Material Safety Data Sheet: Gamma Aminobutyric Acid

Identification

Product Name: Gamma Aminobutyric Acid
Synonyms: GABA
Chemical Formula: C4H9NO2
CAS Number: 56-12-2
Recommended Use: Laboratory chemicals, synthesis, pharmaceutical research and development
Supplier Information: Name, Address, Emergency Contact Number available via supplier or laboratory management
Emergency Telephone: National or regional poison control center numbers
Relevant Identified Uses: Research, supplement manufacturing, neurochemistry experimentation

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS standards for this product
Signal Word: None indicated, due to low acute hazard
Hazard Statements: Exposure may cause irritation of the eyes, skin, or respiratory tract in dust form
Precautionary Statements: Avoid generating dust, use only with adequate ventilation, wear eye and skin protection
Pictogram: None necessary under standard classification
Other Hazards: May cause mild irritation or discomfort with direct contact or repeated inhalation of dust

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Gamma Aminobutyric Acid
Concentration: 98%-100% pure
CAS Number: 56-12-2
EC Number: 200-258-6
Impurities: Trace moisture, possible inert carrier residue depending on supplier, generally not exceeding 2%
Molecular Weight: 103.12 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, seek medical advice if symptoms such as coughing or throat irritation occur
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of water and soap for minimum 10 minutes; consult physician if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing, get medical attention if pain or redness persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, never induce vomiting, seek medical consultation if large quantity was ingested or if any symptoms arise
General Notes: Symptoms are unlikely under most laboratory usage; provide symptomatic treatment as required

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, or foam as appropriate for surrounding material
Special Hazards: Burning may release toxic nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, protective clothing to avoid skin and eye exposure to fumes
Specific Methods: Remove containers from fire zone if safe to do so, avoid inhaling combustion products

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Ensure good ventilation, use gloves, protective eyewear, dust mask as needed
Spill Clean-up Methods: Sweep or vacuum up without creating dust, avoid dispersal, collect in a labeled container for disposal
Environmental Precautions: Prevent from entering drains, sewers, or surface water
Reference to Other Sections: Refer to handling, storage, and disposal sections for additional guidance

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Minimize dust generation, avoid inhalation, wear appropriate protective gear, wash hands after handling
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids may react, so keep separated
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed container, in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area, protect from moisture
Specific End Use: Research, supplement manufacture, laboratory synthesis

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Work in fume hood or with local exhaust extraction if possible, especially in powder handling operations
Eye Protection: Chemical splash safety goggles
Skin Protection: Lab coat, nitrile gloves
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask or respirator if dust levels exceed recommended occupational exposure limits
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink or smoke in areas where material is handled; wash hands after use

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: None or faint
pH (1% solution): 6.5 - 7.5
Melting Point: 203 - 205°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol
Partition coefficient (log Pow): -3.2
Vapor Pressure: Not volatile at room temperature
Flash Point: Not flammable
Density: 1.103 g/cm³ at 20°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions known under standard conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents, excessive heat, moisture
Hazardous Decomposition: Releases carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides when burning
Polymerization: Not known to occur

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity, LD50 (oral, rat) > 5,000 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause mild irritation on prolonged contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: Dust may cause transient irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: Dust may cause temporary coughing or sneezing
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Chronic Effects: No data indicating significant long-term hazard under expected use

Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Not expected to be harmful in aquatic environments at low concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable, metabolizable by natural environmental processes
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely due to high solubility in water and low octanol-water partition coefficient
Mobility in Soil: High mobility due to water solubility
Other Adverse Effects: No known significant environmental impacts at laboratory or industrial use levels

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of surplus or contaminated product in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Unused Product: Place in tightly closed, labeled container for chemical waste removal
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose of packaging material following the same protocol as product, avoid environmental release
Note: Never flush chemical directly into natural waters or municipal sewage

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as dangerous goods
Transport Hazard Class: None
Packing Group: None
Special Precautions for User: Avoid release of powder during transport, keep container sealed
Environmental Hazards: Not considered a marine pollutant

Regulatory Information

US OSHA: Not classified as hazardous
TSCA: Listed
REACH: Exempted as a naturally occurring substance
DSL/NDSL: Listed
SARA Title III: Not listed as a hazardous chemical
California Proposition 65: Does not contain substances known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm
Other National Inventories: Listed or exempted in most chemical inventories including EINECS (EU), ENCS (Japan), AICS (Australia)