Material Safety Data Sheet: Erythritol

Identification

Product Name: Erythritol
Chemical Name: 1,2,3,4-Butanetetrol
CAS Number: 149-32-6
Molecular Formula: C4H10O4
Synonyms: Erythrite, Erythrol
Intended Use: Used as a sugar substitute, humectant, and sweetener in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic formulations
Supplier/Manufacturer: Contact details required for specific producer or distributor
Emergency Contact Number: Reference supplier contract or Chemtrec for US response

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS guidelines
Label Elements: No signal word, pictogram, hazard statement, or precautionary statement required
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation may cause mild respiratory discomfort; ingestion in large amounts can trigger gastrointestinal upset such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea; contact with eyes or skin usually considered non-irritating but rinsing is recommended for particulate exposure
Chronic Effects: No evidence of chronic toxicity or carcinogenicity
Environmental Effects: Not known to present significant danger to aquatic or terrestrial environments based on current data

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Erythritol
Concentration: Minimum purity typically above 99% by weight
Impurities: Trace amounts of related polyols (e.g., sorbitol, mannitol) possible depending on production process
Additives: None reported in high-purity food or pharmaceutical grade material
Component Disclosure: Single-ingredient substance

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical attention for persistent symptoms
Skin Contact: Wash area thoroughly with soap and water; medical attention rarely needed
Eye Contact: Rinse gently with plenty of water for at least 10–15 minutes; consult physician if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute; seek medical attention if uncomfortable symptoms arise after high doses
Important Symptom Notes: Most effects relate to gastrointestinal limits and dust exposure, not chemical toxicity
Special Advice for Doctors: Symptomatic treatment

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct high-pressure water jets
Specific Hazards: Dust can accumulate and form explosive mixtures in air under certain conditions; combustion may release carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Firefighting Measures: Avoid inhaling smoke and combustion products; cool exposed containers with water spray
Explosion Data: May pose dust explosion risk in poorly ventilated areas with significant airborne particles

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Prevent dust formation; wear suitable respiratory protection and gloves
Environmental Precautions: Minimize entry into sewers or surface waters, though compound not expected to significantly pollute
Containment and Clean-Up: Sweep or vacuum material and put in suitable labelled containers; dampen with water to reduce airborne dust
Reference to Other Sections: Use personal protective equipment as indicated in Section 8
Disposal: Handle according to local regulations, generally as food-grade waste

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Avoid creating and breathing dust; use in well-ventilated environments; maintain good housekeeping practices
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking after handling the substance; keep work area clean
Conditions for Safe Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, and ventilated area away from moisture and direct sunlight; keep away from strong oxidizers
Incompatibilities: Avoid strong acids, bases, and oxidizers
Storage Class: General chemical storage, not classified as hazardous

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific OEL or TLV values; avoid excessive dust by sourcing workplace exposure limits for nuisance particulates
Engineering Controls: Provide adequate ventilation; use local exhaust or dust collection if necessary
Personal Protective Equipment: Use safety goggles for handling bulk powder; dust mask or respirator where dust levels approach recognized nuisance dust limits; gloves to minimize skin exposure
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke in handling area; change contaminated clothing
Environmental Exposure Controls: Collect spillage and dispose of in accordance with local requirements

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White, crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Odorless
Molecular Weight: 122.12 g/mol
pH (10% Solution): Approximately 5.0–7.0
Melting Point: About 121°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not available; not highly flammable
Solubility in Water: 37% at 25°C
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Density: About 1.45 g/cm³ (20°C)
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Log Kow -2.6
Other Properties: Not volatile, stable under normal conditions; hygroscopicity is low

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under standard ambient conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: May form explosive dust-air mixtures in confined, unventilated spaces
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flames, sources of ignition, generating airborne dust
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possible small amounts of aldehydes on combustion
Polymerization: Will not occur

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 in rats greater than 15,000 mg/kg, very low toxicity
Chronic Toxicity: Studies show no evidence of long-term adverse health effects or carcinogenicity
Inhalation: Dust may irritate respiratory tract in sensitive individuals
Ingestion: High amounts may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, flatulence, or laxative effects
Skin Contact: Not classified as irritant or sensitizer
Eye Contact: Dust may cause mild, temporary discomfort
Mutagenicity: Negative results in standard genotoxicity studies
Carcinogenicity: No evidence of carcinogenic potential from animal or human studies
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence of reproductive or developmental effects

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not expected to be harmful to aquatic or terrestrial organisms based on available data
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable; breaks down quickly in the environment
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate (low log Kow)
Mobility in Soil: High solubility in water suggests mobility through the soil; metabolized by microorganisms
Other Adverse Effects: No significant environmental impact reported in current studies

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Recommended Disposal: Can be flushed to sewer in compliance with local procedures for non-hazardous waste; landfill as a last resort
Packaging Disposal: Decontaminate and recycle or dispose of packaging material responsibly
Special Precautions: None required for product classified as non-hazardous

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated/Not assigned
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as dangerous goods for transport by air, sea, or land
Transport Hazard Class: None
Packing Group: None
Label Requirements: No hazard label required
Special Precautions for Users: Minimize movement of large bulk powder without dust control

Regulatory Information

U.S. Regulations: FDA-approved as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for food use
EU Regulations: Permitted food additive (E968); included in EU food regulations
Globally Harmonized System (GHS): Not classified as hazardous
REACH: Registered; not regarded as substance of very high concern
Other Regulation: Listed or exempted on major chemical inventory lists (TSCA, DSL, EINECS, AICS, etc.)
Workplace Safety: General dust controls and good manufacturing practices apply, with no special regulatory limits or restrictions for handlers