Material Safety Data Sheet: Betaine Monohydrate

1. Identification

Product Name: Betaine Monohydrate
CAS Number: 590-46-5
EC Number: 209-683-1
Synonyms: Glycine, N,N,N-trimethyl-, monohydrate; Trimethylglycine monohydrate
Recommended Use: Feed additive, laboratory chemical, pharmaceutical ingredient, cosmetic raw material
Supplier Name: Insert manufacturer or distributor information
Contact Details: Address, phone number, email for safety inquiries or emergencies
Emergency Phone Number: Typically provided by supplier or local poison center

2. Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS or OSHA criteria
Signal Word: None
Hazard Statements: May cause mild irritation to eyes and skin under prolonged exposure
Precautionary Statements: Wash exposed skin thoroughly after handling; avoid dust dispersion; wear standard protective gear
Pictogram: No pictogram required
Other Hazards: Fine dust might form explosive mixtures in air

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Betaine Monohydrate
Formula: C5H13NO3·H2O
Molecular Weight: 153.18 g/mol (including water of crystallization)
Ingredient Concentration: 98–100% Betaine Monohydrate by weight; no significant impurities contributing to hazard classification
Impurities: Only trace levels, typically below regulatory reporting thresholds

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; allow patient to rest; seek medical attention for persistent symptoms such as coughing or throat irritation
Skin Contact: Rinse skin with water; remove contaminated clothing; wash with soap and water for thorough decontamination
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with clean water for at least 15 minutes; lift eyelids occasionally; seek medical assessment for persistent discomfort
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with water; drink small quantities of water; avoid inducing vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel
Most Important Symptoms: Local irritation possible; unlikely to produce acute toxic effects under normal usage

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide
Special Hazards: Can produce carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides if decomposed by intense heat
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Specific Firefighting Procedures: Cool fire-exposed containers with water spray to prevent pressure build-up or rupture; avoid inhaling combustion gases
Explosion Risk: Powder form can cause dust clouds; handle with care to avoid static discharge near open flame

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear standard protective clothing, eye protection, and gloves; avoid generating dust clouds
Environmental Precautions: Prevent uncontrolled release to drains, surface water, or soil
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up or vacuum spilled material; place in appropriate waste container for disposal; wash affected area with water
Procedural Steps: Use antistatic tools; provide adequate ventilation; isolate spill from incompatible substances

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing; do not breathe dust; handle in a well-ventilated area; implement measures to minimize dust formation; ground and bond containers to reduce static discharge risk
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers away from moisture, heat, and incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers; maintain cool, dry, and well-ventilated spaces
Storage Temperature: Ambient temperature recommended; prevent exposure to humidity to avoid clumping or degradation
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, strong oxidizing agents; avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat sources

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established exposure limits; treat as nuisance particulates
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation for dust control; employ dust collection systems as needed
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Eye protection such as safety goggles; chemical-resistant gloves; lab coats or long-sleeved workwear; NIOSH- or EN-approved particulate respirator if airborne dust concentrations are high
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after use; prohibit eating, drinking, or smoking in areas where material is handled; remove contaminated clothing for laundering before reuse

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Nearly odorless or very faint odor
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH (5% solution): 5.5 to 7.0
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Decomposes at 301°C (573.8°F)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Flash Point: Not flammable under standard conditions
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Not classified as flammable; fine dust may pose minor explosion hazard
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Relative Density: About 1.38 g/cm³
Solubility: Soluble in water (25°C: 160 g/100 mL); moderately soluble in methanol
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): -4.19 (estimated, highly water-soluble)
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not determined
Decomposition Temperature: Above 301°C
Viscosity: Not applicable as a solid

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal handling and storage conditions
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions expected under normal conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive moisture, humidity, open flames, strong heating, and sources of ignition
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers such as peroxides, concentrated acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Potential release of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides if subject to combustion or decomposition

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity (Oral): LD50 (rat): > 10,000 mg/kg; considered low toxicological risk
Inhalation: Not expected to produce significant toxicity; dust can cause mechanical respiratory irritation
Dermal: Not acutely toxic; excessive or repeated exposure may lead to mild skin dryness or irritation
Eye Contact: Mildly irritating if powder contacts eyes
Chronic Effects: No evidence of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reprotoxicity based on available studies
Sensitization: Not expected to cause skin or respiratory sensitization
Other Data: Wide use in food and feed industries supports low toxicity profile

12. Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not considered hazardous to aquatic or terrestrial environments at normal use levels; no evidence for bioaccumulation
Aquatic Toxicity: LC50 (fish, 96h): > 1,000 mg/L; EC50 (daphnia, 48h): > 1,000 mg/L
Persistence/Degradability: Readily biodegradable in water and soil; naturally occurring metabolite in plants and animals
Mobility in Soil: Expected to be very mobile; highly soluble in water
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not expected due to high solubility and low partition coefficient
Other Adverse Effects: No evidence of long-lasting negative effects in the environment

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of unused material in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; small amounts can typically be released to drain with plenty of water, depending on local rules
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers must be rinsed before disposal or recycling; avoid reuse unless fully decontaminated
Recommended Disposal: Transfer to a permitted chemical waste facility; do not dispose in natural environment or household waste streams

14. Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous for transport
ADR/RID: Not classified as dangerous goods
IMDG: Not regulated by IMDG Code
IATA: Not restricted
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions: Keep containers sealed and dry; use packaging that prevents moisture ingress or spillage during transit

15. Regulatory Information

TSCA: Listed in Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
REACH Status: Registered as a low concern substance; not subject to authorization or restriction
OSHA: Not classified as hazardous, no specific requirements beyond standard dust control measures
WHMIS (Canada): Not a controlled product
GHS Classification: Not considered hazardous under GHS
Other Regulatory Notes: Approved for use in food and feed applications in many countries, but requirements for handling may vary by regulatory jurisdiction; always check for updates by local authorities