Material Safety Data Sheet: Betaine Hydrochloride

Identification

Product Name: Betaine Hydrochloride
Chemical Name: Trimethylglycine Hydrochloride
CAS Number: 590-46-5
Synonyms: Betaine HCl, Glycine Betaine Hydrochloride
Recommended Uses: Dietary supplement, feed additive, chemical intermediate
Supplier Details: Manufacturer and distributor contact information provided on request, including phone number, email, and physical address for communication in emergencies.
Emergency Contact: National Poison Control Center or local emergency services

Hazard Identification

Hazard Class: Not listed as a hazardous substance according to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
GHS Label Elements: Not classified as hazardous under GHS; no pictogram, signal word, or hazard statement required
Health Hazards: Mildly irritating to respiratory system, eyes, and skin in high concentrations; ingestion may cause stomach discomfort
Environmental Hazards: Not anticipated to produce significant environmental effects in small quantities
Precautionary Statements: Avoid ingestion in unapproved circumstances, avoid contact with eyes, use in well-ventilated area
Symptoms of Exposure: Coughing, mild throat irritation, possible redness of skin and eyes

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Betaine Hydrochloride
CAS Number: 590-46-5
Concentration: Typically 98–100% (by weight)
Impurities: Moisture content less than 1%, minor related organic salts may be present based on synthesis method

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep comfortable, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Rinse skin thoroughly with plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical advice for irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, seek medical advice for discomfort
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, avoid inducing vomiting, seek medical attention if feeling unwell
Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically based on clinical presentation

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Do not use high-pressure water streams directly on powder due to risk of dispersion
Specific Hazards: Dust may form explosive mixture with air under rare conditions, decomposes producing hydrochloric acid and nitrogen oxides in fire
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Advice for Firefighters: Attempt to prevent run-off from entering drains, water courses, or soil

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust, ensure adequate ventilation, use recommended protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and dust mask
Environmental Precautions: Prevent major spillage from entering drains or waterways, report large releases to authorities
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or vacuum spilled product carefully to prevent dust cloud, place residue into appropriate waste container, wash affected area with water
Emergency Procedures: Isolate area, restrict access to necessary personnel, ventilate enclosed spaces

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid creating dust, use in well-ventilated spaces, prevent contact with eyes and prolonged skin exposure, wash hands thoroughly after handling
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed container, in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and incompatible substances like strong acids and oxidizing agents
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases
Storage Life: Stable for up to two years in sealed packaging under recommended conditions
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling, change out of contaminated clothing promptly

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific limits established by OSHA or ACGIH
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation where dusty conditions may arise, maintain general ventilation
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use nitrile gloves, safety goggles, dust mask or particulate respirator where airborne dust is generated, lab coat or apron
Workplace Practices: Maintain good housekeeping to minimize dust accumulation, regularly wash hands and exposed skin
Environmental Exposure Controls: Avoid discharge to environment through appropriate disposal procedures

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to slightly off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless or faint characteristic odor
pH (1% Solution): Approximately 1.0–2.0
Melting Point: 292°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Solubility in Water: Readily soluble
Density: 1.2–1.3 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable (solid at ambient temperature)
Flash Point: Not flammable
Autoignition Temperature: Not determined
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Not determined

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under standard storage and handling practices
Reactivity: Generally unreactive under normal conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Not expected under normal use; contact with strong oxidizers, strong bases, or strong acids may cause degradation
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, sources of ignition, excessive moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids or bases
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride gas, trimethylamine, nitrogen oxides under extreme heat or fire

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): >5000 mg/kg (low toxicity)
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Low skin irritation potential, may cause temporary redness after extended contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: Moderate eye irritation with direct exposure
Sensitization: No evidence in available studies for skin or respiratory sensitization
Chronic Effects: No known long-term health effects documented for industrial exposure
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as carcinogenic
Reproductive Toxicity: Insufficient evidence of any reproductive or developmental toxicity
Other Data: Nutritional supplement data shows low risk with normal use

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not expected to be harmful to aquatic or terrestrial organisms at levels typically encountered in environment
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in soil and water under aerobic conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low potential for bioaccumulation based on structure and solubility
Mobility in Soil: High mobility due to water solubility
Other Adverse Effects: Product considered minimally hazardous to environment, large releases to water should be avoided

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of contents through an authorized chemical waste facility; follow local, regional, and national regulations
Container Disposal: Rinse empty containers with water and dispose of in accordance with guidelines or recycle where permitted
Precautions for Disposal: Avoid release into drains, waterways, or soil at disposal site
Regulatory Status: Not classified as hazardous waste in most regions

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Betaine Hydrochloride
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as MARPOL pollutant
Special Precautions: Use standard packaging practices for chemical goods to prevent spillage, powder dispersion
Transport Labels: No special marking requirements

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Not a hazardous chemical under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA Status: Listed on the Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
SARA Title III Sections 302, 311/312, 313: Not subject to reporting or thresholds
California Proposition 65: Product contains no chemicals subject to Proposition 65 requirements
REACH Status: Registered or exempted under European REACH regulations
Inventory Listings: Australia (AICS), Canada (DSL), China (IECSC), Japan (ENCS), Korea (KECI), Philippines (PICCS) listed
Labeling Requirements: No special hazard label statements required for lab or workplace