Material Safety Data Sheet for Gluconic Acid

Identification

Product Name: Gluconic Acid
Chemical Formula: C6H12O7
CAS Number: 526-95-4
Recommended Use: Chelating agent, pH adjuster, cleaning agent
Supplier: Industrial chemical distributors or manufacturers
Contact Details: Company telephone, emergency contact, and address provided on specific container label
Other Names: D-Gluconic acid, 2,3,4,5,6-Pentahydroxycaproic acid

Hazard Identification

Hazard Class: Eye and skin irritant
Signal Word: Warning
Pictograms: Exclamation mark (for irritant)
Possible Health Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure can cause irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Swallowing large amounts may cause mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal irritation.
Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS criteria in most jurisdictions, but precautions still matter
Label Elements: Contains statements on irritation, calls for immediate rinsing of skin or eyes in case of contact

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Gluconic Acid
Concentration: Typically 50% aqueous solution, can vary depending on source
Impurities: Water, trace mineral acids or salts depending on manufacturing
Additional Information: Derived from oxidation of glucose, biodegradable

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Immediately rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids apart. Seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, flush affected area with water. Wash gently with soap and water.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, drink water to dilute, do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel. Seek immediate medical attention for large amounts.
Inhalation: Move victim to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical help if any symptoms or irritation appear.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, foam
Specific Hazards: Not flammable, but can decompose under fire conditions to produce carbon oxides
Protective Equipment: Full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus recommended
Additional Advice: Cool closed containers exposed to heat with water spray

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use personal protective equipment, ensure adequate ventilation
Spill Cleanup: Contain and collect spillage with non-combustible absorbent material such as sand, earth, or vermiculite. Prevent entry into water sources, sewers, or confined areas.
Environmental Precautions: Minimize environmental release. Although biodegradable, large quantities alter water pH and increase organic load.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Use good industrial hygiene practices. Immediately remove contaminated clothing, and wash hands before breaks or using the restroom.
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers away from heat, direct sunlight, and incompatible substances. Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from strong oxidizers and strong bases.
General Precautions: Clearly label containers, check regularly for leaks or degradation.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, eyewash stations in handling areas
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical safety goggles, gloves (nitrile or rubber recommended), protective clothing like long sleeves and pants
Respiratory Protection: Not normally required, but use dust/fume respirator during high-exposure activities
Hygiene Measures: Wash exposed skin with soap and water, do not eat, drink, or smoke in handling areas

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid (for liquid forms), crystalline solid (for pure form)
Odor: Odorless or faint sour smell
pH: Typically around 1.7-2.5 in concentrated solutions
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Melting Point: 131 °C (pure form)
Solubility: Completely soluble in water
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Density: Approx. 1.2 g/cm³ for solutions
Viscosity: Variable depending on concentration

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers and strong bases
Decomposition: Forms carbon oxide gases on heating, can release acidic vapors
Polymerization: Does not undergo hazardous polymerization
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flame, incompatible substances

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity by oral, dermal, and inhalation routes
Inhalation Effects: May cause mild irritation to respiratory tract if mist or dust is inhaled
Skin Effects: Repeated or prolonged exposure can cause redness, irritation
Eye Effects: Can cause serious irritation, pain, temporary damage
Chronic Effects: No evidence of genetic toxicity, carcinogenicity, or reproductive effects in typical exposure
LD50 (oral, rat): > 2000 mg/kg (relatively safe in small quantities)

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic organisms, but high concentrations may affect water chemistry
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in the environment. Microbial action breaks it down into harmless substances.
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate due to rapid breakdown
Mobility in Soil: High mobility in aqueous environments. Dissolves and spreads easily through soil and water.

Disposal Considerations

Methods of Disposal: Small quantities can be diluted with plenty of water and flushed down the drain if in compliance with local regulations. Large quantities or concentrated wastes require collection by licensed waste disposal contractors.
Packaging Disposal: Triple rinse containers, offer for recycling or disposal in accordance with regulations.
Special Precautions: Do not allow concentrated product or rinsate to enter storm drains or surface water.

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for domestic ground transport (in most cases, check shipping documentation)
Proper Shipping Name: Gluconic Acid Solution (for liquid forms)
Transportation Hazard Class: Non-hazardous for most routes
Packing Group: Not assigned
Label Requirements: Standard chemical label with irritation warnings

Regulatory Information

Workplace Regulations: Listed in chemical inventories like TSCA (USA), EINECS (Europe), AICS (Australia), complies with most workplace safety requirements
OSHA Hazard Communications: Requires SDS under standard communication requirements
Environmental Regulations: Minimal restrictions, but industrial users must comply with local water discharge permits
Other Standards: No special transport regulations, meets requirements for food additive (in regulated quantities)