Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Isopropyl Lactate

Identification

Product Name: Isopropyl Lactate
Chemical Formula: C6H12O3
Synonyms: 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid isopropyl ester
CAS Number: 597-37-7
Recommended Use: Solvent, cosmetic ingredient, industrial applications
Manufacturer: Contact supplier for specific details
Emergency Contact: Refer to local workplace safety officer or poison control center

Hazard Identification

Classification: Irritant, Flammable liquid
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin and eye irritation. May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Flammable liquid and vapor.
Pictograms: Exclamation Mark, Flame
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors. Use protective gloves and eye protection. Keep away from heat, open flame, sparks. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Store in cool well-ventilated place.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Isopropyl Lactate
Concentration: >98% (by weight)
Impurities: May contain trace amounts of related esters and solvents based on supplier
Other Ingredients: No significant non-hazardous ingredients

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Provide artificial respiration if breathing stops. Seek immediate medical attention.
Skin Contact: Rinse skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Seek medical help if irritation continues.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for several minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Call a doctor.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth out with water. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Seek medical help.
General Advice: Always call a physician for further guidance after exposure.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide (CO2), or water spray for larger fires.
Specific Hazards: Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air. Combustion creates toxic gases including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear are essential under fire conditions.
Special Procedures: Cool exposed containers with water spray. Avoid water streams directly on fire as it may spread the fire.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Ventilate area, remove all ignition sources, avoid inhalation and contact with skin or eyes. Wear gloves, goggles, and appropriate respirator.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, waterways, or soil to reduce risk to environment.
Methods for Cleanup: Absorb liquid with inert material such as sand or earth. Collect residue in container for disposal. Clean affected area with water.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas. Keep away from heat, sparks, flame, and sources of static. Do not breathe vapors or allow contact with eyes or skin.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry location in tightly sealed containers. Separate from oxidizing agents and acids. Keep container upright and away from incompatible materials.
Special Storage Notes: Protect from physical damage and moisture. Post warning signs in storage areas.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established ACGIH or OSHA limits for Isopropyl Lactate, though standard precautions for solvents should be followed.
Ventilation: Use local exhaust ventilation or work outdoors to limit vapor buildup.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof safety goggles, flame-resistant clothing. Use NIOSH-approved respirator if exposure limits could be exceeded.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing before leaving work area.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid
Odor: Mild, characteristic odor
Melting Point: -46°C (-51°F)
Boiling Point: 190-195°C (374-383°F)
Flash Point: ~81°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Moderate, similar to comparable esters
Solubility in Water: Slightly soluble
Vapor Pressure: Low (~0.25 mmHg @ 25°C)
Density: 0.98 g/cm3 at 20°C
pH: Neutral

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended conditions of storage and handling.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flame, strong oxidizers, acids.
Incompatible Materials: Avoid contact with strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: May release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, irritating fumes under fire or decomposition conditions.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Estimated low oral toxicity; can cause irritation of the respiratory and digestive tracts if swallowed or inhaled.
Dermal Exposure: May cause mild to moderate skin irritation with prolonged or repeated contact.
Eye Exposure: Cause irritation, tearing, redness.
Chronic Exposure: No chronic effects reported in low exposure levels, but solvents bring risk of cumulative irritation over time.
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA.
Sensitization: Not known to cause allergic reaction in normal usage.

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Limited aquatic toxicity data, but expected to be low hazard in small quantities. High volumes may impact aquatic life.
Persistence and Degradability: Likely biodegradable; can decompose in soil and water by natural processes.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low based on chemical properties.
Mobility in Soil: May leach if spilled, minimize soil exposure.
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid releases into watercourses. No known ozone depletion potential.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations. Do not pour down the drain.
Container Disposal: Empty containers may retain residue; rinse and dispose at permitted site.
Precautions: Follow community guidelines for hazardous waste. Consider incineration with appropriate air controls.

Transport Information

UN Number: 1993
Proper Shipping Name: Flammable Liquid, N.O.S. (Isopropyl Lactate)
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquids)
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as a marine pollutant
Special Transport Precautions: Keep containers tightly closed and properly labeled. Prevent leaks during loading and transit.

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Classified non-hazardous in most jurisdictions under normal industrial criteria.
SARA Title III: Not listed as a significant hazard under Section 302, 304, or 313.
TSCA: Listed on US Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory.
EU Regulation: Meets REACH requirements if imported over 1 ton/year; subject to safety data communication.
Labeling Requirements: Requires appropriate hazard icons and precautionary language on containers.
Other Regulations: Check local requirements for management and documentation in handling and disposal.