Material Safety Data Sheet for (RS)-3-Chloro-1,2-propanediol

Identification

Product Name: (RS)-3-Chloro-1,2-propanediol
Synonyms: 3-Chloro-1,2-propanediol, 3-MCPD, 1,2-Dihydroxy-3-chloropropane
Recommended Use: Laboratory chemicals, chemical synthesis, industrial applications
Supplier Information: Chemical manufacturers and laboratory supply companies; address, telephone, and emergency contact provided with shipment
CAS Number: 96-24-2
Emergency Phone Number: Listed on shipping and MSDS documentation for chemical emergencies

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Category 3); Acute Toxicity (Dermal, Category 4); Skin Irritation (Category 2); Eye Irritation (Category 2A); Carcinogenicity (Category 2)
Label Elements: GHS07 and GHS08 pictograms, signal word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed. Harmful in contact with skin. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. Suspected of causing cancer.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing mist or vapor. Wash thoroughly after handling. Wear protective gloves and eye protection. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during use.
Other Hazards: Not flammable but may emit toxic fumes when heated; target organ toxicity possible with prolonged exposure.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: (RS)-3-Chloro-1,2-propanediol
Purity: Typically above 98% pure for laboratory use
Impurities: Trace contaminants may be present depending on synthesis route
Other Components: No significant stabilizers or additives included in most preparations

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Keep at rest. If breathing becomes difficult, seek immediate medical attention.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Get medical advice if rash or irritation develops.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, lifting eyelids. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Get prompt medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Immediately contact a physician or poison control center.
Most Important Symptoms: Irritation to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Symptoms may include nausea, headache, dizziness if inhaled or ingested.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide as suitable for surrounding fire.
Special Hazards: Hazardous combustion products: hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide may form when heated.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.
Firefighting Tactics: Prevent runoff of contaminated firefighting water into drains or water supplies. Cool containers exposed to flame with water spray.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Ventilate area. Avoid breathing vapors. Keep unnecessary personnel away. Use glove and eye protection.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not allow material to enter drains or watercourses.
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with inert material, scoop up, and place in appropriate waste container. Wash area with water after removal.
Spill Reporting: Notify authorities if a large spill enters public waterways or groundwater sources.

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Use in a well-ventilated area. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Do not breathe vapors or spray. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space. Protect from direct sunlight and incompatible substances such as strong acids or oxidizers.
Incompatibility: Avoid contact with strong bases, acids, and strong oxidizing agents.
Hygiene Practices: Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using this chemical.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV not established for this compound. Handle with measures recommended for hazardous chemicals.
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to maintain airborne levels below recommended exposure limits.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, lab coat or coveralls, and, if risk of vapor exposure exists, suitable respirator.
Environmental Controls: Store and use away from water sources and drainage routes.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless to light yellow liquid at room temperature
Odor: Mild, sweet scent
Molecular Weight: 110.52 g/mol
Boiling Point: 213 °C (415 °F)
Melting Point: -40 °C (-40 °F)
Solubility: Highly soluble in water and polar organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Low, approximately 0.02 mmHg at 20 °C
Density: 1.31 g/cm³ at 20 °C
pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): -0.95

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of use and storage.
Reactivity: May react with strong acids, bases, or oxidizing agents.
Decomposition Products: Hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide if overheating or burning occurs.
Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization anticipated under recommended conditions.
Other Risks: Avoid strong heating or freezing to maintain product integrity.

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, and ingestion.
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral/rat): ~100-200 mg/kg; LD50 (dermal/rabbit) slightly higher.
Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure may cause kidney and liver damage. Potential carcinogen based on animal studies.
Symptoms: Irritation to respiratory tract, eyes, and skin. High doses may lead to headaches, dizziness, and gastrointestinal distress.
Carcinogenicity: Listed by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans).

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
Persistence: Partially biodegradable. Slow breakdown may lead to accumulation in soil and water.
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely due to low partition coefficient.
Mobility in Soil: High, due to solubility in water.
Other Effects: Monitor for potential release near sensitive water bodies.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Dispose of as hazardous chemical waste per local, regional, and national regulations.
Methods: Incineration at a licensed facility preferred. Do not discharge to surface water or municipal sewer.
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse containers before recycling or incineration. Handle all residues as hazardous.
Regulatory Requirements: Follow chemical waste management protocols and documentation demands in your area.

Transport Information

UN Number: 2810
Proper Shipping Name: Toxic liquid, organic, n.o.s. (3-Chloro-1,2-propanediol)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Hazard Labels: Toxic
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as marine pollutant but avoid bulk release.
Special Precautions for Transport: Protect containers from physical damage. Ensure secure packaging and labelling for all modes of transport.

Regulatory Information

Major Regulations: Subject to workplace safety requirements under OSHA, REACH, and related national frameworks.
SARA 313: Not specifically listed but handle as potential hazardous substance.
WHMIS Classification: D1B (Toxic), D2A (Very toxic, carcinogenicity possible), D2B (Irritant)
TSCA Status: Listed; use subject to reporting obligations
Other Compliance: Any workplace storage and use must meet chemical hygiene, hazard communication, and training expectations.