Material Safety Data Sheet for Glutamic Acid

Identification

Product Name: Glutamic Acid
CAS Number: 56-86-0
Synonyms: 2-Aminopentanedioic acid, L-Glutaminic Acid
Recommended Use: Food additive, pharmaceutical intermediate, laboratory reagent
Supplier Information: Manufacturer contact details and emergency phone numbers available upon request
Product Code: Specific to distributor or manufacturer
Emergency Overview: Solid, white crystalline powder, slightly acidic odor

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not hazardous under GHS criteria
Signal Word: None
Hazard Statements: Dust may irritate eyes, nose, or throat
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wash hands thoroughly after handling, use with proper ventilation
Potential Health Effects: May cause mild skin and eye irritation, inhalation of dust can cause discomfort
NFPA Ratings: Health 1; Flammability 0; Instability 0
OSHA Label Elements: No special labeling required

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: L-Glutamic Acid
Common Name: Glutamic Acid
CAS Number: 56-86-0
Concentration: Greater than 98% pure
Impurities: Trace amounts of heavy metals, moisture content less than 1%

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, get medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, call a physician if irritation develops
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical advice if symptoms occur
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water if conscious, seek medical advice if feeling unwell
Most Important Symptoms: Irritation, redness of eyes, coughing or sneezing due to inhalation of dust

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Special Hazards: Thermal decomposition can produce carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear appropriate protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus in confined areas
Flash Point: Not applicable
Explosion Limits: Dust can pose a minimal risk of dust explosion in rare, concentrated conditions

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use proper protective equipment, avoid creating dust clouds
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, soil, or watercourses
Spill Cleanup Methods: Sweep or vacuum material, use wet methods to minimize dust, place into secure waste container
Decontamination: Clean area thoroughly, ventilate room if needed

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use with adequate ventilation, avoid breathing dust, wash hands after handling, keep away from incompatible materials like strong oxidizers
Storage Conditions: Store in original container, cool, dry, well-ventilated area, keep container tightly closed, protect from moisture and heat
Special Precautions: Avoid sources of ignition, do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the product

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limits for glutamic acid
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, shielded equipment
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, protective gloves, dust mask for bulk handling
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after use, do not touch eyes or face
Environmental Controls: Minimize dust generation, avoid spillage into water

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Slightly acidic
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH: 3.0-3.5 (1% aqueous solution)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: 202°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not available
Flash Point: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Not classified as flammable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Solid Density: 1.538 g/cm³
Solubility: 7.5 g/L in water at 25°C; slightly soluble in alcohol
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): -3.22
Autoignition Temperature: Not available
Decomposition Temperature: Above 202°C
Viscosity: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Inert under normal handling and storage
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Will not polymerize, reacts with strong oxidizing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, humidity, sources of ignition
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) > 8000 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mild, non-corrosive
Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause transient irritation
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Not classified as sensitizer
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: Not mutagenic by standard tests
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: Not proven to have effects
Specific Target Organ Toxicity: No known effects from short- or long-term exposure
Potential Health Effects: Large ingestion may cause minor gastrointestinal symptoms

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not classified as environmentally hazardous, low toxicity to aquatic organisms
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable, breaks down rapidly in the environment
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low (log Kow -3.22)
Mobility in Soil: Expected to be mobile, soluble in water
Other Adverse Effects: Excess may lead to nutrient imbalance in aquatic systems if discharged in large amounts

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose of waste material through authorized waste disposal contractors following local, regional, and national regulations
Packaging Disposal: Rinse containers, recycle or dispose as appropriate
Precautions: Prevent contamination of soil, water sources, and drains
Landfill Suitability: Allowed if approved locally, non-hazardous classification

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated
Proper Shipping Name: Glutamic Acid
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated
Packing Group: Not applicable
Labels Required: None
Special Precautions: Avoid extreme heat and moisture during transport; ensure packaging integrity

Regulatory Information

TSCA: Listed
REACH: Registered, not subject to authorization
FDA: Approved as food additive in specified concentrations
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
SARA Title III: Not classified as hazardous
California Proposition 65: No warning required
Other Regulations: Product status varies; users should check local and national regulations before use or distribution