Acetone Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Identification

Chemical Name: Acetone
Synonyms: Propanone, Dimethyl ketone, 2-Propanone
Recommended Use: Laboratory solvent, cleaning agent, industrial manufacture
CAS Number: 67-64-1
Supplier: Chemical distributors, laboratory supply companies, many retail outlets
Emergency Phone: Refer to local poison control or supplier emergency number
Product Code: Varies based on manufacturer
Address: Listed by supplier

Hazard Identification

Classification: Flammable Liquid (Category 2), Eye Irritation (Category 2A), Specific Target Organ Toxicity - Single Exposure (Category 3, narcotic effects)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flame. Ground and bond container and receiving equipment. Use explosion-proof electrical equipment. Avoid inhalation of vapor. Wear eye protection. Keep container tightly closed.
Immediate Concerns: Easily ignites. Inhalation can cause dizziness, headaches, and unconsciousness at higher concentrations. Eye contact leads to irritation.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Acetone
Common Name: Acetone
Concentration: 100%
Chemical Formula: C3H6O
Impurities and Stabilizers: Typically none present in reagent-grade acetone. Industrial or commercial grades may have traces of water or minor contaminants, depending on purity.
Other Ingredients: Not applicable in pure form.

First Aid Measures

General Advice: Remove individual from exposure. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Maintain breathing. If symptoms persist, consult a physician.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for several minutes, lifting upper and lower lids occasionally. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Seek medical attention promptly if irritation continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Obtain medical attention immediately for larger amounts taken in.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. Water may be ineffective, but can be used to cool containers.
Special Hazards: Vapors form explosive mixtures with air above flash point. Containers may explode if heated.
Specific Hazards: Releases hazardous gases such as carbon oxides under fire conditions. Vapor spreads along ground and distant ignition is possible.
Advice for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear. Approach fire from upwind location. Keep containers cool with water spray.
Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide from burning.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Ventilate area. Remove all sources of ignition. Evacuate unnecessary personnel.
Protective Equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and suitable clothing.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers or waterways. Notify authorities if significant spill occurs.
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with inert material (sand, earth, vermiculite). Collect residue in suitable, closed containers for disposal. Wash spill site after material pickup is complete. Use non-sparking tools and explosion-proof equipment.
Small Spills: Wipe up with absorbent towel and ventilate area. Dispose of filter material safely.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work in well-ventilated spaces. Keep away from heat, sparks, open flame, and hot surfaces. No smoking. Use only non-sparking tools. Prevent buildup of static electricity. Avoid inhalation and contact with skin or eyes.
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep container tightly closed. Store away from oxidizers, acids, and alkalies. Ground and bond all bulk storage tanks and lines. Keep away from food, drink, animal feed.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, reducing agents, halogens, certain plastics.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL 1000 ppm (2400 mg/m³), ACGIH TLV 500 ppm (1188 mg/m³) TWA; 750 ppm (STEL)
Engineering Controls: Mechanical ventilation or fume hood for indoor use. Local exhaust recommended.
Personal Protection: Safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene preferred), flame-retardant clothing. Use face shield if splash risk exists.
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved organic vapor respirator if workplace exceeds airborne limits or in poorly ventilated areas.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling. Avoid inhaling vapors or mists. Remove contaminated clothing before entering eating areas.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless liquid
Odor: Sweet, pungent, fruity
Odor Threshold: 13-20 ppm
pH: Neutral (7 at 200 g/L water solution)
Melting Point/Range: -94.7°C
Boiling Point/Range: 56°C (132.8°F)
Flash Point: -20°C (-4°F) Closed cup
Evaporation Rate: About 5.6 (butyl acetate=1)
Flammability: Extremely flammable
Upper/Lower Flammability Limits: Lower - 2%, Upper - 13% (by volume in air)
Vapor Pressure: 180 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: 2.0 (air=1)
Relative Density: 0.79 at 20°C
Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohols, ethers
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): -0.24
Auto-ignition Temperature: 465°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not specified
Viscosity: 0.32 mPa·s at 20°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions. Avoid high temperatures.
Possible Hazardous Reactions: Rapid reaction with strong oxidizers may result in fire or explosion.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, sparks, direct sunlight, static discharge.
Incompatible Materials: Alkali metals, strong acids, chlorinated compounds, oxidizers.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide under combustion.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD₅₀ (rat): 5800 mg/kg; Dermal LD₅₀ (rabbit): > 20,000 mg/kg
Main Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Symptoms of Exposure: Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting; higher exposures can cause CNS depression
Eye Effects: Serious eye irritation
Skin Effects: Mild irritation, defatting on prolonged or repeated exposure
Chronic Effects: No conclusive evidence of carcinogenicity in humans. Prolonged inhalation may lead to kidney, liver, or nervous system effects.

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: LC₅₀ (fathead minnow): 8,120 mg/L (96 hr); EC₅₀ (Daphnia): 7,600 mg/L (48 hr)
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in the environment; generally does not persist long in soil or water
Bioaccumulation: Low potential due to rapid metabolism and volatilization
Mobility in Soil: High, moves quickly through soils and potentially into groundwater
Other Effects: Large spills can locally reduce oxygen content of water and kill aquatic life; otherwise, risk in typical use remains low.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Dispose of through an approved chemical waste facility. Incineration recommended for bulk disposal.
Container Disposal: Empty containers can retain vapors that may ignite. Do not reuse. Rinse and dispose of as prescribed by local regulations.
Environmental Precautions: Do not pour into drains, surface water, or soil.
Regulations: Dispose of according to federal, state, and local environmental control regulations.

Transport Information

UN Number: UN1090
UN Proper Shipping Name: Acetone
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: II
Labels: Flammable liquid, class 3
Marine Pollutant: Not classified as a marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Secure containers. Properly mark and label. Follow hazardous material shipping requirements.

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Listed as hazardous substance
SARA Title III Section 313: Subject to reporting
TSCA: Listed
CERCLA Reportable Quantity: 5,000 lbs
State Regulations: Listed in numerous state worker safety and hazardous chemical lists
WHMIS Classification (Canada): B2, D2B
California Proposition 65: Not listed as a carcinogen or reproductive toxin
Other Regulations: Complies with EU REACH, GHS hazard requirements
Workplace Labels: Clearly identify containers, hazard warnings, emergency contact details