Product Identification

Product Name

beta,beta-Carotene

Synonyms

All-trans-beta-carotene
Carotaben
Cyclohexene, 1,1'-(3,7,12,16-Tetramethyl-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17-octadecanonaene-1,18-diyl)bis(2,6,6-trimethyl-(all-e)-
Provatene
Provitamin A

CAS

7235-40-7

Formula

C40H56

Molecular Weight

536.88

EINECS

230-636-6

RTECS

FI0329500

RTECS Class

Mutagen

Merck

12,1902

Beilstein/Gmelin

1917416

Beilstein Reference

4-05-00-02617

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

deep purple, hexagonal prisms from benzene & methanol.

Solubility in water

Insoluble

Melting Point

180 - 182

Vapor Pressure

3E-16 (25 C)

Density

1.00 g/cm3 (20 C)

Partition Coefficient

15.51

Heat Of Vaporization

92.9 kJ/mol

Usage

Antioxidant.

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Do NOT induce vomiting. If conscious and alert, rinse mouth and drink 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Get medical aid if irritation or symptoms occur.

Inhalation

Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid if cough or other symptoms appear.

Skin

Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical aid if irritation develops or persists.

Eyes

Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. If irritation develops, get medical aid.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Keep container closed when not in use. Refrigerator (approx 4 C). Do not expose to air. Store protected from light. Store under an inert atmosphere.

Handling

Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Avoid ingestion and inhalation. Use with adequate ventilation. Store protected from light. Handle under an inert atmosphere. Store protected from air.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Low hazard for usual industrial handling.

Skin

Non-irritating to the skin. May cause skin discoloration.

Eyes

Non-irritating to the eyes.

Ingestion

Low hazard for usual industrial handling.

UN (DOT)

1325

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves and clothing to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to minimize contact with skin.

Respirators

Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.

Exposure Effects

fatigue, irritability, headache, lethargy, papilledema, and increased intracranial pressure may be noted. Unusual effects include seizures and cranial nerve palsy. There is a well-established association between some Vitamin A congeners and a teratogenic outcome in infants whose mothers were exposed during pregnancy. <br>Although potentially toxic to nursing mothers, the vitamin A content in breast milk is minimal until ingestion of 50,000 international units/day or more (Bendich &amp; Langseth, 1989).

Fire Fighting Measures

Flash Point

346

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. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution. To extinguish fire, use water, dry chemical, chemical foam, or alcohol-resistant foam.

Fire Potential

Flammable/combustible material. May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Vacuum or sweep up material and place into a suitable disposal container. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Place under an inert atmosphere.

Stability and Reactivity

Incompatibilities

Air, oxidizing agents.

Stability

Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.

Decomposition

Carbon monoxide, irritating and toxic fumes and gases, carbon dioxide.

Combustion Products

Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.

Transport Information

UN Number

1325

Hazard Class

4.1

Packing Group

II; III