Material Safety Data Sheet for Propanal

Identification

Product Name: Propanal
Synonyms: Propionaldehyde, Methylacetaldehyde
Chemical Formula: C3H6O
CAS Number: 123-38-6
Molecular Weight: 58.08 g/mol
Recommended Use: Intermediate in organic synthesis, solvent, fragrance manufacture
Supplier: Chemical distributor or manufacturer with emergency contact number reachable 24/7
Emergency Telephone: Verified emergency response contact for industrial safety incidents

Hazard Identification

Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 2), Acute toxicity Oral (Category 4), Skin and eye irritant (Category 2), Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure (Category 3)
Label Elements: Danger signal word, flame pictogram, exclamation mark pictogram
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor, harmful if swallowed, causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, may cause drowsiness or dizziness
Precautionary Statements: Keep container closed, keep away from heat and open flame, wear gloves and eye protection, use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas, in case of fire use appropriate fire fighting methods

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Propanal
Concentration: >99% (industrial and laboratory grades)
Impurities: Trace quantities of propionic acid, water, other aldehydes possible from synthesis/by-products
Other Components: May contain trace stabilizers or inhibitors, check manufacturer specification for details

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, support breathing as needed, seek medical help for persistent symptoms or if feeling unwell
Skin Contact: Wash exposed skin with plenty of water using soap, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical advice for any signs of irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, ensure eyelids are held open, seek prompt medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, never induce vomiting in an unconscious or convulsing person, give water if conscious, get medical help as soon as possible
Most Important Symptoms: Respiratory complaints, dizziness, headache, skin or eye redness, persistent cough, signs of respiratory irritation
Medical Attention: Advise emergency responders of exposure details, bring safety data sheet to healthcare providers

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide for small fires, avoid direct water jet as it can spread flames
Special Hazards: Vapor may travel and ignite at a distance, vapors heavier than air, can form explosive mixtures with air, combustion produces carbon oxides
Advice for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, protective fire suit, stay upwind of fire, keep containers cool with water spray if possible
Explosion Risk: Sealed containers exposed to fire may rupture or explode due to pressure build-up
Additional Notes: Prevent runoff into drains and waterways, contain and collect contaminated fire-fighting water for proper disposal

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Remove all ignition sources, wear chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles or face shield, ensure adequate ventilation, evacuate non-essential personnel
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, drains, and waterways, report significant releases to relevant environmental authorities
Clean-up Methods: Absorb liquid with inert material such as sand or diatomaceous earth, use spark-proof tools, transfer collected material to proper waste containers, thoroughly ventilate area after cleanup, wash residual material from spill site

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in closed system or local exhaust ventilation, avoid inhalation of vapors, prevent skin and eye contact, ground and bond containers during transfer, do not inhale vapor or ingest
Storage: Store tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, or open flame, keep away from strong acids, bases, and oxidizers, use explosion-proof locks and electrical fixtures
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, alkalis, amines, strong bases and reducing agents
Storage Conditions: Recommended temperature range below 25°C, keep segregated from food and feedstuffs, use only containers approved for flammable liquids

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: 20 ppm (as TWA)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or general mechanical ventilation recommended
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles or full face shield, flame retardant lab coat or apron, chemical resistant boots for large scale handling
Respiratory Protection: Full-face respirator with organic vapor cartridges for insufficient ventilation or during cleanup
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and at end of shift, do not eat, drink or smoke in work areas, change contaminated clothing immediately

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless liquid
Odor: Pungent, fruity odor
Boiling Point: 48°C (118°F)
Melting Point: -81°C
Flash Point: -30°C (closed cup)
Explosive Limits: Lower: 2.5%, Upper: 17% (in air)
Vapor Pressure: 270 mm Hg at 20°C
Density: 0.805 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility in Water: Miscible
Viscosity: 0.43 mPa·s at 20°C
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): 0.59

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under ordinary conditions away from ignition sources, forms peroxides in air on prolonged storage
Reactivity: Reacts strongly with oxidizers, alkalis, strong acids
Hazardous Reactions: May polymerize under acidic or basic conditions, reacts exothermically with some agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, ignition sources, direct sunlight, static discharge, prolonged exposure to air

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 Oral (rat): 1690 mg/kg, LC50 Inhalation (rat, 4hr): 14,000 ppm, LD50 Dermal (rabbit): >2000 mg/kg
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Symptoms: Eye and skin irritation, dizziness, narcosis, headache, respiratory discomfort, gastrointestinal distress in case of ingestion
Chronic Effects: Prolonged contact may cause dermatitis, possible sensitization after repeated exposures
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a human carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity/Teratogenicity: No clear evidence from available studies

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life, LC50 (fish, 96h): ~50-75 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low, log Kow indicates low potential
Mobility in Soil: High, will migrate in water and soil
Other Adverse Effects: Does not cause significant risk of long-term environmental damage under normal safety controls, but releases in quantity can disrupt aquatic environments

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect and store in sealed, labeled containers, deliver waste to licensed hazardous material disposal contractor
Disposal of Contaminated Packaging: Rinse containers with water, dispose as hazardous waste according to local regulations
Precautions: Combustible, dispose in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations, avoid releases to surface water and sewer systems
Incineration: Suitable for licensed, permitted incinerator facilities equipped for air pollution control

Transport Information

UN Number: 1275
Proper Shipping Name: Propionaldehyde
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquids)
Packing Group: I (high danger)
Labels Required: Flammable Liquid label
Transport by Road/Rail (ADR/RID): Regulated as hazardous chemical
Transport by Air (IATA): Check airline restrictions, proper documentation mandatory
Marine Transport (IMDG): Permitted with strict containment, emergency procedure codes must be followed
Special Precautions: Keep away from sources of ignition and strong oxidants during transport, containers must be upright and secure

Regulatory Information

International Inventory: Listed on TSCA (USA), EINECS (EU), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia), ENCS (Japan)
OSHA Hazard Communication: Flammable and toxic chemical, detailed requirements for labeling and training in workplace
SARA Title III: Subject to reporting under Section 311/312 for acute and fire hazards
State Regulations: California Proposition 65 – not listed
Workplace Exposure Guidance: Consult applicable state and local rules for chemical handling
European Regulations: Covered by REACH regulation
Other Relevant Standards: Must comply with hazardous waste and transportation standards, environmental discharge restrictions, and chemical hygiene regulations depending on jurisdiction