Material Safety Data Sheet: Trans-Aconitic Acid

Identification

Product Name: Trans-Aconitic Acid
Synonyms: trans-Propene-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid; trans-1-Propene-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid
Chemical Formula: C6H6O6
Molecular Weight: 174.11 g/mol
Recommended Uses: Intermediate in chemical synthesis, food additive, research chemical
Manufacturer: Refer to individual supplier or distributor
Emergency Contact: Refer to local regulatory requirements and workplace protocol for contact information

Hazard Identification

Classification: Classified as an irritant to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye and skin irritation; may cause respiratory discomfort
Pictograms: Exclamation mark (Irritant)
Signal Word: Warning
Precautionary Statements: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; wear eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing; avoid inhaling dust or vapors
Target Organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory tract

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Trans-Aconitic Acid
CAS Number: 585-84-2
Purity: ≥98% (specific values depend on supplier data)
Impurities: Trace organic acids, water (consult supplier for details)
Ingredient List: No known hazardous decomposition products under normal storage and use conditions

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms develop or persist
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with plenty of soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; get medical attention for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; lift eyelids occasionally; consult an ophthalmologist
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; seek medical advice if feeling unwell; do not induce vomiting unless advised by medical personnel
Note to Physician: Treat symptomatically; monitor for signs of irritation or allergic response

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam, or water spray
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jet may spread burning material
Special Hazards: Product may emit toxic fumes of carbon oxides when heated or in case of fire
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Advice: Move containers away from fire area if safe; contain and collect fire extinguishing water to prevent environmental contamination

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation; use personal protective equipment as recommended
Environmental Precautions: Prevent contamination of soil, drains, and waterways; notify authorities in case of large spills
Spill Cleanup: Sweep up or vacuum spilled material and place in suitable container for disposal; avoid raising dust; ventilate area
Decontamination: Wash spill area thoroughly with water after material removal

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in a well-ventilated area; avoid breathing dust or vapor; handle with care to prevent contact with skin and eyes
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and face after use; remove contaminated clothing
Storage Conditions: Store in a tightly closed container; keep in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space; avoid incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers and bases
Storage Temperature: Store at ambient room temperature or below (15–25°C), away from sources of heat or ignition
Incompatibilities: Oxidizing agents, strong bases

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: Occupational exposure limits not established for trans-aconitic acid
Engineering Controls: Use with local exhaust ventilation to minimize airborne concentrations
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile), safety goggles or face shield, lab coat, and appropriate respiratory protection if dust is generated
Respiratory Protection: Approved particulate respirator as a backup when ventilation is insufficient
Environmental Protection: Facilities using this product should be equipped with eyewash stations and safety showers

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline solid
Odor: None or faintly acidic
pH (1% solution): Approximately 2.5–3.0
Melting Point: 190–195°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Soluble in water (moderate), methanol; low in ether
Vapor Pressure: Not significant at ambient temperatures
Specific Gravity: Approximately 1.573 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (octanol/water): Not determined
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable (non-volatile solid)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage
Possible Hazards: May react with strong oxidizing agents and strong bases
Decomposition Products: Emits carbon oxides under fire or thermal decomposition
Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization known
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flame, dust generation, contact with incompatible materials

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Data limited; low acute oral toxicity expected based on structure and related acids
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eye, ingestion
Effects of Overexposure: Eye and skin irritation, respiratory tract discomfort, gastrointestinal symptoms if ingested
Chronic Effects: No established information on long-term effects; vigilance recommended until further data
Sensitization: No evidence for sensitizing effects in humans; limited animal data
Mutagenicity/Carcinogenicity: No mutagenic or carcinogenic effects reported for trans-aconitic acid in current literature

Ecological Information

Environmental Fate: Expected to biodegrade in soil and water; product is not persistent
Aquatic Toxicity: Data sparse, but as an organic acid, may cause local pH reduction and be harmful to aquatic organisms at high concentration
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate due to high water solubility and low partition coefficient
Mobility in Soil: Mobile in water due to moderate solubility
Other Adverse Effects: No evidence for ozone depletion, endocrine disruption, or other long-term ecological effects

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose of contents and container in compliance with local, regional, and national regulations
Treatment: Chemical should not be poured down the drain without proper neutralization and wastewater treatment steps
Packaging: Discard packaging as hazardous waste unless thoroughly decontaminated
Sewage Disposal: Avoid release into drainage systems or bodies of water

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated under UN, IMDG, IATA transport requirements for most regions
Proper Shipping Name: Trans-Aconitic Acid
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous for transportation
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Protect from moisture and direct sunlight; avoid packaging that could break or spill in transit

Regulatory Information

Labelling Requirements: Product labeling must comply with local chemical safety, hazard communication, and workplace standards
Inventory Status: Listed on TSCA (United States), EINECS/ELINCS (Europe), DSL/NDSL (Canada), and other relevant inventories
Regulatory Listings: Not listed as a hazardous substance or toxic chemical by main global agencies; product should be handled according to workplace safety rules
Health & Safety Codes: Refer to national chemical safety and occupational health standards
Other Regulations: Review any applicable food additive legislation if using in food or beverage applications; always maintain proper workplace hygiene and risk management documentation