Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – Propanoic Acid

Identification

Product Name: Propanoic Acid
Synonyms: Propionic acid, ethylformic acid, metacetonic acid
Chemical Formula: C3H6O2
CAS Number: 79-09-4
Recommended Uses: Used in food preservatives, pharmaceuticals, herbicides, and as a chemical intermediate
Manufacturer Information: Listed on the packaging or shipping documentation
Emergency Contact Number: Provided by supplier or local authority

Hazard Identification

Classification: Corrosive to skin and eyes, flammable liquid
GHS Pictograms: Corrosion, Flame, Exclamation Mark
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and serious eye damage, may cause respiratory irritation, flammable liquid and vapor
Precautionary Statements: Avoid release to environment, keep away from heat/sparks/open flames, wear protective equipment

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Propanoic Acid
Concentration: 99% or more (if pure)
Impurities: Trace levels of water or organic acids possible depending on grade
Other Ingredients: Not classified as hazardous in trace amounts for typical industrial use

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air immediately, keep at rest, seek medical attention if breathing is difficult or coughing persists
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with cool water for 15 minutes minimum, seek medical attention for irritation or burns
Eye Contact: Hold eyelids open, rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses, get immediate medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, provide fluids if conscious, seek immediate medical advice

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jets risk splashing, avoid spreading liquid
Special Hazards: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air, containers under fire may burst due to pressure buildup
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Advice for Firefighters: Cool containers with water spray from a safe distance, avoid inhaling fumes, evacuate area if necessary

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, avoid breathing vapors, ventilate area, wear chemical splash goggles, gloves, and acid-resistant clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spill from entering drains, sewers, or groundwater, inform authorities in case of environmental contamination
Containment Methods: Absorb with inert material like dry sand, do not use sawdust or incompatible absorbents
Cleanup Procedures: Collect with non-sparking tools, place residue in suitable waste container, flush final traces with plenty of water while controlling runoff

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only with adequate ventilation, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, keep away from sources of ignition, use spark-proof tools
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, separate from oxidizers, bases, and food substances
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, amines, reducing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, open flames, sparks, static discharge

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: 10 ppm (skin), OSHA PEL: 10 ppm
Engineering Controls: Require local exhaust ventilation at sources of vapor, fume, and mist
Personal Protective Equipment: Use chemically resistant gloves (nitrile/butyl rubber), splash-proof goggles, face shield for high splash or vapor risk, acid-resistant coveralls, if necessary, wear an approved respirator
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, keep work area clean, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking near workspaces

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless, oily liquid
Odor: Sharp, pungent, unpleasant, similar to rancid smell
pH: Strongly acidic (about 2.0 for dilute solutions)
Boiling Point: 141°C (286°F)
Melting Point: -21°C (-6°F)
Flash Point: 52°C (125.6°F) closed cup
Vapor Pressure: 3.6 mmHg (20°C)
Solubility in Water: Complete
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): 0.33
Auto-ignition Temperature: 512°C (954°F)
Flammable Limits: Lower 2.1%, Upper 12.5% (in air)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Generally stable under ordinary conditions, reacts strongly with bases, oxidizers, and reducing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged exposure to heat, direct sunlight, sources of ignition, strong oxidizing or reducing environments
Incompatible Materials: Metals, chlorates, strong alkalis, amines
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, irritating fumes, acrid smoke on combustion
Hazardous Polymerization: Does not occur under normal handling

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 2600 mg/kg
Effects from Inhalation: Coughing, sore throat, respiratory tract irritation, high concentrations produce pulmonary edema
Effects from Skin Contact: Severe burns, redness, pain, tissue damage with prolonged exposure
Effects from Eye Contact: Permanent damage, corneal burns, severe pain
Long-Term Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure may result in dermatitis, respiratory issues, or tooth erosion
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Other Toxicological Data: Not considered mutagenic or teratogenic at typical exposure levels

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Fish LC50 (96h, Pimephales promelas): 51 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable, breaks down rapidly in the environment
Bioaccumulation: Low potential, log Kow 0.33
Mobility in Soil: High, due to water solubility, can leach into groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Acidification of water bodies at high concentrations disrupts aquatic life, avoid releasing large amounts into the environment

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Must be disposed of in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations
Disposal Containers: Use chemical-waste containers compatible with acids
Recommended Disposal: Incinerate under controlled conditions for large amounts, small quantities can be neutralized with sodium carbonate before disposal
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse before recycling or disposal, follow hazardous waste guidelines

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 3463
Proper Shipping Name: Propionic Acid
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive), secondary 3 (Flammable Liquid)
Packing Group: II
Label Requirements: Corrosive, Flammable
Marine Pollutant: Not classified as a marine pollutant
Special Precautions for Transport: Use corrosion-resistant containers, avoid stacking, secure loads to prevent leaks

Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed on US TSCA Inventory
REACH Registration: Registered in the European Union, meets necessary safety criteria
SARA Title III Sections 311/312: Immediate (acute) and delayed (chronic) health hazard, fire hazard
OSHA Hazards: Corrosive, flammable
WHMIS Classification: D1B (Toxic), E (Corrosive), B3 (Combustible Liquid)
Labeling Requirements: Follow GHS labeling for storage and usage to comply with workplace safety laws