Product Identification

Product Name

Dimethyl-3,6-epoxyperhydrophthalic anhydride

Synonyms

1,2-Dimethyl-3,6-Epoxyperhydrophthalic anhydride
CAN
Cantharides camphor
Cantharidin
Cantharone
Exo-1,2-cis-dimethyl-3,6-Epoxyhexahydrophthalic anhydride

CAS

56-25-7

Formula

C10H12O4

Molecular Weight

196.2

EINECS

200-263-3

RTECS

RN8575000

RTECS Class

Agricultural Chemical and Pesticide; Tumorigen; Drug; Human Data; Natural Product

Merck

12,1797

Beilstein/Gmelin

85302

Beilstein Reference

5-19-05-00051

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

White crystals.

Solubility in water

insoluble in cold water

Melting Point

217

Density

1.41 g/cm3

Usage

Used for the removal of warts.

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Seek medical attention. If individual is drowsy or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth; place individual on the left side with the head down. Contact a physician, medical facility, or poison control center for advice about whether to induce vomiting. If possible, do not leave individual unattended.

Inhalation

If symptoms develop, move individual away from exposure and into fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. Keep person warm and quiet; seek immediate medical attention.

Skin

Remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed area thoroughly with soap and water. A physician should examine the area if irritation or pain persists.

Eyes

Irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, the patient should be seen in a health care facility.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Keep in a sealed container. Place in a poison cabinet with controlled access.

Handling

Do not open container without reading the MSDS. This material is very expensive, costing about $500,000 for less than 100 mg. Always handle while while using protective equipment. Always use in a chemical fume hood. This material is a very, very toxic material.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Dangerous to respiratory tract.

Skin

Mild to severe reactions may be seen. Cantharidin is a vesicant and may cause blisters within 4 to 5 hours of application. Acantholysis may be seen. Cantharidin has been used in vivo to induce acantholysis.

Eyes

Inflammation of the eye, keratitis, iritis, and edema of the lids has been noted. A burning sensation of the mouth and throat after ingestion is common. Swelling and blistering of the tongue may be seen.

Ingestion

Extremely poisonous.

Hazards

When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Chemical splash goggles in compliance with OSHA regulations are advised; however, OSHA regulations also permit other type safety glasses. Whre chemical resistant gloves. To prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact, wear impervious clothing and boots.

Respirators

Dust mask.

Exposure Effects

Abnormally low blood pressure may develop with severe poisonings. Heart rate and respiration may be initially stimulated and then depressed. Neurologic effects include delirium, syncope, ataxia, coma, and occasionally seizures and flaccid paralysis.

Poison Class

1

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire Fighting

Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. Use agent most appropriate to extinguish fire.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Wearing protective equipment, swap up small quantites with a pad moistened with a mild alkali. Collect and transfer the swabs for waste disposal. Clean surfaces with a solution of sodium hydroxide.

Stability and Reactivity

Stability

Stable at normal temperatures and pressures.

Incompatibilities

Strong oxidizing agents.

Decomposition

Very toxic fumes.