Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Glutamic Acid

Identification

Product Name: Glutamic Acid
Chemical Formula: C5H9NO4
CAS Number: 56-86-0
Recommended Use: Laboratory research, food additive, chemical synthesis
Manufacturer Information: Contact details of manufacturer or supplier, physical address and emergency telephone number
Synonyms: L-Glutamic Acid, Glutaminic Acid, 2-Aminopentanedioic acid
Use Restrictions: Not intended for drugs, household, or personal care use outside specified guidelines

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as a hazardous substance by GHS for most uses
Potential Health Effects: Irritation possible for eyes, skin, or respiratory tract; ingestion may cause discomfort
Signal Word: None
Pictogram: None
Precautionary Statements: Avoid dust formation, prevent inhalation, minimize exposure to mucous membranes
Hazard Statements: Dust may cause temporary irritation or coughing

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: L-Glutamic Acid
Percentage: ~98-100%
Impurities/Additives: Residual water or trace compounds may appear depending on grade
Molecular Weight: 147.13 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention for symptoms like cough or discomfort
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids; consult a physician if irritation remains
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water if conscious; contact poison control or seek medical help if feeling unwell
Most Important Symptoms: Mild irritation, possible coughing or watery eyes

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2, foam
Specific Hazards: May produce carbon oxides (CO, CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) during combustion
Firefighting Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear
Special Procedures: Prevent runoff from entering sewers; cool exposed containers with water spray

Accidental Release Measures

Spill Response: Sweep up and place in a suitable container for disposal
Avoid Dust Formation: Use damp cloth or mop to limit airborne particles
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, goggles, and dust mask or respirator
Environmental Precautions: Prevent powder from entering drains, surface water, or soil
Clean-up Methods: Dispose of using appropriate waste containers, ventilate area after cleanup

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid breathing dust, use in a well-ventilated area, handle with gloves
Hygiene Recommendations: Wash hands after handling, do not eat or drink near product
Storage Conditions: Store in a tightly sealed, dry container in a cool, well-ventilated place away from incompatible substances like oxidizers, bases
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases
Special Storage Requirements: Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA, ACGIH, or NIOSH limits established; treat as nuisance dust
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or process enclosures
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety glasses with side shields, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, latex), lab coat or apron, NIOSH-approved dust mask or respirator if dust levels exceed recommendations
Work Practices: Avoid touching face, wash hands thoroughly, change contaminated clothing

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White or off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless or faint characteristic
Solubility: Sparingly soluble in water, insoluble in most organic solvents
Melting Point: 205 °C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: No data available (decomposes before boiling)
pH: 2.2 (0.1M aqueous solution)
Density: 1.46 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): -3.22
Evaporation Rate: Not relevant for solid
Other Characteristics: Stable under recommended storage, reacts with strong oxidizers

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures
Conditions to Avoid: High humidity, excess moisture, sources of ignition, strong heat
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides
Reactivity: Non-reactive with most common materials under safe handling

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity – Oral: LD50 (rat): >5,000 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause mild skin or eye irritation
Inhalation: Nuisance dust only; no evidence for serious health effects at typical exposure
Chronic Effects: No data supporting carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, teratogenicity, or reproductive toxicity
Sensitization: Not a known sensitizer
Additional Notes: Classified as low acute toxicity by EPA and ECHA for industrial and laboratory uses

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low aquatic toxicity; does not persist or bioaccumulate significantly
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable by microorganisms
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely to bioaccumulate due to high water solubility and rapid breakdown
Mobility in Soil: High mobility; readily dissolves and distributes in soil water
Other Effects: Large spills may cause oxygen depletion in bodies of water, consider measures to reduce environmental load

Disposal Considerations

Product Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse containers thoroughly before recycling or disposing; containers holding unused or contaminated product should go to licensed waste handling facility
Special Instructions: Do not discharge large quantities into sewers or surface water; avoid landfill if efficient alternatives are available

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Glutamic Acid
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous
Packing Group: None required
Labeling Requirements: No special mark needed
Additional Transport Notes: Ensure packets or drums are sealed and secured during shipment to prevent spillage or exposure to moisture

Regulatory Information

Regulatory Status: Not listed as a hazardous substance or controlled chemical under US OSHA, TSCA, or European REACH
SARA Title III Sections 311/312/313: Not subject to reporting
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Canadian WHMIS: Not controlled
EINECS/ELINCS Number: 200-293-7
Other Country Regulations: Meets safety, health, and environmental requirements in most major jurisdictions; always consult local regulatory standards for latest updates