Material Safety Data Sheet for Methionine

Identification

Chemical Name: Methionine
Synonyms: L-Methionine, 2-Amino-4-(methylthio)butyric acid
CAS Number: 63-68-3
Molecular Formula: C5H11NO2S
Recommended Use: Feed additive, nutritional supplement, laboratory reagent
Supplier Information: Company address, phone number, emergency contact details

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as a hazardous substance according to GHS
Physical Hazards: May cause dust explosion in high concentrations if exposed to ignition sources
Health Hazards: Mild irritant to eyes, respiratory tract, and skin for sensitive individuals; ingestion of large amounts may result in gastrointestinal discomfort
Environmental Hazards: Low risk to aquatic and terrestrial systems in typical usage, large spills can contribute to oxygen depletion in water bodies
Pictograms: None required
Signal Word: None specified
Precautionary Statements: Avoid unnecessary contact; use in well-ventilated areas; prevent large releases to environment

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: L-Methionine
Concentration: ≥98% (typical commercial products)
Impurities/Additives: May contain trace water, negligible amounts of dust or processing aids
Ingredient Disclosure: Not known to contain toxic or carcinogenic additives based on standard manufacturing practices

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove individual to fresh air; seek medical attention for persistent irritation
Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with mild soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes immediately with plenty of water for at least 10 minutes; consult a physician if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water if conscious; do not induce vomiting; consult medical advice for large accidental intake or acute symptoms

Fire-Fighting Measures

Flammable Properties: Dust may form explosive mixtures with air if suspended and exposed to ignition sources
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, CO₂, dry chemical
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High-pressure water jet (risk of dust dispersal)
Specific Hazards: Combustion generates toxic gases including SO₂, CO, and NO_x
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus; chemical protective clothing
Firefighting Instructions: Remove containers from fire zone if possible; stay upwind

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use dust mask, protective gloves, and goggles to avoid breathing in powder and contact with eyes/skin
Emergency Procedures: Ventilate area; avoid generating airborne dust
Methods for Containment and Cleaning: Sweep, scoop, or vacuum up to prevent dispersal; avoid dry sweeping if dust generation is excessive; place in suitable disposal container
Environmental Precautions: Block entry to sewers and surface waters; gather spilled product for proper disposal; report large releases to local authorities as required

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling Practices: Keep away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers and acids; avoid dust generation; use only with adequate ventilation
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area in sealed containers; keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
Storage Incompatibilities: Segregate from oxidizers, strong acids, and foodstuffs
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke while using the substance

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits assigned by OSHA, ACGIH, or NIOSH
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation for powder handling; enclose processes where possible
Personal Protective Equipment: Respiratory protection (dust mask or respirator) for powder dust, safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves (such as nitrile), and lab coat
Environmental Control Measures: Filter or scrub exhaust air if substantial dust production occurs during industrial processing

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Slightly sulfurous, sometimes faintly sweet
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: Neutral to slightly acidic in water (pH range: 5.5–7.0, 10g/L)
Melting Point: 281–283°C (dec.)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not applicable (solid, not volatile)
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Combustible as dust
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperatures
Relative Density: 1.340 g/cm³ (25°C)
Solubility: Soluble in water (43 g/L at 20°C); sparingly soluble in ethanol
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): -2.66
Auto-ignition Temperature: 420°C
Decomposition Temperature: >250°C
Viscosity: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of use and storage
Reactivity: Non-reactive toward most common materials
Incompatible Materials: Reacts with strong oxidizing agents to produce heat and gaseous byproducts; reacts with strong acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Dusting may lead to combustible dust concentrations in air
Conditions to Avoid: Excess moisture, sources of ignition near powder, contact with strong acids or oxidants

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD₅₀ (oral, rat) > 5,000 mg/kg (practically non-toxic)
Chronic Toxicity: No evidence of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity in standard assays
Routes of Exposure: Oral, inhalation, possible skin/eye contact
Symptoms of Overexposure: May cause headache, nausea, mild confusion, and gastrointestinal upset if large quantities swallowed
Skin Irritation: Non-irritating or mildly irritating to sensitive individuals
Eye Irritation: May cause mild irritation or redness
Sensitization: Not reported in properly conducted studies
Target Organs: No evidence of target organ toxicity

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low hazard for aquatic organisms under typical use; LC₅₀ (fish, 96h) > 1,000 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in soil and water; methionine breaks down rapidly under environmental conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low; does not accumulate in aquatic or terrestrial food chains
Mobility in Soil: Moderate to high; mobile in water-saturated soils, rapidly diluted and degraded
Other Adverse Effects: Not likely to cause environmental impact in industrial or animal feed quantities

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; for small quantities, aqueous solutions can be flushed with large volumes of water into a sanitary sewer if permitted
Disposal of Packaging: Rinse thoroughly; recycle or dispose in approved landfill or incinerator
Special Precautions: Do not discharge into surface water, storm drains, or natural habitats; avoid creating dust

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as a dangerous good
Transport Hazard Class: Not required
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions for Transport: Protect from moisture; transport in dry, closed packaging; avoid heavy stacking to prevent compression of bags
Regulatory Information: Adhere to local regulatory requirements for non-hazardous chemical freight

Regulatory Information

US Federal Regulations: Not listed as a hazardous substance under CERCLA, SARA, or TSCA; substances subject to good manufacturing practice in food and animal feed
EU Regulations: Not classified as hazardous under CLP Regulation (EC 1272/2008); listed in EINECS
WHMIS Classification (Canada): Not controlled
Other Regulations: Compliant for animal feed/nutritional use under established Codex and FDA guidelines
Label Requirements: Substance name; chemical hazard, if any; company/supplier details; use recommendations
Restrictions: Use only for intended purposes; do not use in pharmaceutical manufacture unless approved for GMP compliance