Product Identification

Product Name

Aspartame

Synonyms

3-Amino-n-(alpha-methoxycarbonylphenethyl) succinamic acid
APM
Canderel
Equal
Methyl n-L-alpha-Aspartyl-L-Phenylalaninate
Nutrasweet

CAS

22839-47-0

Formula

C14H18N2O5

Molecular Weight

294.31

EINECS

245-261-3

RTECS

WM3407000

RTECS Class

Tumorigen; Reproductive Effector; Human Data

Merck

12,874

Beilstein/Gmelin

2223850

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Odorless, white powder.

Solubility in water

18.2 g/L

Melting Point

248 - 249

Usage

Sweetening agent about 200 times as sweet as sugar.

Vapor Density

10.1

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Wash mouth out with 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. Wash clothing before reuse.

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

Store in a cool, dry place. Keep container closed when not in use. No special precautions indicated.

Handling

Wash thoroughly after handling. Wash hands before eating. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Avoid ingestion and inhalation. Use with adequate ventilation.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Low hazard for usual industrial handling. May cause respiratory tract irritation.

Skin

May cause skin irritation.

Eyes

May cause eye irritation.

Ingestion

May cause irritation of the digestive tract. Low hazard for usual industrial handling. Ingestion of large amounts may cause gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, fever, dizziness, urticaria, folliculitis and conjunctivitis.

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 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

Reproductive effects have been reported in animals.

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire Fighting

Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Dusts at sufficient concentrations can form explosive mixtures with air. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. Extinguishing media: Use agent most appropriate to extinguish fire. For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray or regular foam.

Upper exp. limit

17.5

Lower exp. limit

3

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Sweep up or absorb material, then place into a suitable clean, dry, closed container for disposal. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Provide ventilation.

Stability and Reactivity

Stability

Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.

Incompatibilities

Strong oxidizing agents.

Decomposition

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