found in available studies
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No data
Specific Target Organ Toxicity: May cause respiratory tract irritation in high concentrations
Symptoms: Redness or discomfort of the eyes and skin, respiratory irritation, headache or dizziness after high vapor exposure

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not classified as hazardous, low order of aquatic toxicity
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable, expected to degrade in air and water within weeks
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low potential (log Kow <1)
Mobility in Soil: Expected to have moderate mobility due to water solubility
Other Adverse Effects: No significant ozone depletion, acidification, or global warming potential

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose of according to local, regional, national, and international regulations for chemical wastes
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly, offer for recycling or dispose as hazardous waste
Special Precautions: Avoid release to the environment, prevent from entering drains, watercourses, or soil

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as a dangerous good
Transport Hazard Class: Not assigned
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions: Protect from spillage, follow general chemical shipping guidelines

Regulatory Information

TSCA (USA): Listed
EINECS/ELINCS (EU): Listed (201-780-1)
REACH: Exempt or preregistered, not classified for special hazard labeling
SARA Title III (USA): Not regulated
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Other Relevant Regulations: Not subject to further labeling requirements under GHS/CLP regulation, compliance with national/local regulations still required