Product Identification

Product Name

2-Hydroxypropanoic acid

Synonyms

1-Hydroxyethanecarboxylic acid
2-Hydroxypropanoic acid
alpha-Hydroxypropionic acid
Biolac
DL-Lactic acid
Milk acid

CAS

50-21-5

Formula

C3H6O3

Molecular Weight

90.09

EINECS

200-018-0

RTECS

OD2800000

RTECS Class

Agricultural Chemical and Pesticide; Tumorigen; Mutagen; Reproductive Effector; Primary Irritant

Merck

13,5351

Beilstein/Gmelin

5238667

Beilstein Reference

4-03-00-00633

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

A colorless to yellow odorless syrupy liquid.

Solubility in water

Miscible

Melting Point

16.8

Boiling Point

228

Vapor Pressure

0.08 (25 C)

Density

1.242 g/cm3 (20 C)

pKa/pKb

3.90 (pKa)

Partition Coefficient

-.72

Heat Of Vaporization

54.0 kJ/mol

Heat Of Combustion

-1361 kJ/mol

Usage

In dyeing baths, as mordant in printing woolen goods, solvent for water in sol dyes (alc-sol induline, nigrosine, spirt-blue, manufacture cheese, confectionery, acidulant in beverages, reducing chromates in mordanting wool, for acidulating worts in brewing, for removing clostridium butyricum in manufacture of yeast, dehairing, plumping & decalcifying hides, solvent for cellulose formate, flux for soft solder, manufacture lactates which are used in food products, in medicine & as solvents, plasticicer catalyst in casting of phenolaldehyde resins.

Refractive Index

1.439 (20 C)

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

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

Inhalation

Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. DO NOT use mouth-to-mouth respiration. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag and a mask.

Skin

Get medical aid immediately. Immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Destroy contaminated shoes.

Eyes

Get medical aid immediately. Do NOT allow victim to rub or keep eyes closed. Extensive irrigation is required (at least 30 minutes).

Handling and Storage

Storage

Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Corrosives area.

Handling

Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Use with adequate ventilation. Keep container tightly closed. Do not get on skin or in eyes. Do not ingest or inhale. Discard contaminated shoes.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Causes chemical burns to the respiratory tract. Aspiration may lead to pulmonary edema. May cause systemic effects. Can produce delayed pulmonary edema.

Skin

Causes skin burns. May cause skin rash (in milder cases), and cold and clammy skin with cyanosis or pale color.

Eyes

Causes eye burns. May cause chemical conjunctivitis and corneal damage.

Ingestion

May cause severe and permanent damage to the digestive tract. May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Causes gastrointestinal tract burns. May cause perforation of the digestive tract. May cause systemic effects.

Hazards

Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.

EC Risk Phrase

R 34

EC Safety Phrase

S 26 36/37/39 45

UN (DOT)

1760

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Eyes: Wear chemical goggles. 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

A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant a respirator's use.

Exposure Effects

Effects may be delayed.

Poison Class

4

Fire Fighting Measures

Flash Point

110

Fire Fighting

Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Containers may explode when heated. Extinguishing media: Use agent most appropriate to extinguish fire. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. In case of fire use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or appropriate foam.

Fire Potential

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Vacuum or sweep up material and place into a suitable disposal container. Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which lead to waterways. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Provide ventilation.

Stability and Reactivity

Incompatibilities

Moisture, metals, strong oxidizing agents, strong reducing agents, strong bases, nitric acid, iodides.

Stability

Stable at room temperature in closed containers under normal storage and handling conditions.

Decomposition

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

Combustion Products

Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

Transport Information

UN Number

1760

Hazard Class

8

Packing Group

I; II; III