Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Clove

Identification

Product Name: Clove
Chemical Name: Eugenia caryophyllata (Syzygium aromaticum)
CAS Number: 8000-34-8
Relevant Use: Spice, Essential Oil Production, Medicinal
Supplier: Plant-derived product, distributed worldwide by spice, fragrance, and pharmaceutical suppliers
Emergency Contact: Local Poison Control Center, Emergency Medical Services
Common Synonyms: Clove Bud, Clove Oil, Eugenol Oil

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Eye Irritant (Category 2), Skin Sensitizer (Category 1), Acute Toxicity - Oral (Category 4)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin irritation, may cause allergic skin reaction, causes serious eye irritation, harmful if swallowed
Symbol/Pictogram: Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid skin and eye contact, do not ingest, wash hands thoroughly after use
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation may cause respiratory irritation, ingestion causes nausea or vomiting, prolonged contact may lead to dermatitis
Environmental Hazards: Harmful to aquatic organisms due to eugenol content

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Components:
Eugenol: 70-85%
Beta-caryophyllene: 7-12%
Acetyl eugenol: 2-5%
Minor constituents: tannins, flavonoids, triterpenoids
Impurities: Trace volatile oils, plant fibers

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical attention for any breathing difficulty
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with water and soap, monitor for rash or blistering
Eye Contact: Rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses, seek medical advice for irritation or pain
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, provide water, seek immediately medical attention for symptoms like nausea or dizziness
Most Important Symptoms: Redness, stinging, swelling, nausea, allergic responses, respiratory discomfort

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High-pressure water, may spread burning oil
Specific Hazards: Releases acrid smoke, possible toxic gases (eugenol vapors)
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Fire-Fighting Procedures: Cool containing vessels with water spray to prevent explosion, ventilate area, prevent run-off

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, goggles, protective clothing, avoid breathing vapors
Environmental Precautions: Keep away from waterways, drains, use absorbent material for spills
Clean-up Methods: Absorb spill with earth or sand, place in sealed container for disposal, wash affected area with water and detergent
Notification Procedures: Report significant releases to local authorities

Handling and Storage

Handling: Wear protective equipment, wash hands after use, avoid inhaling vapors, use only with adequate ventilation, prevent contact with eyes or skin
Storage: Store in airtight containers, keep in cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, oxidizers, and sources of heat or ignition
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids or alkalis
Special Storage Needs: Seal tightly after each use, avoid plastic containers that may absorb oils, store away from foodstuffs

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits for clove oil, but handle as irritant
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust, adequate ventilation
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical resistant gloves (nitrile recommended), safety goggles, protective clothing, respiratory protection in case of inadequate ventilation
Hygiene Measures: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during use, wash exposed skin after handling, remove soiled clothing promptly

Physical and Chemical Properties

Form: Essential oil is yellowish-brown liquid, dried buds are brown, hard, with strong aromatic odor
Odor: Warm, spicy, penetrating aroma
Melting Point: Not applicable for oil, dried spice softens slightly (no true melt)
Boiling Point: 251-254°C (Eugenol)
Flash Point: 103°C (Open cup, oil)
Vapor Pressure: 0.03 mm Hg at 25°C (oil)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, highly soluble in ethanol, ether, fixed oils
Density: 1.035–1.070 g/cm³ (oil)
pH: Not applicable (oil is non-aqueous)
Explosion Limits: Not established for clove oil, avoid mixing with oxidants
Partition Coefficient: log Kow ≈ 2.5–3 (Eugenol)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable in cool, dry, sealed conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flame, sparks, exposure to air (leads to oxidation), sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Oxidizing agents, strong acids/bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Burning forms acrid smoke, eugenol decomposition releases irritants, CO and CO₂

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin/eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat) for eugenol: ~1930 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion / Irritation: Causes irritation, potential for eczema with frequent exposure
Eye Damage / Irritation: Causes moderate to severe irritation, redness, tearing
Respiratory Sensitization: Vapors may irritate nose, throat, lungs
Ingestion: May result in gastric upset, nausea, liver toxicity in high doses
Chronic Effects: Possible allergic dermatitis, rare reports of liver injury from repeated excessive ingestion
Carcinogenicity: No conclusive data classifying as carcinogen by IARC, OSHA, or NTP
Reproductive Effects: Inconsistent evidence, best handled with care for pregnant users

Ecological Information

Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms, especially in concentrated oil form
Persistence and Degradability: Essential oil biodegrades, but eugenol may persist in large quantities
Bioaccumulative Potential: Eugenol shows moderate bioaccumulation in aquatic life based on log Kow
Mobility in Soil: Limited mobility due to low water solubility
Other Environmental Hazards: Oil slicks may form if spilled in waterways

Disposal Considerations

Waste Generation: Dispose of clove oil and contaminated materials as chemical waste
Disposal Methods: Contain and deliver waste to licensed collector for incineration or chemical disposal, do not pour into drains, soil, or natural bodies of water
Packaging Disposal: Empty containers may retain product residues, recycle or incinerate according to local regulation
Regulations: Disposal practice must align with local, regional, and national guidelines for hazardous organic waste

Transport Information

UN Number: UN3082 (for oil, Environmentally Hazardous Substance, Liquid, N.O.S / contains eugenol)
Transport Hazard Class: Class 9 (Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances)
Packing Group: III (oil)
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally Hazardous Substance, Liquid, N.O.S. (clove oil, eugenol)
Labeling: Class 9 hazard symbol, environmental hazard mark
Safety Precautions: Secure, sealed packaging, temperature controlled, upright position, no storage with food or oxidizers

Regulatory Information

Country-Specific Regulation: Recognized as Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS) for food use in the US (FDA), restricted in concentration for some cosmetic and flavor uses (EU, IFRA)
Hazardous Substance List: Contains eugenol (classified as hazardous for skin/eye contact)
Workplace Regulation: Not listed with specific OSHA PEL, recommended to follow industrial hygiene practices
Chemical Inventory Listings: Registered under TSCA (US), EINECS (EU), and other global inventories
Labeling: Must include hazard statements, precautions, emergency contact, and ingredient disclosure as per GHS and regional laws