Material Safety Data Sheet – Unnatural Tartaric Acid

Identification

Product Name: Unnatural Tartaric Acid
Chemical Formula: C4H6O6
Synonyms: Racemic Tartaric Acid, DL-Tartaric Acid
Recommended Uses: Industrial, research, specialty food production with regulated applications
Supplier: Manufacturer and distributor contact details visible on label
Emergency Telephone Number: Provided by the supplier or local emergency services

Hazard Identification

Classification: Eye Damage/Irritation (Category 2), Acute Toxicity Oral (Category 4), Skin Irritation (Category 2)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation, may cause skin irritation, harmful if swallowed
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with eyes and skin, do not ingest, use in ventilated areas, wear protective equipment
Potential Health Effects: Eye burning, redness, gastrointestinal upset, possible allergic reactions for sensitive individuals

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Tartaric Acid, synthetic
CAS Number: 133-37-9
Content: >99% tartaric acid by weight, impurities under 1% typically unlisted organics from synthesis
Impurities and Stabilizing Additives: Trace stabilizers, no heavy metals above regulatory limits

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move impacted person to fresh air, support breathing as required, seek medical evaluation for persistent symptoms
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse area thoroughly with water and mild soap for at least 15 minutes, obtain medical support for irritation or persistent discomfort
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes, keep eyelids apart, seek medical attention for pain, redness, or vision changes
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, seek immediate medical help, provide as much detail as possible about the material swallowed
Major Symptoms: Irritation, redness, upset stomach, burning sensation

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Combustion creates carbon oxides and irritating fumes; can contribute to fire intensity when mixed with oxidizers
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical-resistant turnout gear, use full face protection
Special Procedures: Remove containers from danger zone if possible, cool with spray to prevent rupture, avoid breathing dust and fumes

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use respirator, safety goggles, and gloves, avoid creating dust clouds
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff into sewers and waterways, contain spill using barriers or dikes
Methods for Clean-up: Scoop or vacuum spilled powder into labeled containers for disposal, flush remaining residue with water only if permitted by local regulations, ventilate area thoroughly after cleanup
Notification: Report significant spills to authorities based on local regulatory requirements

Handling and Storage

Handling: Wear personal protective equipment, prevent dust build-up, handle in well-ventilated areas or fume hoods
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers, keep in cool, dry spaces away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers and bases, keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
Special Advice: Use original containers, label storage areas, separate toxic substances, check inventory dates regularly

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, use of dust extraction units
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, full-length clothing, dust mask or NIOSH-certified respirator where dust exposure is high
Exposure Limits: No established OSHA PEL for tartaric acid, general nuisance dust (15 mg/m3 TWA ⎼ total dust, 5 mg/m3 respirable)
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after use, remove contaminated clothing, keep food and beverages away from work areas
Special Precautions: Avoid inhaling dust, prevent skin and eye contact, keep emergency eyewash stations accessible

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Slightly acidic, characteristic vinegar-like scent
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: 2.2 (1% solution in water)
Melting Point: 206-212°C (403-414°F)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not applicable for solids
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Not classified as flammable but supports combustion when heated strongly
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Relative Density: 1.79-1.80 g/cm3
Solubility: Soluble in water (140g/L at 20°C)
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): -2.6
Decomposition Temperature: >210°C
Viscosity: Not applicable for solid
Molecular Weight: 150.09 g/mol

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures, sensitive to moisture, decomposes with heat above 210°C
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers, bases
Hazardous Reactions: Releases carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide if burned, risk of violent reaction with some metal oxides
Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged heat, exposure to damp conditions, incompatible chemicals
Incompatible Materials: Alkalis, oxidizing agents, reducing agents, heavy metal compounds
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, toxic fumes

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Skin, eye, inhalation, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (Oral, rat) ≈ 4,350 mg/kg
Chronic Effects: Prolonged skin or eye contact can increase risk of dermatitis, higher dose ingestion can result in severe gastrointestinal distress
Symptoms: Redness, burning eyes, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by NTP, IARC, OSHA
Other Relevant Data: No mutagenicity or reproductive risk identified in standard testing

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Harmful in concentrated forms to aquatic organisms, low persistence in environment due to biodegradability
Mobility: Readily soluble, potential to reach groundwater in significant spills
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegrades quickly under standard conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Unlikely to bioaccumulate due to high solubility and rapid metabolism
Other Adverse Effects: Large releases can cause temporary pH changes in bodies of water, altering aquatic habitats

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of substance in compliance with local, regional, national, and international regulations via licensed chemical waste contractor
Storage of Waste: Use sealed, labeled containers, segregate from incompatible waste streams
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse containers before recycling or disposing, use triple rinse method where required
Avoided Disposal Practices: Never discharge into surface waters, drains, or soils unless explicitly permitted by environmental authorities
Further Recommendations: Consider onsite neutralization or dilution for small laboratory volumes under supervision by environmental health personnel

Transport Information

UN Number: 3261 (for tartaric acid, solid)
UN Proper Shipping Name: Tartaric Acid
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive for some formulations), 6.1 (Toxic for some transport authorities), check local rules
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: Product may be considered environmentally hazardous in bulk
Special Precautions for Transport: Protect containers from physical damage and moisture, use corrosion-resistant containers, ensure correct labeling
Transport in Bulk: Comply with MARPOL Annex II and IBC Code where applicable

Regulatory Information

Inventory Status: Listed on US TSCA, EU REACH, Canada DSL, Australia AICS, other global chemical inventories
OSHA Hazard: Classified as hazardous chemical
SARA Title III: Not subject to special reporting; always review Section 302/304/313 based on specific workplace concentrations
EPA Status: Not regulated as a hazardous waste under RCRA for minor laboratory quantities
WHMIS: D2B Toxic Material Causing Other Toxic Effects
EU Regulations: Regulated under CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, not subject to maximum residue limits in most food uses when kept within food ingredient tolerances
Other Regulatory Info: No special trade restrictions, follow site licensing and workplace safety rules for storage, handling, and PPE