MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

 

Wausau Chemical Corporation, 2001 N. River Drive, Wausau, WI 54403

                                                                             Last Revision:               January 29, 2004

HMIS Hazard 4 – Extreme                  Health              3 3 – High                       Fire                  2 2 – Moderate               Reactivity         0 1 – Slight                      Other               0 - Least

Emergency       CHEMTREC               800-424-9300

Phones:            Wausau Chemical         715-842-2285

SECTION 1 - MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION

 

 

 

NAME:                        PROPIONIC ACID

FORMULA                 C₂H₅COOH; M.W.74.08

SYNONYMS:             Propanoic Acid; Methyl Acetic Acid

MANUFACTURERS: Union Carbide, Eastman Chemical, Celanese, BASF

SECTION 2  - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

 

 

 

HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL               CAS #             PERCENT       PEL/TWA        SARA III, SEC 313    

Propionic Acid                         79-09-4           >99.5%            10 ppm                        NO

Water                                                   007732-18-5   <  0.25%              NA                          NO

 

SECTION 3 – CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

 

 

 

Appearance:           Clear, colorless liquid                      Boiling Point (^oF):                                 286 ^oF

Odor:                     Pungent acid                                   Freezing Point (^oF):                               minus 6 ^oF

pH:                         NE                                                 Specific Gravity (H₂O=1 @ 70^oF):       0.993

Water solubility:            Complete                                 Vapor Pressure, mm Hg, 20^oC: 1

Vapor Density (air=1):  2.60                             Volatile Organic (VOC) content:           NA

Evaporation Rate (Butyl Acetate = 1)                NE

 

SECTION 4 – FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS

 

 

Flash Point (Method):               126 ^oF              Flammable Limits: Lower          3.0%    Upper  14.9%

Auto Ignition Temperature:        871 ^oF

Extinguishing Media:                 Water spray, dry chemical, alcohol foam.

 

Special Fire Fighting Procedures and Hazards:  Wear chemical protective clothing and positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus. Approach upwind to avoid toxic vapors. Keep fire exposed containers cool.

 

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazards:       Combustible material.

 

SECTION 5 – REACTIVITY INFORMATION

 

 

Stable:    X  Unstable:               Hazardous Polymerization:   Occurs:                 Does not Occur:           X

Conditions to Avoid:                 Heat or ignition sources.

 

Materials to Avoid:                   Strong oxidizing agents, metals, strong bases, amines.

 

Decomposition Products:          Carbon monoxide which is highly toxic and/or carbon dioxide which can act as an asphyxiant.

Propionic Acid                                                                                                                                    Page 2

SECTION 6 – HEALTH HAZARDS – PROTECTIVE MEASURES  – FIRST AID

 

 

Carcinogen:      No

Use chemical goggles when handling this product. In the event of contact flush with water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention if symptoms develop.

 

SKIN:              Can cause severe burns and irritation on repeated or prolonged contact. Use neoprene or rubber gloves and apron when handling this product. In the event of contact flush with water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention if symptoms develop.

 

INHALATION:           Mist or vapors can cause severe irritation of the respiratory system. For vapors that are excessive an organic respirator should be used. Compliance with OSHA Standard 63 FR 1152 is required. Move to fresh air. Get immediate medical help if breathing is difficult.

 

INGESTION:              Can cause burns of the gastrointestinal tract. Drink large amounts of water. Do Not induce vomiting. Get immediate medical attention.

 

IN ALL CASES:          GET PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION IF ADVERSE EFFECTS PERSIST

 

PRIMARY ROUTES OF ENTRY:      Skin, eyes, inhalation, ingestion.

 

HYGIENE:      Wash hands and face before eating or drinking. Wash soiled clothing before wearing again if contact occurs.

SECTION 7 – PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING, STORAGE AND USE

 

 

 

SPILLS AND LEAKS:            Use personal protective equipment. Eliminate ignition sources. Contain to prevent loss to the environment. Propionic acid is highly toxic to aquatic life. Collect excess material. Neutralize with lime or soda ash. Collect for waste disposal.

 

STORAGE AND HANDLING:           Keep containers tightly closed. Store away from heat or ignition sources.

 

WASTE DISPOSAL:              Follow recommendations of local, state and federal regulations.

 

EMPTY CONTAINERS:        Replace and firmly tighten closures. Adhere to label warnings even for empty containers. Wash thoroughly and send to a recycler or return to Wausau Chemical Corporation.

SECTION 8 – REGULATORY INFORMATION

 

 

 

DOT SHIPPING DESCRIPTION:      Propionic Acid, 8, UN1848, PG III, RQ=5000 LBS

 

LABEL REQUIRED                            Corrosive

 

The information contained herein is given in good faith, but no warranty, representation, inducement or license of any kind is made, except that the information is accurate to the best of Wausau Chemical Corporation’s knowledge, or is obtained from sources believed by Wausau Chemical Corporation to be reliable and accurate. Wausau Chemical Corporation does not assume any legal responsibility for use or reliance upon the information being furnished. Customers are encouraged to conduct their own tests. Before using any product, read the container label directions as well as the Material Safety Data Sheet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ND – Not Determined              NA – Not Applicable               NE – Not Established