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PROPIONIC ACIDICSC: 0806 (September 1997)
Ethylformic acid
Methylacetic acid
Propanoic acid
Ethanecarboxylic acid
CAS #: 79-09-4
UN #: 1848
EC Number: 201-176-3

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Flammable.  Above 54°C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking.  Above 54°C use a closed system, ventilation and explosion-proof electrical equipment.  Use water spray, powder, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide.  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. 

 AVOID ALL CONTACT!  
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Burning sensation. Cough. Shortness of breath. Sore throat.  Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin Skin burns. Pain. Blisters.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe deep burns.  Wear face shield.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion Abdominal cramps. Burning sensation. Nausea. Shock or collapse. Sore throat. Vomiting.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 8; UN Pack Group: III 

STORAGE
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases and food and feedstuffs. 
PACKAGING
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. 
PROPIONIC ACID ICSC: 0806
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
OILY COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH PUNGENT ODOUR. 

Physical dangers
 

Chemical dangers
The substance is a medium strong acid. Reacts with bases, strong oxidants and amines. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Attacks many metals. This produces flammable/explosive gas (hydrogen - see ICSC 0001). 

Formula: C3H6O2 / CH3CH2COOH
Molecular mass: 74.1
Boiling point: 141°C
Melting point: -21°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.99
Solubility in water: very good
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 390
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.6
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.01
Flash point: 54°C c.c., 57°C o.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 485°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2.1-12
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.33  


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 10 ppm as TWA.
MAK: 31 mg/m3, 10 ppm; peak limitation category: I(2); pregnancy risk group: C.
EU-OEL: 31 mg/m3, 10 ppm as TWA; 62 mg/m3, 20 ppm as STEL 

ENVIRONMENT
The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms. 

NOTES
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: C; R: 34; S: (1/2)-23-36-45; Note: B 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Propionic acid (FAO Nutrition Meetings Report Series 40abc)
       PROPIONIC ACID (JECFA Evaluation)