Material Safety Data Sheet Commentary: Ectoine

Identification

Common Name: Ectoine
Chemical Name: 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2-methyl-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid
CAS Number: 96702-03-3
Category: Amino acid derivative, compatible solute
Appearance: White crystalline or powder form, nearly odorless
Uses: Skin-care formulations, wound-healing aids, protective ingredient for sensitive biological materials
Sources: Produced by specific halophilic bacteria exposed to environmental stress
Synonyms: Ectoin
Soluble in: Water
Potential Users: Researchers, cosmetic chemists, biotechnologists
Intended for: Laboratory use, cosmetic formulation, and, on occasion, pharmaceutical applications

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Primary Health Hazards: No acute health risks reported from normal use, but dust can sometimes irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract if present in large enough quantities
Chronic Hazards: Data on long-term exposure is limited, but repetitive exposure to large amounts of any organic powder may affect sensitive individuals
Flammability: Combustible dust risk if finely divided in air
Environmental: Not expected to pose significant hazard to aquatic organisms in regular use scenarios
Signal Word: None required
Pictograms: None mandated under standard chemical safety listings in most regulatory systems

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Component: Ectoine (purity typically ranges 97-100 percent by weight)
Impurities: Trace residuals of process byproducts, salt, and moisture as by manufacturer’s process
Physical Form: Fine powder or crystalline solid
Chemical Structure: Cyclic amino acid derived from natural biosynthesis, not a blend or mixture with unidentified substances

First Aid Measures

General Guidelines: Remove source of exposure if safe to do so
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; if irritation continues, seek medical advice
Skin Contact: Wash with mild soap and water; if redness or sensitivity remains, monitor and consult healthcare if necessary
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, breathe easily, and seek medical help if symptoms like coughing or discomfort persist
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute, and get medical attention if feeling unwell
Special Instructions: Keep product label or identification nearby when consulting a health professional

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide
Unusual Hazards: Organic dust can ignite in certain rare circumstances; keep powder from dispersing in confined spaces with ignition sources
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Standard fire protection suits, positive pressure breathing gear
Thermal Decomposition: May yield minor irritants like carbon oxides
Recommendations: Move containers from fire area if possible without risk; avoid inhaling combustion products

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid creating large dust clouds, ventilate the area
Spill Response: Sweep up without generating airborne dust and place in container for disposal; vacuum with HEPA filter for fine residues
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, soil, or water systems in large quantities
Decontamination: Rinse surfaces with water if appropriate and safe for surroundings
Waste Handling: Bag and seal waste for regular chemical disposal according to local instructions
Protective Measures: Wear appropriate gloves, eye protection, and mask if dusting occurs

Handling and Storage

Handling Instructions: Minimize dust production, handle with clean, dry utensils
Safe Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers, away from moisture, direct sunlight, or incompatible compounds
Temperature: Keep at room temperature; avoid exposure to extreme heat or freezing
Ventilation: Use local ventilation when handling large amounts repeatedly
Storage Area: Clean, dry shelves away from any food, beverages, or reactive chemicals
Security: Clearly label containers and restrict access to intended users

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Ensure proper ventilation in work areas prone to dust formation
Eye/Face Protection: Safety glasses for powder handling
Skin Protection: Single-use gloves or non-absorbent lab gloves as needed
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask or particulate respirator for prolonged or high-level exposure
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating or drinking after contact with powder
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific limits established by OSHA or ACGIH for pure ectoine as of this writing
Containment: Use dedicated tools and close cap immediately after dispensing

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline solid or fine powder
Odor: Odorless or nearly so
Melting Point: Ranges around 280 °C (decomposition starts before melting completes)
Solubility: Highly soluble in water; limited in organic solvents
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Density: Scheduling depends on residual moisture but typically near 1.3 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at normal ambient conditions
pH (in water): Neutral to slightly acidic
Other Features: Hygroscopic, tends to clump if stored unsealed

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excess heat, open flames, or moisture exposure
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, very strong mineral acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Produces limited carbon oxides under combustion
Polymerization: Not known to polymerize
Shelf Life: Maintains original qualities well if protected from contaminants and moisture

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: No evidence of acute toxicity at standard use levels
Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, inhalation of dust, ingestion
Irritation: Can irritate eyes or airways as with any small particulate material handled in bulk
Chronic Toxicity: No recognized chronic toxicity in standard lab studies, though few long-term studies in humans exist
Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity: No evidence from animal tests or reported incidents
Sensitive Groups: People with allergies to powders or dust may react with mild skin or eye symptoms

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low aquatic and terrestrial toxicity in standard laboratory simulations
Environmental Fate: Readily biodegradable under typical environmental conditions, rapid microbial breakdown reported
Persistence: Does not bioaccumulate, rapidly converted by soil and water microorganisms
Mobility: Water-soluble nature can increase local concentrations near spills but dilution minimizes impact in open systems
Secondary Effects: Large releases might shift ionic balance in small ponds but unlikely in realistic exposure scenarios

Disposal Considerations

Product Disposal: Collect as regular laboratory waste or non-hazardous industrial waste according to local laws
Unused Material: Return to supplier if possible; otherwise, seal and send for chemical disposal through approved waste handlers
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse or dispose as solid waste if contamination prevents reuse
Sewer Disposal: Discourage release into municipal water unless dissolved and within safe concentration ranges as determined by local regulations

Transport Information

UN Number: Not assigned for this product
Shipping Name: Ectoine, not regulated for ground, sea, or air transport under normal packaging
Packing Group: Not assigned
Hazard Class: None as per general chemical safety guidelines
Special Precautions: Package securely to prevent rupture or spreading of powder, especially in public transport spaces
Transport Labels: None required under standard chemical shipping protocols

Regulatory Information

Global Listings: Registered without notable restrictions in REACH, TSCA, and similar inventories
GHS Classification: No hazard pictograms or risk statements routinely required
Labelling: Recommend generic chemical label with clear name and utilitarian hazard statements related to dust
Restrictions: No special prohibitions in most regulatory frameworks for cosmetic or research use
Worker Protection: General guidance for safe handling and personal protection should be followed at all facilities