MSDS Insight: Ethyl Protocatechuate

Identification

Name: Ethyl Protocatechuate
Chemical Formula: C9H10O4
Common Forms: Powder or crystalline solid
Odor: Faint aromatic scent
Synonyms: Ethyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate
Chemical Family: Esters of hydroxybenzoic acid
Uses: Found in antioxidant research, preservative development, and some pharmaceutical applications

Hazard Identification

Main Risks: Irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract if dust or vapors become airborne
Acute Health Effects: Eye and skin contact tends to cause mild inflammation, redness, or discomfort
Chronic Health Effects: Long-term exposure data remains limited, but regular inhalation or dermal contact could increase risk of sensitivity
Flammability: Combustible under certain conditions, especially as a fine powder
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Environmental Risk: No significant aquatic toxicity noted at low concentrations, though raw discharge presents unnecessary risk

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Ingredient: Ethyl Protocatechuate (purity varies, generally high in research-grade batches)
CAS Number: 1910-42-5
Impurities: Usually trace amounts of related benzoic acid derivatives
Additives: National regulations may limit additives in high-purity samples, but residual solvents from synthesis may persist in technical grades

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse gently with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; avoid rubbing eyes
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, removing contaminated clothing
Inhalation: Move to fresh air and re-assess if coughing or difficulty breathing persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; seek medical help for large quantities accidentally swallowed
Follow-up: Worsening irritation or signs of allergic reaction like swelling or rash warrant a medical check

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO2, foam, or water spray for small fires
Hazardous Combustion Products: Burning may produce carbon monoxide and other irritating fumes
Firefighting Precautions: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear; approach upwind
Special Hazards: Dust accumulation increases explosion and flash fire risk; avoid stirring up dust while tackling fires

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Wear gloves, goggles, and a dust mask to reduce direct contact
Containment: Sweep up spills carefully to limit airborne dust; ventilate the area
Clean-up: Collect and place in a sealed container for disposal; wash affected area with plenty of water and mild detergent
Spill Reporting: Local environmental rules dictate whether authorities need notification for disposal

Handling and Storage

Handling Tips: Always limit ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact; close containers tightly after use
Good Practices: Use local ventilation when working with powders
Storage: Keep tightly closed in a dry, well-ventilated spot away from direct sunlight, strong acids, bases, and oxidizers
Temperature Range: Room temperature storage works for most samples; freezing or refrigeration helps for longer shelf-life

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Ventilation: Local exhaust systems limit airborne particles
Eye Protection: Safety goggles preferred over basic spectacles
Skin Protection: Nitrile gloves, lab coats, and closed shoes block skin exposure
Respiratory Protection: Standard dust masks suffice unless heavy airborne concentrations develop; specialized filters offer extra safety in large labs
Hygiene: Wash thoroughly after handling, especially before eating or drinking

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to beige crystalline powder
Odor: Faint, sometimes sweet or aromatic
Melting Point: Typically near 147–150 °C
Boiling Point: Not well-documented, as decomposition likely occurs before boiling
Solubility: Moderate to high in alcohols, low in water
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Decomposition: Breaks down with strong heat, giving off carbon oxides
pH: Not applicable for dry powder; slightly acidic in solution

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable in normal lab and storage conditions
Incompatible Materials: Avoid strong acids, bases, and oxidizing chemicals
Reactivity: Not known for strong reactivity, but dust can ignite in air with a spark or static discharge
Decomposition Products: Mainly carbon oxides, potentially noxious organic vapors

Toxicological Information

Acute Symptoms: Eye and skin irritation most common, especially with dust contact
Oral Toxicity: Animal studies suggest moderate LD50 values; accidental swallowing in small amounts poses minimal risk, but not recommended
Chronic Exposure: No long-term epidemiological data; frequent exposure should be limited
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a known carcinogen in IARC or similar registries
Allergic Reactions: Persons with sensitivity to benzoic acid derivatives might react to this compound

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Low levels appear to pose little threat to typical aquatic species, but data remains sparse
Persistence: Likely biodegradable under environmental conditions, based on chemical structure and similarities to other esters
Bioaccumulation: Does not strongly accumulate in animal tissues
Soil Mobility: Limited movement expected from low water solubility

Disposal Considerations

Waste Management: Chemical waste recycling programs make sense for research labs with frequent use; always follow local hazardous waste guidelines
Safe Disposal: Avoid pouring into sinks or drains; solid waste bins or hazardous waste pickup offer the right route
Container Disposal: Rinse thoroughly or triple-wash before discarding, or send to dedicated chemical waste facilities

Transport Information

Shipping Classification: Not considered a dangerous good in small laboratory quantities by common transport guidelines
Packing: Leak-proof containers reduce exposure risk during transit
Labeling: Clear identification and hazard warnings prove useful in any environment
Special Precautions: Prevent rough handling or exposure to high heat

Regulatory Information

Workplace Safety: Many jurisdictions include basic chemical handling regulations and exposure limits; check with local authorities
Environmental Release: Restrictions center on waste management and spill notification rules
Lab Safety Standards: Policies often include mandatory training, routine risk assessments, and access to safety showers