Product Name: Natural Tartaric Acid
Chemical Formula: C4H6O6
Synonyms: 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid, L-(+)-tartaric acid
Recommended Use: Acidulant in food and beverage processing, chelating agent, ingredient in pharmaceuticals, mordant in dyeing, and laboratory reagent
Supplier: Manufacturer or distributor’s contact info typically listed on packaging
CAS Number: 87-69-4
Emergency Telephone Number: Provided by supplier
Other Identifiers: E334 (food additive code)
GHS Classification: Eye irritation – Category 2A; Skin irritation – Category 2
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation; May cause skin irritation
Pictograms: Exclamation mark symbol
Precautionary Statements: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Wear eye protection/protective gloves; If in eyes, rinse cautiously with water for several minutes
Potential Health Effects: Irritates eyes, mucous membranes, and skin on direct contact; Dust inhalation may lead to coughing and throat irritation
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as hazardous to the environment
Chemical Name: Tartaric Acid (L-(+)-)
Content: ≥99% by weight
Impurities: May contain traces of water and minor organic acids from grape or natural sources
Additives: None declared
Form: White, crystalline powder
Molecular Weight: 150.09 g/mol
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical help if irritation continues
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, provide comfort and warmth, medical advice if symptoms like coughing or breathing difficulties occur
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink a moderate amount of water, do not induce vomiting, call for medical help if unwell
Most Important Symptoms: Redness or pain in eyes, mild skin redness, coughing or sore throat after inhalation, gastrointestinal upset after swallowing large quantities
Note to Physician: Treatment based on symptoms, supportive care
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, or foam
Specific Hazards: Can decompose with strong heat to give off carbon oxides; container rupture possible during fire
Protective Equipment and Precautions for Firefighters: Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus
Fire Fighting Instructions: Cool exposed containers with water spray, avoid breathing fumes, evacuate if necessary
Explosion Data: Not explosive; dust may form combustible mixtures with air under special conditions
Personal Precautions: Avoid inhalation of dust and contact with skin or eyes; use gloves and safety goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, surface, and ground water
Methods for Containment and Cleaning Up: Sweep or vacuum up without creating dust, transfer to clean container for recycling or disposal; flush spill site with water after material pickup
Emergency Procedures: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area
Handling: Handle in a well-ventilated area, avoid creating dust, wash hands after handling, avoid eye and skin contact, do not eat or drink while handling
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, away from moisture and incompatible materials (such as bases and oxidants), keep in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight
Incompatibilities: Alkalis, strong oxidizing agents, bases, some metals
Specific Uses: As stated under identification
Control Parameters: No established occupational exposure limits (OSHA, ACGIH), general dust limits apply: ACGIH TLV (total dust) – 10 mg/m3
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or general room ventilation to maintain dust below recommended limits
Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses or goggles
Skin Protection: Use protective gloves (PVC, nitrile, or rubber); wear lab coat or apron
Respiratory Protection: If exposure to dust is possible, wear NIOSH approved dust mask
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke during use
Appearance: White, odorless, crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
pH: 2.2 (1% solution)
Melting Point: Decomposes at 170°C to 180°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Solubility: Soluble in water (139 g/L at 25°C), slightly soluble in ethanol
Density: 1.76 g/cm3
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient: Log Pow: -2.65 (estimated)
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not available
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: May react with strong alkalis and oxidizing substances
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, excessive heat, strong bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Releases CO, CO2 under fire or thermal decomposition
Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization
Hazardous Reactions: None under normal processing
Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, inhalation, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) 4,500 mg/kg; no chronic toxicity at low exposure levels
Symptoms: Eye redness and pain, mild skin discomfort, coughing, sore throat, nausea or stomach upset possible after swallowing large amounts
Chronic Effects: No known carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive hazards
Sensitization: Not expected to cause allergic reactions
Additional Information: Tartaric acid occurs naturally in many fruits including grapes, bananas, and tamarinds, and is a normal part of the human diet at low levels
Ecotoxicity: Not expected to be hazardous to aquatic life at low concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable; breaks down rapidly in the environment
Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation
Mobility in Soil: Readily dissolves in water, moves through soil easily
Other Adverse Effects: None known, recommended to prevent release in large amounts to avoid localized acidity effects
Waste Disposal Methods: Small amounts may be washed away with water into drains in accordance with local regulations; larger quantities should be disposed of at permitted chemical waste facilities
Packaging Disposal: Rinse empty containers and recycle if possible or dispose according to local requirements
Special Precautions: Avoid dispersal of dust and contamination of soil and waterways during disposal
Do Not: Release large accumulations into the environment or water bodies
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Tartaric Acid – not classified as dangerous goods under ADR, RID, IMDG, IATA
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: None identified
Special Precautions for User: Ensure packaging prevents leaks and dust formation during transport
Classification: Not subject to major chemical restrictions, listed in food processing regulations globally
Regulatory Status: Approved food additive (E334) in EU, listed as GRAS by FDA
Labeling Requirements: Display hazard warnings for eye irritation, proper storage and handling information
International Inventories: Listed in TSCA (USA), EINECS (EU), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia)
Other Regulations: Food and pharmaceutical applications subject to purity and contaminant standards
Workplace Regulations: General workplace safety regulations apply