Material Safety Data Sheet: Choline Chloride

Identification

Product Name: Choline Chloride
Synonyms: 2-Hydroxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride
Chemical Formula: C5H14ClNO
CAS Number: 67-48-1
Recommended Use: Animal feed additive, pharmaceutical applications, chemical synthesis
Manufacturer: Refer to the label or supplier documentation for accurate manufacturer contact
Emergency Contact: Access local emergency telephone details or hazardous materials center
Product Description: Usually appears as colorless crystals, sometimes available in flake or liquid forms

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS. Dust generation can cause mild irritation.
Physical Hazards: Not flammable in solid form, but fine powder can present dust explosion risk
Health Hazards: Minor irritation for eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Large oral doses may cause digestive upset. No long-term chronic health risks reported in industrial usage volumes.
Environmental Hazards: No expected major environmental effects under recommended handling
Signal Word: None required for most handling scenarios
Hazard Statements: May cause minor local irritation upon contact
Pictograms: No pictograms required under current hazard assessment
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wash hands thoroughly after handling, minimize contact with skin and eyes

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Choline Chloride
Common Synonyms: Choline hydroxide chloride
CAS Number: 67-48-1
Concentration: Pure product, 98–100% choline chloride
Impurities: Water (up to 2%), traces of stabilizers depending on manufacturer
Other Components: Often provided as a solid or aqueous solution with no hazardous additives

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult, seek medical attention for persistent symptoms
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with water and soap
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, seek medical advice if irritation persists
Ingestion: Drink water to dilute, do not induce vomiting, consult a physician
Signs and Symptoms: Coughing, sneezing, irritation to eyes, slight redness on exposed skin

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, water spray, or foam
Unsafe Extinguishing Media: Direct high-pressure water jets, which may spread contamination
Special Hazards: Fine dust forms may ignite in strong ignition sources or open flame
Protective Equipment: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Hazardous Decomposition: Under fire conditions, releases fumes such as hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide
Advice: Cool containers exposed to fire with water spray

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear suitable gloves, goggles, and dust mask in case of powder spill
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains and waterways
Spill Cleanup Methods: Sweep or shovel material into suitable container for reuse or disposal, avoid creating dusty conditions
Disposal: Use designated chemical waste containers; follow local regulations for disposal
Ventilation: Increase air exchange in confined spaces to minimize dust accumulation

Handling and Storage

Handling: Keep containers tightly closed, handle in areas with good ventilation, use tools or scoops instead of bare hands, avoid raising dust, avoid direct contact with eyes and skin
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space, protect from moisture and incompatible materials, keep away from sources of ignition
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids and alkalis that can react with organic salts
Safe Transfer: Use non-sparking tools and proper grounding procedures when transferring powder

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No official OSHA, ACGIH, or NIOSH exposure limits set
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation in high-dust areas, provide facility eyewash stations
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety goggles, chemical resistant gloves, lab coat, and NIOSH-approved dust mask or respirator if exposure limits may be approached
Hygiene Measures: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in working area, wash hands after handling, change contaminated clothing promptly

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White or slightly off-white crystalline powder or colorless solution
Odor: Mild, ammoniacal
Molecular Weight: 139.62 g/mol
pH: About 5–7 (5% aqueous solution)
Melting Point: 302°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Solubility: Readily soluble in water, soluble in alcohol
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable under normal conditions
Flash Point: Not flammable
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): Not determined
Auto-ignition Temperature: Data not established
Density: Approximately 0.98–1.0 g/cm³ for powder form

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions; decomposes at high temperatures
Reactivity: Low reactivity, no hazardous polymerization reported
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid exposure to high moisture, excessive heat, and open flames
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids
Decomposition Products: Decomposes at high temperature to form trimethylamine, hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) > 3900 mg/kg — low toxicity
Irritation: May cause mild eye, skin, or upper respiratory tract irritation
Chronic Exposure: No evidence of adverse chronic effects under standard exposure
Sensitization: No reported cases of sensitization
Mutagenicity: No evidence in standard studies
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Medical Conditions Aggravated: Pre-existing respiratory or skin disorders may present increased risk

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Acute aquatic toxicity data suggests low toxicity to aquatic life
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in the environment
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low, due to high solubility and ready breakdown
Mobility in Soil: Very mobile, easily washed out with water
Other Adverse Effects: No significant adverse environmental impact at regulated usage levels

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and international regulations. Small amounts may be dissolved in water and washed to drain with large amounts of water, unless regulations prohibit
Container Disposal: Cleaned containers can be recycled or disposed as regular waste; avoid direct discharge to surface waters
Precautionary Measures: Prevent any leaks or accidental releases from entering drains, soil, or the wider environment

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as a dangerous good by UN Model Regulations
Proper Shipping Name: Choline Chloride
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not classified
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Precautions: Needed in case of accidental packaging breakage — avoid dust release, keep product dry and in sealed containers
Bulk Transportation: Follow basic hygiene and safety practices, ensure containers tightly closed and correctly labeled

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Not considered hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA Status: Listed in the United States TSCA Inventory
WHMIS (Canada): Not classified
REACH (Europe): Pre-registered or registered as appropriate
Other Regulations: No specific regulatory restrictions in most regions
Label Requirements: None for non-hazardous substances, standard chemical labeling for traceability recommended