Product Name: Polymalic Acid
Chemical Formula: (C4H4O5)n
Molecular Weight: Variable, dependent on polymer length
Other Names: Poly(β-malic acid), PMLA
Recommended Use: Pharmaceutical excipient, biodegradable polymer applications, controlled drug release systems
Manufacturer: Contact your local supplier for specific details
Emergency Contact: Refer to local or national emergency numbers for chemical incidents
Synonyms: Poly(β-malic acid)
Supplier Details: Always consult the direct supplier for the most up-to-date MSDS
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under current GHS criteria
Health Hazards: May cause mild irritation to skin, eyes, or respiratory system on contact or inhalation of dust
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as environmentally hazardous; biodegradable and not expected to accumulate
Pictograms: None required
Signal Word: None
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhaling dust, use with proper ventilation, wash exposed areas after use, do not get in eyes or mouth
Chemical Composition: Poly(β-malic acid) polymer
CAS Number: 26099-09-2
Purity: Greater than 95% (varies by supplier)
Impurities: Trace levels of monomers or oligomers possible; consult batch-specific certificate of analysis for quantification
Additives: Usually none, unless specified by supplier; some grades may include stabilizers or plasticizers for specific end-use applications
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation occurs
Skin Contact: Wash area with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for several minutes; if discomfort persists, consult a physician
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention if significant quantities ingested or symptoms appear
Symptoms: May include mild coughing, skin or eye redness or itching; persistent or severe symptoms require medical help
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High-pressure water streams may spread dust
Fire Hazards: Decomposes at high temperature, releasing carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other possibly irritating gases
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Combustion Products: Carbon oxides, possible low-level organic acids
Special Procedures: Use normal firefighting precautions; evacuate and cool containers exposed to flames
Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation; ventilate the area; use personal protective equipment as required
Spill Cleanup: Sweep up and collect in suitable, labeled containers for disposal; minimize dust generation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers or waterways; collect large spills for proper disposal
Methods for Containment: Keep material dry; contain spill using inert absorbent if appropriate
Decontamination Procedures: Clean spill area with water after material removal; ensure no residue is left that could present slip hazards
Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid breathing dust; do not eat or drink in work areas
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers; keep in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight and moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, or oxidizing agents can react with the polymer
Measures to Prevent Exposure: Use engineering controls and personal protective equipment; avoid generating airborne dust
Storage Class: General chemicals, away from volatile or reactive substances
Occupational Exposure Limits: Not established for polymalic acid; treat dust as nuisance particulate
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation; ensure appropriate ventilation at processing sites
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses, gloves, lab coat, and, if dust is generated, particulate respirator
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling; remove contaminated clothing promptly
Monitoring: No standard monitoring required unless used in processes generating significant dust
Appearance: White to off-white powder or granules
Odor: Odorless or faint acidic smell
pH (1% solution): 2.5–3.5
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting, typically above 150°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (polymer)
Solubility: Soluble in water, hydrolyzes to malic acid
Density: ~1.5 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Viscosity: Dependent on molecular weight if in solution form
Other Properties: Biodegradable, forms clear aqueous solutions at neutral to acidic pH
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, strong acids or bases, exposure to moisture during storage
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids or bases
Hazardous Reactions: None anticipated; may hydrolyze in water over time
Decomposition Products: Malic acid, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide; minor organic acids possible at high heat
Polymerization: Not likely to occur
Acute Toxicity: Data are limited; in animal studies, poly(β-malic acid) shows low toxicity
Skin Irritation: May cause mild irritation on repeated or prolonged contact
Eye Irritation: Mild, temporary irritation possible
Respiratory Effects: Inhalation of dust may cause coughing or throat irritation
Ingestion: Not expected to be highly toxic, may cause stomach upset if large amounts swallowed
Chronic Effects: No known chronic health effects from typical occupational exposure
Carcinogenicity: No data indicating carcinogenic potential
Mutagenicity: No data indicating mutagenic potential
Reproductive Toxicity: No data indicating reproductive risks
Other Data: Largely considered safe in medical and pharmaceutical contexts, as supported by controlled use in clinical drug delivery research
Ecotoxicity: Not expected to cause harm to aquatic or terrestrial species; rapidly biodegradable under standard environmental conditions
Persistence and Degradability: Hydrolyzes to malic acid, a naturally occurring and easily metabolized organic acid
Bioaccumulation: Low potential; degradable and not likely to persist in living organisms
Mobility in Soil: Dissolves and degrades readily in water, moves through soil without accumulation
Other Adverse Effects: None anticipated; product supports sustainability goals in biomedical and packaging industries
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of waste in accordance with local, regional, or national regulations
Unused Material: Can be incinerated or disposed in approved landfill; consult applicable regulations
Packaging Disposal: Remove and segregate packaging for appropriate recycling or disposal
Special Precautions: Avoid uncontrolled release into the environment, especially near water sources
Recommended Practices: Use biodegradable polymer advantages by favoring composting or environmentally safe disposal where available
UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous for transportation
Proper Shipping Name: Polymalic Acid, Non-Hazardous
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not classified
Special Precautions for Transport: Keep container closed; protect from moisture and physical damage;
Label Requirements: None for standard shipment; use chemical name if transported in bulk
TSCA Status: Listed or exempt in the United States
REACH Status: Polymers are generally exempt from registration in the EU, but check with suppliers for pre-registered status
Other Regulations: Not subject to major international restrictions or hazard communication regulations
SARA Title III: Not listed as a hazardous chemical
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Workplace Labelling: Label with chemical name, hazard class (if required), and emergency contacts; use appropriate pictograms if required under local regulations
Additional Notes: For research or product-specific uses in pharmaceuticals or food contact, compliance with sector-specific safety, purity, and biocompatibility standards applies
