Product Name: DL-Malic Acid
Synonyms: 2-Hydroxybutanedioic acid, Racemic Malic Acid
Chemical Formula: C4H6O5
CAS Number: 617-48-1
Recommended Uses: Food additive, pH adjuster, chelating agent, flavor enhancer, laboratory reagent
Manufacturer: Information provided by supplier, contact through emergency phone number for details
Emergency Contact: Refer to local guidelines or poison control center for immediate assistance
Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2A), Skin irritation (Category 2), Acute oral toxicity (Category 5)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes moderate eye irritation, causes skin irritation, may be harmful if swallowed in large amounts
Precautionary Statements: Avoid eye and skin contact, wash hands after handling, avoid breathing dust or vapors, use only in well-ventilated areas
Potential Health Effects: Eyes: may cause burning, redness, tearing; Skin: may cause dryness, redness, irritation; Inhalation: may cause mild irritation of respiratory tract if dust inhaled; Ingestion: ingestion of large quantities may lead to gastrointestinal upset, abdominal pain, or metabolic acidosis in unusual cases
Chemical: DL-Malic Acid
CAS Number: 617-48-1
EC Number: 210-514-9
PURITY: 99+%
Impurities: Trace fumaric acid, moisture (<1%)
Relevant Impurities: No hazardous impurities over regulatory thresholds
General Advice: Move to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen
Inhalation: Remove from exposure, provide fresh air, consult medical help if breathing difficulty develops
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least fifteen minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, call a physician if irritation remains
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek healthcare advice if irritation or discomfort continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, consult poison control or physician in case of discomfort or large amount intake; do not induce vomiting unless directed by a medical professional
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High-pressure water streams can spread product dust
Special Hazards: Decomposition can produce irritating fumes (carbon oxides), dust may form explosive mixtures with air under certain conditions
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus, avoid inhalation of combustion products
Further Information: Move containers from fire area if safe to do so, prevent run-off from entering drains or waterways
Personal Precautions: Wear protective equipment (eye protection, gloves, suitable clothing), avoid dust formation, ensure adequate ventilation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains, watercourses, or soil
Methods for Containment and Cleaning Up: Sweep or vacuum up spill, avoid dry sweeping if dust generation possible, transfer to suitable container for disposal, use damp cloth to finish clean-up for fine residues
Reference to Other Sections: Consult Sections 8 for personal protection and 13 for disposal considerations
Safe Handling: Minimize dust generation and accumulation, wash hands after use, avoid inhaling dust, use in well-ventilated settings, do not eat or smoke while handling
Safe Storage: Store in a tightly closed container, keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, protect from moisture and incompatible substances, store away from oxidizing agents and bases, label containers appropriately
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits specific to DL-Malic Acid; handle as a nuisance dust
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or general room ventilation to keep airborne concentrations low
Personal Protective Equipment: Eyes: Safety goggles or face shield; Skin: Protective gloves (nitrile or latex), lab coat; Respiratory: Dust mask or respirator if exposure to large amounts of dust; Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, do not eat, drink or smoke in work area, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Slightly acidic, tart
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: 2.0 (1% aqueous solution)
Melting Point: 130–135°C (decomposes above this range)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol, slightly soluble in ether
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: Approximately 1.6 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): -1.26
Flash Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not self-igniting
Decomposition Temp: Above 150°C
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of storage and handling
Reactivity: Incompatible with strong oxidizers, reducing agents, and strong bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Emits carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide under thermal decomposition
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flame, moisture, prolonged exposure to air; dust formation in confined spaces
Polymerization: Will not occur under recommended conditions
Acute Toxicity: Low oral toxicity, LD50 (rat, oral) approximately 1600–3200 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause mild to moderate irritation after prolonged or repeated contact
Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation: Causes eye irritation; symptoms include redness, tearing, and pain
Respiratory Sensitization: Not classified as a respiratory sensitizer
Ingestion: Ingesting large quantities can cause gastric upset, nausea, abdominal pain, or metabolic disturbances
Chronic Effects: Not listed as carcinogen, mutagen, or teratogen by NTP, IARC, ACGIH, or OSHA
Other Information: No known long-term health hazards with normal occupational exposure
Aquatic Toxicity: Low toxicity for aquatic organisms; DL-Malic Acid is readily biodegradable
Persistence and Degradability: Undergoes biodegradation in soil and water, does not persist in environment under typical use
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low potential due to hydrophilicity and rapid metabolism in biota
Mobility in Soil: Leaches readily through soil but does not accumulate or pose major risk
Other Adverse Effects: No significant ecological hazard when properly handled and disposed of; do not allow large amounts to enter waterways
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of contents or containers in accordance with local, regional, or national regulations
Product Disposal: Small quantities can be washed down the drain with plenty of water; bulk amounts should be delivered to a licensed chemical disposal contractor
Container Disposal: Triple rinse empty containers, offer for recycling if available, follow container disposal requirements from local authorities
Special Precautions: Keep out of municipal sewers and drains; consult a licensed waste disposer if unsure
UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not assigned
Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Follow standard precautions to avoid spills or dust formation during transport, keep containers sealed
Additional Information: Transport in accordance with local, national, and international regulations
TSCA Inventory: Listed
REACH Status: Registered, not classified as hazardous under REACH Annex II
OSHA: Not specifically regulated as hazardous; handle using general chemical hygiene practices
SARA Title III Sec. 311/312: Does not qualify as health or physical hazard
California Prop 65: Not listed
Other Information: Product conforms to relevant food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic standards if required; consult local and federal guidelines for specific uses and disposal practices