Material Safety Data Sheet for Citric Acid Monohydrate

Identification

Chemical Name: Citric Acid Monohydrate
Other Names: 2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid monohydrate
CAS Number: 5949-29-1
EC Number: 201-069-1
Recommended Use: Food additive, acidulant, cleaning agent, chelating agent
Supplier Information: Name, address, and contact number of the manufacturer or distributor
Emergency Contact Number: 24-hour emergency telephone support provided by supplier or local authority

Hazard Identification

Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2A), Skin irritation (Category 2)
Label Elements: Signal word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation. Causes skin irritation. Prolonged inhalation of dust may cause respiratory discomfort.
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Do not breathe dust. Use personal protective equipment as required. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand.
Potential Health Effects: Irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. See toxicology for further information on long-term effects.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Formula: C6H8O7·H2O
Purity: More than 99% by weight
Main Ingredient: Citric Acid Monohydrate
Impurities: Trace levels of related organic acids and water
Ingredient Information: Does not contain known hazardous fillers, binders, or carriers

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop or persist. Remove contaminated clothing and loosen tight clothing.
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of water and soap. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing and consult a physician if irritation develops or does not subside.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Obtain medical attention if discomfort occurs.
Note for Physicians: Symptomatic treatment is recommended. No specific antidote.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High-volume water jet if runoff risk to environment
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Special Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus
Advice: Evacuate area and fight fire from safe distance. Prevent water runoff from contaminating surface water or the ground.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use appropriate personal protective equipment. Avoid dust generation.
Environmental Precautions: Do not allow material to enter drains or watercourses.
Clean-Up Methods: Sweep up spillage and transfer to a suitable container for disposal. Use water wash-down for small spills. For large spills, use vacuum or wet methods to avoid dust formation. Ventilate area and wash spill site after material pickup.
Reference to Other Sections: See exposure controls and disposal considerations.

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Handle in well-ventilated area. Avoid creating dust. Use suitable respirators if necessary. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Conditions for Safe Storage: Store in original containers tightly closed, in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place. Protect from moisture and incompatible materials.
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents, bases, and reducing agents.
Storage Class: Chemical storage compatible with food additives and household chemicals.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits for citric acid monohydrate.
Engineering Controls: Provide adequate ventilation, especially in areas where dust is generated.
Personal Protection: Safety goggles with side-shields. Protective gloves made from chemical-resistant materials. Lab coat or suitable coveralls.
Respiratory Protection: Use dust mask or respirator for high dust concentrations.
Hygiene Controls: No eating, drinking, or smoking during use. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Environmental Controls: Minimizes release to the environment by using wet methods or local exhaust.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White, crystalline powder or colorless crystals
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH: 1.8 – 2.2 (5% solution)
Melting Point: 135°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Non-flammable
Explosion Limits: Not applicable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Relative Density: 1.54 g/cm³
Solubility: Soluble in water (61 g/100 ml at 20°C)
Partition Coefficient: log Kow -1.72
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not auto-ignitable
Decomposition Temperature: Above 135°C
Viscosity: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Chemical Reactivity: May react with bases, oxidizing agents, and reducing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, heat, and ignition sources
Incompatible Materials: Alkalis, oxidizers, reducing agents, strong acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, irritating fumes
Polymerization: Does not occur under normal conditions

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 oral (rat): 5040 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause mild irritation on prolonged contact
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes serious eye irritation in animal studies
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Not classified as a sensitizer
Chronic Effects: Long-term and repeated exposures to high concentrations may lead to respiratory tract irritation
Mutagenicity: No evidence of mutagenic or carcinogenic effects from available data
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence of reproductive toxicity
Additional Information: Potential for discomfort from ingestion of very high doses

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Low hazard to aquatic life at typical use concentrations (fish LC50 > 400 mg/L/96h)
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low potential for bioaccumulation (log Kow < 0)
Mobility in Soil: High mobility, dissolved in water, leaches through soil
Other Adverse Effects: Not expected to cause environmental harm under normal conditions

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations. Product residues can be dissolved and flushed to sewer with plenty of water, subject to local restrictions.
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse empty containers before disposal or recycling. Dispose of packaging in accordance with local legislation.
Special Precautions: Avoid uncontrolled release to the environment. Reuse or recycle containers where possible.

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as a hazardous material for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not dangerous under transport regulations
Packing Group: None
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as environmentally hazardous
Special Precautions for Transport: Avoid rough handling and moisture ingress during transit. Use spill-proof packaging.

Regulatory Information

Labelling According to EC Directives: Irritant label (Xi)
Inventory Status: Listed on TSCA, EINECS, DSL, AICS, and other international inventories
SARA 313: Not listed
California Proposition 65: Not listed as a chemical known to cause cancer or reproductive harm
Food Additive Status: FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe), European Food Safety Authority approved
REACH Status: Exempted or registered
Other Regulations: Follows workplace exposure standards and chemical safety laws applicable in user’s country