Product Name: Tartaric Acid
Chemical Formula: C4H6O6
Synonyms: 2,3-Dihydroxybutanedioic acid, Racemic acid, L-(+)-Tartaric acid, D-(–)-Tartaric acid
CAS Number: 133-37-9 (DL), 87-69-4 (L+), 147-71-7 (D–)
Manufacturer: Refer to individual supplier
Recommended Uses: Food additive, acidulant, metal cleaner, pharmaceutical intermediate, chemical reagent
GHS Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2A), Skin irritation (Category 2), Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure (Category 3)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation, causes skin irritation
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or fume, wash hands thoroughly after handling, use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye protection, if inhaled remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing, rinse eyes cautiously with water for several minutes
Chemical Identity: L-(+)-Tartaric Acid
Concentration: >99%
Impurities/Additives: Usually negligible for laboratory and food-grade materials; may include trace water or structurally related organic acids
Molecular Weight: 150.09 g/mol
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air quickly, seek medical advice if breathing difficulty continues
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area with plenty of water and soap, medical consultation if persistent irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse with copious amounts of clean, tepid water for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids to ensure thorough cleansing, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, give water to drink if person is conscious, do not induce vomiting, immediate medical evaluation is recommended in case of large ingestion or persistent symptoms
Most Important Symptoms: Redness, pain, burning sensation, watering of eyes, rash, nausea if swallowed in significant quantities
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Special Hazards from Combustion: Emits carbon oxides (CO, CO2) under fire conditions, may release irritating or toxic fumes
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus
Advice for Firefighters: Approach from upwind to avoid toxic vapors; use water spray to cool exposed containers; prevent runoff from entering drains or waterways
Personal Precautions: Ventilate area, avoid breathing dust, use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, dust mask)
Environmental Precautions: Do not allow into drains, surface water, or soil
Methods for Containment and Cleaning Up: Sweep up, collect in suitable container for disposal, wash spillage area with water, avoid raising dust during cleanup
Handling: Avoid formation and inhalation of dust, handle with proper protective gear, wash hands after use, keep containers tightly closed during transfer
Storage Conditions: Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, keep away from incompatible substances such as strong alkalies, oxidizing agents, metal salts, and bases
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong bases, strong reducing agents, metal powders
Storage Temperature: Room temperature, away from moisture and direct heat sources, segregate from food and feedstuffs
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific limits established, minimize exposure
Engineering Controls: Use with adequate ventilation, employ local exhaust if dust is generated, consider dust extraction systems
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses or goggles with side-shields, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or rubber), laboratory coat or appropriate protective clothing, use dust mask or NIOSH-approved respirator if exposure is possible
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, do not eat, drink or smoke while using the material, remove contaminated clothing after work
Appearance: White, crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 168-170°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Soluble in water (139g/L at 20°C), slightly soluble in ethanol, insoluble in ether
pH (1% solution): 2.2
Density: 1.76 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): log Pow: –2.65
Other Properties: Hygroscopic, non-volatile, stable under normal environmental conditions
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizing agents, strong bases
Hazardous Reactions: May react with alkaline materials to release heat
Decomposition Products: Produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and irritant fumes under thermal decomposition
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, moisture, incompatible substances
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 4,370 mg/kg; Inhalation LC50 and Dermal LD50 not available
Symptoms: Irritation of eyes and skin, nausea, abdominal discomfort, potential dehydration at higher doses
Chronic Effects: Repeated skin contact can cause dermatitis; excessive ingestion may disrupt electrolyte balance
Carcinogenicity: No data supporting carcinogenic effects
Mutagenicity/Teratogenicity: Not classified as mutagenic or teratogenic based on available data
Ecotoxicity: Not readily harmful to aquatic life under recommended handling
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable; breaks down via microbial action in soil and water
Mobility: Water-soluble, may leach into soil, unlikely to bioaccumulate
Aquatic Toxicity: LC50 (fish, 96h): >100 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Degrades in natural environments within weeks under standard conditions
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose in accordance with local, state, and national regulations, incineration or landfill in approved facility
Product Removal: Small quantities may be dissolved in water, then flushed into drain with copious quantities of water if local regulations permit
Contaminated Packaging: Make sure containers are emptied completely before disposal, dispose through specialized waste disposal contractors where possible
UN Number: Not regulated for transport by ground, sea, or air
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous for transportation
Packing Group: Not applicable
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Precautions for User: Avoid packaging that could be punctured, ensure secure container closure for bulk shipments to reduce dust generation
OSHA Status: Non-hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA Inventory: Listed
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
REACH (Europe): Registered under EC No. 201-766-0
Food Additive Status: Approved in many countries as E334
SARA 313: Not listed
Labeling Requirements: Ensure proper GHS labeling, keep SDS available to all users
Other Regulations: Not classified as hazardous waste, subject to general workplace safety guidelines
Restrictions: Refer to country-specific regulations for food, pharmaceutical, and industrial use