Product Name: Tartaric Acid, Reagent Grade
Chemical Formula: C4H6O6
CAS Number: 87-69-4
Synonyms: 2,3-Dihydroxybutanedioic acid
Recommended Uses: Laboratory reagent, analytical chemistry, food additive (when relevant regulations allow)
Manufacturer Information: Name, address, phone number, emergency contact
GHS Classification: Eye Irritant (Category 2A), Skin Irritant (Category 2), Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Single Exposure (Category 3)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation, causes skin irritation, may cause respiratory irritation
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust; wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection; wash hands thoroughly after handling
Health Effects: Inhalation can cause respiratory discomfort, coughing; skin contact may bring on redness and itching; eye contact leads to stinging and even temporary vision changes; accidental ingestion may irritate the digestive tract
Chemical Name: Tartaric Acid
Concentration: ≥99%
Impurities/Additives: Trace inorganic salts, moisture content below 1%
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for 15 minutes, holding eyelids apart; seek medical advice if irritation persists or vision changes
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin with soap and water; medical help is recommended for persistent redness or blisters
Inhalation: Move affected person into fresh air, keep at rest; provide oxygen if breathing becomes difficult; get medical attention if symptoms develop
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; drink small amounts of water if conscious; contact a medical professional immediately
Flammability: Not considered highly flammable, but combustible at elevated temperature
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Special Hazards: Decomposes under fire conditions to release carbon oxides and irritating vapors; dense smoke may be generated
Protective Equipment: Firefighters benefit from a self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear due to possible toxic combustion products
Personal Protection: Use dust mask, safety goggles, gloves
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large quantities from entering waterways or soil
Methods for Cleanup: Sweep up spill, avoid creating dust, transfer to properly labeled container; clean spill area with water after material removal; ventilate the area and dispose waste in line with regulations
Handling: Work in a well-ventilated space; avoid inhaling dust or contact with eyes and skin; use tools to avoid direct contact; keep far from incompatible substances like strong oxidizers and bases
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, kept dry and in a cool, stable place away from direct sunlight; segregate from substances that may react violently; keep containers labeled and secured
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV reliable for tartaric acid
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust or general dilution ventilation to control airborne dust
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), lab coat or work clothes, NIOSH-approved respirator if dust generation occurs
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, avoid eating or drinking in the area, change out of contaminated clothes promptly
Appearance: White, crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 170°C (338°F)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility in Water: 139 g/L at 20°C
pH: 2.2 (1% solution)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: 1.79 g/cm3
Molecular Weight: 150.09 g/mol
Chemical Stability: Stable under standard storage and handling conditions
Reactive Conditions: Decomposes at elevated temperature, reacts with strong oxidizing agents and strong bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, potentially irritating vapors
Polymerization: Will not occur
Acute Toxicity: Oral rat LD50 at approximately 4,360 mg/kg (moderately toxic); skin and eye irritation tests show pronounced local effects
Symptoms of Overexposure: Eye and skin redness, itching, dryness, shortness of breath if inhaled, stomach upset if ingested
Chronic Effects: Extended or large-scale exposures may disrupt calcium metabolism and electrolyte balance in the body
Sensitization: No evidence of skin or respiratory sensitization from repeated non-industrial exposures
Ecotoxicity: Decomposes to non-harmful compounds in the environment at low concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable through microbial action in soil and water
Bioaccumulation: Not expected; low potential due to water solubility and rapid breakdown
Aquatic Toxicity: High concentrations could disrupt aquatic life by altering pH
Mobility in Soil: Moves freely in soil and groundwater due to high solubility
Waste Disposal Methods: Collect solid waste into sealed, labeled containers; dissolve diluted solutions into copious water before neutralizing if local regulations allow; avoid disposal by pouring large quantities into drains or watercourses; coordinate disposal with licensed hazardous waste services
Container Handling: Avoid reuse of emptied containers; triple rinse, remove labels, and puncture before appropriate disposal
UN Number: Not regulated under UN transport rules for most routes
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous under US DOT, IATA, or IMDG
Packing Group: Not assigned
Proper Shipping Name: Tartaric Acid
Special Precautions: Prevent container damage that could lead to leaks or dust emissions
US TSCA: Listed
EU REACH: Registered
Canada DSL: Listed
California Proposition 65: Tartaric acid is not listed
SARA 313: Not subject to reporting
Other Regulatory Notes: Use in food, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics depends on local/national authority approval; review all state, provincial, or national regulations before use outside strict laboratory settings