Product Name: Hydroxypropyl Cellulose
Chemical Name: Cellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl ether
CAS Number: 9004-64-2
Recommended Use: Thickening agent in pharmaceuticals and food, film coating for tablets, binder in cosmetics, stabilizer in various solutions
Manufacturer/Supplier: See shipping label and purchase documents for contact details.
Emergency Contact: Local Poison Control Center or Emergency Service Providers
OSHA Status: Considered non-hazardous under normal handling
GHS Classification: Not classified as dangerous according to Global Harmonized System
Main Hazards: Dust can cause mechanical irritation of eyes or respiratory tract in poorly ventilated areas; ingestion shows low toxicity
Signal Word: None required
Hazard Statement: May cause mild irritation on direct contact
Precautionary Statement: Avoid creating dust clouds, wash thoroughly after handling
Chemical Composition: Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, purities typically above 98%
Impurities: Water (<1%), trace sodium sulfate, propylene oxide residues
Molecular Formula: Variable (C3H7O)x
Synonyms: HPC, Klucel, Cellulose Hydroxypropyl Ether
Eye Contact: Flush thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, get medical attention if reaction persists
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, rinse mouth and nasal passages, get medical help if symptoms do not resolve
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, consult a doctor if discomfort continues
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: No known unsuitable agents
Specific Hazards: Dust can form explosive mixtures with air, thermal decomposition gives carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus for fire-fighters, full protective gear
Fire and Explosion Hazards: May build up static discharges, avoid accumulation of dust
Spill Response: Wear dust mask, safety goggles, and gloves
Environmental Precautions: Prevent dust from entering drains or open water sources
Containment: Gather spilled material mechanically, avoid dry sweeping that could raise dust
Clean-Up Methods: Use vacuum systems with HEPA filters or wet sweeping, place collected material in suitable containers for disposal
Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas, avoid breathing dust, keep containers tightly sealed to minimize airborne particles
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and face after handling, do not eat or drink in work area
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry location away from strong oxidizing agents, keep container closed to keep moisture out
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing substances
Container Materials: Use original packaging or corrosion-resistant containers
Exposure Limits: No OSHA or ACGIH permissible exposure limits for HPC; use general dust limits: 10 mg/m3 (inhalable), 3 mg/m3 (respirable)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation if dust is generated, enclosed processes recommended for large volume use
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles for eye protection, dust mask or P2 respirator, chemical-resistant gloves, lab coat or overalls
Environmental Exposure Controls: Routine monitoring for particulate emissions, capture systems to prevent release to environment
Physical State: White to slightly yellowish powder or granular solid
Odor: Odorless
pH: 5–8 (in water, 1% solution)
Melting Point: Decomposes above 200°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable in solution
Solubility: Soluble in cold water, insoluble in most organic solvents
Relative Density: 1.1–1.2 g/cm3
Bulk Density: 300–500 kg/m3
Partition Coefficient: Not applicable
Vapor Pressure: Not measurable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Chemical Stability: Stable under typical storage and handling conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: No normal hazardous reactions expected, avoid strong oxidizers
Conditions to Avoid: Keep away from open flames, moisture, strong acids and bases, oxidizing conditions
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acrolein at elevated temperatures
Reactivity: Not considered reactive with most typical work environments
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) > 5000 mg/kg; not expected to produce toxic effects
Inhalation: Breathing high concentrations of dust may lead to temporary discomfort, throat or eye irritation
Skin Contact: Minimally irritating based on animal studies
Eye Contact: Dust can marginally irritate by mechanical action
Long-Term Effects: No evidence of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity
Chronic Exposure: Studies show no chronic systemic toxicity in repeated dose exposure
Sensitization: Not known to provoke sensitization reactions
Aquatic Toxicity: Not toxic to aquatic organisms, easily biodegradable in water and soil
Environmental Fate: Degrades to natural products, low potential for persistence or bioaccumulation, breaks down rapidly in sewage treatment
Mobility: High in water due to solubility, binds to soil particles, poses negligible risk to the environment
Other Information: Not anticipated to interfere with standard wastewater processes, not classified as a marine pollutant
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose in accordance with national, regional, and local regulations
Incineration: Suitable for incineration or as landfill material if permitted by local law
Recycling: Not typically recycled due to low economic value
Container Disposal: Rinse empty packaging; dispose as non-hazardous waste unless contaminated
Environmental Precautions: Avoid disposal into open water, sewer systems without pre-treatment
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous cargo by road (ADR/RID), sea (IMDG), or air (IATA)
Packing Group: None assigned
Label Requirements: None necessary
Special Transport Precautions: Protect from moisture and spillage, avoid container damage in transit
TSCA Status: Listed on the US Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
EINECS/ELINCS: Listed on European Chemical Inventory
REACH Registration: Exempt as a polymer
FDA: Permitted as a food additive and pharmaceutical excipient in the United States
Workplace Safety: Follows general safety guidance for handling industrial powders
Environmental Regulation: Not considered a substance of very high concern by REACH or other major regulations