Magnesium Acetate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Identification

Product Name: Magnesium Acetate
Chemical Formula: C4H6MgO4·4H2O
Synonyms: Magnesium diacetate, Acetic acid magnesium salt, Magnesium acetate tetrahydrate
CAS Number: 16674-78-5
Recommended Use: Used in laboratory reagents, analytical chemistry, dyeing, and textiles
Supplier Details: Manufacturer’s contact information should be accessible for emergency and product inquiries
Emergency Contact: Access to a 24-hour emergency service for chemical exposure or spills can lessen risks to health and property

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
Label Elements: No pictogram or signal word required
Health Hazards: Mild irritant to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract if direct contact occurs or dust is inhaled; May lead to irritation symptoms such as redness, discomfort, coughing, or sore throat
Physical Hazards: Non-combustible solid but decomposes at high temperatures, releasing combustible acetate vapors
Environmental Hazards: Not expected to cause long-term adverse effects in the environment but large spills into waterways should be avoided
Precautionary Statements: Avoid creating and inhaling dust, minimize skin and eye contact, and prevent environmental release

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Magnesium Acetate Tetrahydrate
CAS Number: 16674-78-5
EC Number: 605-069-1
Concentration: Greater than 98% purity, balance water of hydration
Impurities: Trace amounts of acetic acid from atmospheric exposure may be present, but not in hazardous levels

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move individual to fresh air quickly; if irritation or difficulty breathing persists, seek medical attention; use artificial respiration if the person is not breathing
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water for several minutes; remove any contaminated clothing and launder before reuse
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids; immediate medical attention may be warranted if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water and give the person water to drink; do not induce vomiting except on medical advice; seek immediate medical care for large amounts
Immediate symptoms: Irritation, redness, scratching sensation, and coughing are the most likely acute effects of accidental exposure
Medical Attention: Supportive care and symptom management by a health professional

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam depending on surrounding fire environment
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid high-volume water jets
Hazards from Combustion: Product does not burn, but decomposition may release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acetic acid fumes
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear to guard against chemical vapors
Special Procedures: Approach fire from upwind, move containers away from fire area if safe, cool unaffected containers with water spray

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear suitable protective clothing (gloves, goggles, dust respirators); ventilate area; prevent dust formation
Environmental Precautions: Avoid release into sewers, soil, or streams; notify local authorities if a large spill enters the environment
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up using methods that minimize dust generation; use a vacuum with HEPA filter or gently wet down spilled material before sweeping; collect in a labeled, closed container for proper disposal
Disposal of Waste: Refer to local, state, and federal guidelines; small amounts can be diluted and flushed with plenty of water if local regulations allow

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas; avoid breathing dust; handle with gloves and eye protection; wash hands thoroughly after use; do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling
Conditions for Safe Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances like strong acids and oxidizers; prevent moisture ingress to avoid caking and degradation
Incompatibilities: Reacts with acids to release acetic acid vapor; keep away from oxidizing agents

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH and OSHA do not assign specific limits for magnesium acetate, but limit dust exposure based on nuisance dust levels (OSHA PEL for particulates not otherwise regulated: 15 mg/m³ total dust, 5 mg/m³ respirable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation and process enclosures to control dust at the source
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask or respirator if dust generation is possible; use a lab coat or coveralls to avoid skin contact
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly before eating, drinking, or smoking; remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline solid
Odor: Slight acetic acid odor
Odor Threshold: Very low, acetic acid scent might be noticeable during decomposition
pH (1% soln/water): Weakly alkaline to neutral
Melting Point: Decomposes above 80°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not measurable
Flammability: Not flammable
Explosion Limits: No data; dust may present minor risk with strong static discharge
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Relative Density: About 1.45 (water = 1)
Solubility: Very soluble in water
Partition Coefficient: Not applicable
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not self-igniting
Decomposition Temperature: Starts at 80°C, releases acetic acid fumes
Viscosity: Not applicable to solids

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Strong acids will displace acetate ions with acetic acid vapor formation; strong oxidizers may increase fire risk
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to heat, open flames, moisture, and incompatible chemicals
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides (CO, CO₂) and acetic acid vapors form during thermal decomposition
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizers, halogenated compounds

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity by oral, dermal, and inhalation routes (oral LD50 in rats >1,000 mg/kg)
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mild irritant; no lasting damage expected with normal use
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes mild, reversible eye irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: Not a known respiratory sensitizer
Skin Sensitization: Not expected to cause skin sensitization
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: No data suggesting mutagenic risk
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, ACGIH, or OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence indicating reproductive hazards at occupational exposure levels
Specific Target Organ Toxicity: Not linked to target organ toxicity under normal conditions of use
Repeated Dose Toxicity: No harmful effects observed in repeated dose studies at non-irritating levels
Symptom Information: Exposure might cause irritation to eyes, skin, or respiratory tract

Ecological Information

Eco-toxicity: Not considered toxic to aquatic or terrestrial life at likely environmental concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Acetates degrade quickly in the environment, and magnesium exists as a natural mineral
Bioaccumulative Potential: Unlikely to bioaccumulate; both magnesium and acetate ions are metabolized or incorporated into the environment
Mobility in Soil: Water-soluble; moves through soil layers easily if released
Additional Environmental Details: Large spills may raise levels of magnesium and acetate in water, but no chronic toxicity expected; best practice is to prevent bulk releases

Disposal Considerations

Product Disposal: Dilute small quantities with water and discharge to drain if permitted by local authorities; otherwise, manage as non-hazardous solid waste
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly before disposal or recycling; follow local guidelines
Special Precautions: Avoid flushing large amounts into water bodies; observe all applicable regulations
Local Regulations: Always check regional, state, and federal requirements for chemical disposal; some locations might treat magnesium salts as non-hazardous if uncontaminated

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not applicable
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as a hazardous material
Packing Group: Not applicable
Marine Pollutant: Not classified as a marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Package securely to prevent dust release or damage during transit; proper labeling helps emergency responders

Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed in the US Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
SARA 313: Not listed as a reportable chemical
SARA 302/304: Not present as an extremely hazardous substance
CERCLA: Not regulated
California Proposition 65: Not listed as a known carcinogen or reproductive toxin
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
WHMIS Classification (Canada): Not controlled
Other Federal and State Regulations: Check individual state and country requirements, though common regulatory authorities do not flag magnesium acetate as hazardous under routine use