Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Tartaric Acid, DL,L

Identification

Chemical Name: Tartaric Acid, DL,L
Synonyms: DL-2,3-Dihydroxybutanedioic acid
CAS Number: 133-37-9
Formula: C4H6O6
Recommended Use: Acidulant in food processing, chemical synthesis, laboratory reagent
Manufacturer Contact: Found on product container or supplier’s documentation
Emergency Phone: According to supplier’s label info or local emergency services
Product Description: White crystalline powder, odorless, sour taste
UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport based on international regulations

Hazard Identification

Classification: Eye irritation—Category 2, Skin irritation—Category 2
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin and serious eye irritation, may be harmful if swallowed
Symbol: Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, use protective gloves, wash hands after handling, rinse eyes cautiously with water for several minutes if in eyes, remove contact lenses if present
Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: DL-L Tartaric Acid
CAS Number: 133-37-9
Concentration: More than 99% by weight
Impurities: Trace amounts of water and possible minor contaminants depending on source

First Aid Measures

General Advice: Seek medical attention if exposure causes symptoms or irritation persists
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, get medical assistance if breathing becomes difficult
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of water and soap, remove contaminated clothing, seek help if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with water for 15 minutes, seek prompt medical advice, avoid rubbing eyes
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, get medical attention in case of large ingestion or discomfort

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Special Hazards: May release irritating fumes like carbon oxides under fire conditions
Protective Equipment: Firefighters use full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide from thermal decomposition
Fire Hazards: Avoid inhaling combustion gases, prevent runoff from contaminating water supply

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use dust mask, wear protective clothing, avoid contact with skin and eyes
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains, soil, or water sources, gather any spilled material for proper disposal
Methods for Clean-up: Sweep or vacuum spilled material, avoid dry sweeping if dust generation occurs, place in suitable containers for disposal, ventilate the area well, clean surfaces with water after removal

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing, use in well-ventilated areas, minimize dust generation
Advice on Safe Handling: Do not inhale dust, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while handling
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed container, keep in a dry and well-ventilated place, protect from moisture and incompatible substances (strong oxidizers, bases)
Incompatible Materials: Strong bases, strong oxidizing agents
Special Rules: Prevent storage near food, feed, or potable water

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established OSHA, ACGIH, or NIOSH limits for tartaric acid
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust when excessive dust forms, normal room ventilation typically sufficient
Personal Protection: Eye/face protection (safety goggles), skin protection (chemical-resistant gloves), respiratory protection (dust mask or respirator for high concentrations)
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after work, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH (1% Solution): Around 2.2
Melting Point: 206°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility in Water: Soluble, about 140g/L at 20°C
Density: 1.79 g/cm3
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): -1.91
Flash Point: Not flammable
Autoignition Temperature: Not self-igniting
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Upper/lower Flammability: Not determined
Decomposition Temperature: Above 206°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Not reactive under normal use
Conditions to Avoid: High humidity, heat, moisture, incompatible materials like oxidizers or bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Forms carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide when burned or decomposed
Polymerization: Does not occur when handled properly

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 7200 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mild irritant to skin
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes moderate to severe eye irritation
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Low potential for sensitization
Symptoms: Irritation to eyes, skin, and mucous membranes, possible gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested
Chronic Effects: Not known to cause chronic toxicity; not listed as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxicant
Target Organ Effects: Not established for tartaric acid
Further Data: No significant evidence of genotoxicity or reproductive toxicity in studies

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic life; LC50 (fish), EC50 (daphnia) values generally above 100 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Expected to be biodegradable, breaks down to natural products over time
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low, log Kow indicates low potential for accumulation
Mobility in Soil: Soluble in water, mobile in the environment if released
Other Adverse Effects: Large discharge may affect water pH; avoid release in significant quantities to environment

Disposal Considerations

Product Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements, usually as non-hazardous waste
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers must be handled with care—rinse, then dispose of or recycle according to regulatory guidance
Special Instructions: Do not discharge to surface waters or sewers in large quantities, consider neutralization if disposing in a liquid medium
Waste Codes: Non-hazardous under most jurisdictions, check local requirements

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for road, rail, sea, or air transport
Proper Shipping Name: Tartaric Acid, DL,L (not classed as dangerous goods)
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Labels Required: No special labeling required
Special Precautions: Protect containers from physical damage and moisture during transit, ensure packaging remains well-sealed

Regulatory Information

US Regulations: Not listed as hazardous under OSHA, SARA Title III, TSCA inventory compliant
EU Regulations: CLP Regulation—Eye irritation, Skin irritation, not classified as hazardous for long-term health effects, REACH compliant
Canada WHMIS: Not classified as controlled product
Other International Inventories: Listed on Australian AICS, Japan ENCS, China IECSC, and other national inventories
Label Elements: Compliance with local, national, and international labeling requirements
Restrictions: No restrictions for general handling under normal use scenarios
Reporting Requirements: Communicate hazards as required by workplace safety regulations and product documentation