Φ-Coumaric Acid: A Closer Look at Its Safety and Risks

Identification

Chemical Name: Ρ-Coumaric Acid
Synonyms: 4-Hydroxycinnamic acid
CAS Number: 501-98-4
Molecular Formula: C9H8O3
Physical Appearance: Off-white to beige powder
Odor: Odorless
Common Uses: Food additive, antioxidant, precursor for the synthesis of other compounds

Hazard Identification

Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous under current GHS guidelines
Main Concerns: Dust may cause irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract on contact or inhalation, especially in poorly ventilated spaces
Chronic Effects: No evidence shows chronic toxicity in humans with ordinary exposure; laboratory animals show low toxicity during repeated exposure
Environmental Risk: Not considered a significant environmental hazard in small-scale applications, but larger releases could have local impacts

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Component: Ρ-Coumaric Acid
Concentration: Usually provided as pure substance in laboratory and research settings
Other Ingredients: Impurities are typically below detection limits in high-purity samples

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move individual to fresh air, keep them at rest and comfortable, seek medical attention if irritation continues
Skin Contact: Wash immediately with plenty of water and soap, remove contaminated clothing, monitor for persistent redness or irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for several minutes, lift eyelids if necessary, get medical help if discomfort continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, seek medical advice in cases of large ingestion or observable symptoms

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water fog, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, or foam
Fire Hazards: Ρ-Coumaric Acid can burn if exposed to high temperatures, may emit carbon oxides or other irritating fumes
Protection for Firefighters: Use self-contained breathing apparatus, wear protective clothing due to fume risk in confined fires
Special Notes: Avoid breathing combustion gases, control runoff to prevent environmental contamination

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, goggles, and dust mask, avoid creating airborne dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, soil, or waterways where possible
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up and collect in suitable containers for disposal, ventilate area, wash residues away with copious water

Handling and Storage

Handling: Keep container tightly closed, minimize dust formation, avoid skin and eye contact
Storage: Store in cool, dry place, keep away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers, protect from excessive moisture and sunlight
Safe Use Considerations: Follow basic laboratory hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing and keeping food away from chemical workspaces

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limit established for Ρ-Coumaric Acid
Engineering Controls: Use with adequate local exhaust ventilation, keep work area clean, use dust collectors if handling large amounts
Personal Protection: Protective gloves, chemical safety goggles, lab coat recommended; use NIOSH-approved dust mask for dusty conditions
Hygiene Measures: Remove contaminated clothing promptly, wash hands before eating or drinking

Physical and Chemical Properties

Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Melting Point: Around 210°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in cold water, better in hot water, soluble in alcohol and basic solutions
pH: Acidic in solution
Molecular Weight: 164.16 g/mol
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Flash Point: Not explosive or highly flammable under typical use, but fine dust may form combustible mixture with air under rare conditions

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under standard conditions of use and storage
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions under normal conditions
Materials to Avoid: Strong oxidizers can cause exothermic reaction, avoid contact with acids and alkalis that may degrade the compound
Hazardous Decomposition Products: May release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or other noxious fumes when burned or degraded under severe conditions

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low oral and dermal toxicity in animal studies, estimated LD50 well above amounts encountered during typical laboratory use
Skin and Eye Effects: May irritate eyes or skin on direct contact, with symptoms like redness or mild discomfort
Respiratory Effects: Inhalation of dust can irritate the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract
Carcinogenicity: No data linking Ρ-Coumaric Acid to cancer in humans or animals
Mutagenicity: Studies in bacteria typically show negative results
Sensitization: Not regarded as a skin sensitizer for most people, allergy cases reported only rarely

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Considered low based on bioassay data, limited potential to harm aquatic or terrestrial life in small quantities
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegrades under environmental conditions through microbial action within weeks
Bioaccumulation: Likelihood of bioaccumulation in organisms remains low
Mobility in Soil: Expected to bind to particulates and organic matter, limiting groundwater movement

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Handle as non-hazardous laboratory chemical waste unless contaminated with hazardous materials
Preferred Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations, use secure and appropriate chemical waste containers
Environmental Caution: Do not dump large quantities into sewers or waterways, avoid incineration of large quantities in open environments

Transport Information

UN Number: Not listed as a regulated substance for transport
Transport Hazards: No acute risk for shipment as a solid, but standard care applies surrounding dust and spillage
Packing Group: Not assigned under standard international shipping requirements
Special Precautions: Package securely to reduce risk of dust spread or accidental release during transit

Regulatory Information

Global Listings: Generally not listed on hazardous substance lists for transport or workplace safety
Occupational Listings: No specific occupational exposure limit or registration, falls under general chemical safety codes
Food Additive Approval: Permitted in some countries as a food antioxidant within regulated limits
Additional Restrictions: Use guided by standard chemical safety regulations with no extra licensing or reporting for small quantities