Product Name: Glycyrrhizic Acid
Chemical Formula: C42H62O16
CAS Number: 1405-86-3
Synonyms: Glycyrrhizin, Glycyrrhizinic Acid
Recommended Use: Used in pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetic products
Supplier: Contact information for responsible supplier or manufacturer is required on site-specific MSDS
Emergency Contact: Refer to established local, regional, and company protocols for chemical emergencies
Classification: Eye Irritant Category 2A; Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Repeated Exposure (oral) Category 2
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation; may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure; may cause mild skin irritation
Signal Word: Warning
Symbol(s): Exclamation mark, Health hazard pictograms as per GHS
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation; prolonged contact may result in allergic skin reactions; accidental ingestion can impact blood pressure due to mineralocorticoid effects; ocular exposure may produce intense stinging, redness, and watering
Main Component: Glycyrrhizic Acid (≥98% by weight for pure substance)
Impurities: Trace levels of related glycosides and extract residues
EC Number: 215-758-8
Molecular Weight: 822.93 g/mol
Additional Information: No hazardous contaminants arising from standard manufacturing processes
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms persist or breathing becomes difficult
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; offer water to dilute material; contact poison control for further assessment, especially if large quantities consumed
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash affected skin thoroughly with plenty of soap and water; seek attention if persistent irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; consult a physician immediately
Notes for Physicians: Monitor for electrolyte imbalance, particularly hypokalemia; supportive care recommended; treat symptomatically
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High-pressure water streams may spread burning powder
Hazardous Combustion Products: Releases CO, CO2, and possibly irritating fumes and smoke
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Advice for Firefighters: Move containers from fire area if safe; prevent fire water runoff from entering watercourses
Personal Precautions: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, protective eyewear, and dust mask
Release Response: Avoid dust generation; ventilate the area; prevent further spillage
Containment: Sweep up spills without creating dust, place in suitable sealed containers for disposal
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering drains, surface water, or soil
Cleaning Methods: Use damp cloth or absorbent material for small spills, dispose of as prescribed
Decontamination: Wash spill area with water after pick-up is complete, ensuring no residue remains
Handling: Wear laboratory gloves, safety goggles, and maintain adequate local exhaust ventilation; avoid inhalation of dust and contact with skin or eyes; prohibit eating, drinking, and smoking in work area
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; keep tightly sealed and away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizing agents or acids; protect from direct sunlight and sources of ignition; preserve container labeling to avoid confusion
Storage Temperature: Recommended between 2–8°C for stability, protect from moisture
Exposure Limits: No regulatory occupational exposure limits established specifically for glycyrrhizic acid
Engineering Controls: Employ local exhaust ventilation or process enclosure to capture airborne particles
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved N95 dust respirators or equivalent if exposure creates airborne dust
Eye/Face Protection: Chemical safety goggles or face shield
Hand Protection: Nitrile or PVC gloves recommended
Body Protection: Protective lab coat or chemical-resistant garments
General Hygiene: Wash hands after handling, remove contaminated clothing promptly, ensure easily accessible eyewash stations
Appearance: White or off-white amorphous powder
Odor: Odorless or faintly sweet
pH: 5.0–6.0 (1% solution in water)
Melting Point: 220–225°C (decomposition)
Boiling Point: Not available (decomposes before boiling)
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, sparingly soluble in ethanol
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Relative Density: ~1.3 g/cm3
Flash Point: Not applicable (non-volatile solid)
Auto-ignition Temperature: No known data
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Not determined
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and usage conditions
Reactivity: No major reactivity under standard handling; inert to most laboratory reagents
Conditions to Avoid: High humidity, elevated temperatures, direct sunlight, exposure to strong oxidizers or acids
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Combustion produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, potentially other toxic vapors
Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization expected
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (rat, oral) estimated at >2,000 mg/kg; relatively low acute toxicity
Chronic Toxicity: Repeated, high oral doses may lead to pseudoaldosteronism, causing hypertension, hypokalemia, fluid retention
Skin/Eye Irritation: Mild, reversible irritation in sensitive individuals
Sensitization: No robust evidence for sensitization in routine lab testing, though rare allergic contact dermatitis reported
Carcinogenicity: No listings under IARC, ACGIH, NTP, or OSHA; no known evidence of carcinogenic potential
Reproductive Toxicity: No convincing evidence for adverse reproductive effects in available studies
Target Organs: Kidneys, cardiovascular system upon prolonged ingestion
Other Effects: Individuals with compromised renal, hepatic, or cardiovascular function may exhibit heightened sensitivity
Ecotoxicity: No detailed aquatic toxicity data available; glycyrrhizic acid is a plant-derived natural product, expected to be moderately persistent
Mobility: Expected to exhibit moderate-to-low mobility in soil; soluble in aquatic environments
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable under most environmental conditions, but persistence possible in anaerobic sediments
Bioaccumulative Potential: Unlikely to bioaccumulate due to low lipid solubility
Aquatic Toxicity: No known measurable toxicity to fish or invertebrates at environmentally relevant concentrations
Other Adverse Effects: No ozone depletion, photochemical smog formation, or other specific environmental hazards anticipated
Waste Treatment Methods: Small quantities can be dissolved in water and flushed to drain with copious amounts of water, consistent with local environmental requirements and municipal waste regulations
Disposal of Packaging: Rinse empty containers with water; dispose as non-hazardous laboratory waste unless contaminated with other hazardous substances
Regulatory Considerations: Classify as non-hazardous waste under typical chemical disposal guidelines
Precautionary Steps: Ensure waste glycyrrhizic acid does not enter natural waterways or public sewage systems in bulk
UN Number: Not classified as a hazardous material for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated as dangerous goods under ADR, RID, IMDG, IATA
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions: Store in sealed, clearly labeled containers; protect from water; avoid mechanical shock during handling
Shipping Name: Glycyrrhizic Acid (Non-hazardous)
Inventory Status: Listed in the United States TSCA Inventory, EU EINECS, and other recognized chemical inventories
Labelling Requirements: No specific labeling needed under GHS unless handling larger quantities or under specific workplace classifications
OSHA: Not listed as hazardous
CERCLA, SARA: Not designated as a reportable substance
REACH Registration: Exempt as a natural extract for many uses; check latest EU requirements for intended applications
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Other National/International Requirements: Comply with all relevant workplace and consumer safety regulations based on intended use and jurisdiction; review local regulations for food or pharmaceutical applications