Knowledge
Material Safety Data Sheet: Aspartame
Identification
Product Name: Aspartame
Synonyms: 1-methyl N-L-α-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine, ASP, NutraSweet, Equal
CAS Number: 22839-47-0
Recommended Use: Food additive, artificial sweetener
Manufacturer Information: Refer to vendor or supplier for specific contact details
Emergency Telephone: Available on supplier label or regional poison control center
Hazard Identification
Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS (Globally Harmonized System)
Label Elements: No pictogram, signal word, or hazard statement required under normal handling
Hazards: Inhalation and ingestion in routine quantities do not cause acute health effects, rare allergic reactions possible
Symptoms of Exposure: Possible gastrointestinal discomfort, allergic skin rash in individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU)
Pictogram: None required
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical Name: Aspartame
Concentration: >98%
Chemical Formula: C14H18N2O5
Impurities: Trace levels of diketopiperazine (DKP) and other minor byproducts possible depending on manufacturing blend
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move individual to fresh air, provide respiratory support if needed
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present
Ingestion: Drink water to dilute, do not induce vomiting, medical attention for individuals with PKU or persistent symptoms recommended
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Special Hazards: Combustion produces carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides, dust may form explosive mixtures with air
Protective Equipment: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Specific Methods: Cool exposed containers with water spray to prevent rupture, remove undamaged containers from area if safe
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Avoid inhalation of dust, wear appropriate protective gear
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further spillage, keep out of drains and watercourses
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up and collect spilled material in dry, clean labeled containers, ventilate area, avoid dust generation, disposal in accordance with local regulations
Handling and Storage
Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, avoid generating dust, wash thoroughly after use
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, keep in a cool, dry area out of direct sunlight, avoid moisture ingress, incompatible with strong oxidizers
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits
Engineering Controls: Adequate ventilation, especially in case of dust formation
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses with side shields, gloves, dust mask or respirator if dusting likely, protective work clothing as needed
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: White, odorless crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Molecular Weight: 294.3 g/mol
Melting Point: Begins to decompose above 200°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (10 g/L at 25°C)
pH (1% Solution): 4.5–6.0
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): -1.68 (estimated)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Other Properties: Stable under recommended storage, hygroscopic, sensitive to prolonged heat and light, may degrade over shelf life
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: No significant reactivity observed
Hazardous Reactions: None expected during handling or storage
Decomposition Products: Methanol, diketopiperazine, phenylalanine, aspartic acid, possible release of carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides under fire conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis can hasten breakdown or compromise food grade quality
Toxicological Information
Routes of Exposure: Ingestion, skin and eye contact, less likely by inhalation
Acute Effects: Low toxicity, not expected to cause systemic effects when consumed in typical dietary amounts
Chronic Effects: Individuals with PKU may suffer toxic effects from phenylalanine buildup, long term high intake effects remain under scientific observation but not demonstrated in general population
LD50 (Oral, Rat): Over 5,000 mg/kg
Carcinogenicity: No proof of carcinogenic risk from regulatory agencies; studies regularly evaluated by health entities
Mutagenicity/Reproductive Toxicity: Current evidence does not indicate mutagenic or reproductive toxicity at typical consumption levels
Ecological Information
Eco-toxicity: Not classified as toxic to aquatic organisms; quickly biodegrades in environment
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable, breaks down into naturally occurring amino acids
Bioaccumulation Potential: Unlikely to bioaccumulate in living organisms
Mobility in Soil: Limited due to rapid decomposition, water solubility promotes dilution
Other Effects: Large spills should be contained to prevent localized pH shifts or temporary oxygen demand from breakdown
Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose as non-hazardous organic waste in accordance with government regulations
Packaging Disposal: Empty containers may be recycled or disposed of as solid waste; contamination with other chemicals may require special handling
Transport Information
UN Number: Not applicable
Proper Shipping Name: Aspartame (not regulated)
Hazard Class: Not regulated as dangerous good for any transport mode
Packing Group: Not applicable
Marine Pollutant: Not applicable
Other Info: No transport restrictions under IATA, IMDG, DOT, or ADR based on current regulatory guidelines
Regulatory Information
TSCA Status (US): Listed
FDA Status (US): Approved as food additive, labeled in foods and beverages
EU Regulations: Approved as sweetener (E951), compliance subject to food law and labeling
Other Global Listings: Listed or approved by major food safety authorities worldwide, subject to regional limits and PKU warnings
Workplace Health Regulation: Not classified for workplace restriction but recommended that Safety Data Sheet remains available for all staff and quality control functions
