Product Name: Ethylhexyl Lactate
Chemical Formula: C11H22O3
Synonyms: 2-Ethylhexyl 2-hydroxypropanoate, Lactic Acid 2-ethylhexyl Ester
CAS Number: 126-71-6
Recommended Use: Used as solvent, skin conditioning agent in cosmetics, cleaning compounds, and as specialty chemical intermediate.
Supplier Details: Company address and emergency contact number listed on label. Local regulatory authorities require the inclusion of emergency phone number for quick response.
GHS Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2A), Skin irritation (Category 2)
Label Elements: Warning symbol, Signal word “Warning”, Hazard statements: Causes serious eye irritation. Causes skin irritation.
Precautionary Statements: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, Wear protective gloves and eye protection, Avoid contact with eyes, skin, or clothing.
Hazard Overview: May cause moderate irritation to mucous membranes, nose, throat, and eyes following direct exposure. Prolonged or major skin exposure can irritate.
Other Hazards: Vapors could form explosive mixtures with air under certain conditions. Not listed as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic according to current safety databases.
Chemical Name: Ethylhexyl Lactate
Common Name & Synonym: 2-Ethylhexyl 2-hydroxypropanoate
Concentration: > 98%
Impurities: Trace amounts of lactic acid and residual solvents (typically < 0.5%)
CAS Number: 126-71-6
Molecular Weight: 202.29 g/mol
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids apart. Remove contact lenses if present and easy. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing immediately. If irritation develops or persists, consult physician.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Provide oxygen if breathing is difficult. Medical attention required if symptoms continue or worsen.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Seek immediate medical advice.
Most Important Symptoms: Irritation, redness, discomfort where exposed.
Immediate Medical Attention Indications: Persistent eye discomfort, shortness of breath, skin reaction, or other severe symptoms following exposure.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or water spray.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet can cause spattering.
Fire Hazards: Vapour/air mixtures can be explosive above flash point (90 — 100°C). Toxic gases and vapors (such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide) may form during combustion.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus for all fires involving chemicals.
Special Procedures: Cool fire-exposed containers with water spray. Evacuate area and keep upwind to avoid fumes.
Personal Precautions: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): chemical resistant gloves, goggles, and suitable work attire. Prevent skin and eye contact.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, waterways, or soil. Notify local authorities if significant environmental contamination is likely.
Methods for Cleaning Up: Contain spill with inert, non-combustible materials (such as sand or earth). Collect with suitable tools for disposal in tightly sealed containers. Ventilate affected area thoroughly.
Reference to Other Sections: For further disposal and handling information, consult "Disposal Considerations" section.
Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas, avoid inhaling vapors or mists. Wear suitable gloves and safety goggles. Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling. Prevent contact with incompatible materials (strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and bases). Minimize dust and vapor formation.
Storage: Store in a tightly closed container, in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight and any source of ignition. Separate from food products, acids, and bases.
Specific end uses: Only use for recommended applications per supplier directions and safety guidance. Maintain proper labeling.
Exposure Limits: No established Occupational Exposure Limits for Ethylhexyl Lactate. Use best industry practice for controlling exposure to chemicals.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, chemical fume hood or general area ventilation to keep airborne levels below potential irritation thresholds.
Personal Protection: Eye protection (chemical splash goggles), gloves (nitrile, butyl rubber), and lab coats or coveralls are required. Use an approved air-purifying respirator if exposure limits are exceeded or if vapor concentrations cause respiratory discomfort.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands, forearms, and face thoroughly after handling. Remove and clean contaminated clothing before reuse.
Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Mild, fruity odor
pH: Not applicable (neat product)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: -40°C or lower
Boiling Point/Range: 235°C — 245°C
Flash Point: 90–100°C (Closed Cup)
Evaporation Rate: Slower than ether
Flammability: Combustible liquid
Vapor Pressure: < 0.01 mm Hg at 20°C
Relative Density: 0.97–0.98 (20°C)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, miscible with most organic solvents
Partition Coefficient: log Pow: approx. 2
Auto-ignition Temperature: > 250°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not precisely established; decomposition at strong heating
Viscosity: Moderate (varies by temperature)
Chemical Stability: Stable under standard storage and handling conditions.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, ignition sources, and strong sunlight accelerate decomposition.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers (peroxides, chlorine), strong acids, alkalis.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Burning produces toxic fumes: carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.
Hazardous Polymerization: Not known to occur under normal process circumstances.
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): greater than 2,000 mg/kg (low toxicity). Dermal LD50 (rabbit): greater than 2,000 mg/kg.
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Can cause mild to moderate skin irritation.
Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes eye irritation in animals and likely in humans.
Respiratory Sensitization: Not considered a respiratory sensitizer based on available studies.
Skin Sensitization: No evidence indicating significant sensitization.
Repeated Dose Toxicity: No chronic toxicity found at relevant exposure levels in animal studies.
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by ACGIH, IARC, NTP, OSHA.
Reproductive Toxicity & Mutagenicity: No data indicating reproductive or mutagenic effects at expected workplace exposure levels.
Potential Routes of Exposure: Eye, skin, inhalation, ingestion.
Ecotoxicity: Moderately toxic to aquatic organisms. LC50 (fish, 96h): 25–45 mg/l. EC50 (Daphnia, 48h): 70–110 mg/l.
Degradability: Readily biodegradable under common environmental conditions, breaks down in soil and water with time.
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low due to good biodegradability and low log Pow.
Mobility in Soil: May leach in soil, should not be released undiluted to groundwater or the environment.
Other Adverse Effects: Data suggest no persistent, bioaccumulative or toxic effects under typical environmental concentrations.
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of product through licensed waste disposal contractors. Do not pour into drains, water sources or soil.
Disposal of Packaging: Containers must be emptied completely, rinsed if possible, then disposed of according to local regulations.
Additional Instructions: Follow local, regional, and national hazardous waste regulations. Incineration or controlled landfill according to guidelines.
Avoid: Incineration in open air, burning with household trash, and disposal to municipal sewage systems.
UN Number: Not regulated as a dangerous good by road, rail, sea, or air.
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not classified
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Transport containers upright and securely fastened. Follow standard procedures to prevent leaks or spills during transit.
Safety, Health, and Environmental Regulations: Listed in chemical inventories: TSCA (United States), EINECS (European Union), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia), ENCS (Japan).
Hazard Symbols: GHS07 (Irritant).
Major Applicable Laws: OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, REACH (EU), WHMIS (Canada), Australian Work Health and Safety regulations.
Other Registration Information: Registered for use in cosmetics in US and EU. Not subject to major restrictions or bans at this time. Users should check for updates in rules as chemical safety standards continue to evolve.
