Material Safety Data Sheet: Sorbitol

1. Identification

Product Name: Sorbitol
Chemical Name: D-Glucitol
Synonyms: D-Sorbitol, Sorbol
CAS Number: 50-70-4
Recommended Uses: Used in food products, pharmaceutical formulations, and cosmetic items as a sweetener and humectant
Manufacturer / Supplier: Provided by food and chemical supply companies
Emergency Contact: Local poison control centers or supplier-specific emergency number
Address: Refer to product packaging or supplier information

2. Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS guidelines
Label Elements: No signal word, pictogram, or hazard statement required
Health Hazards: May cause mild eye or skin irritation on contact; ingestion of excessive amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset
Physical Hazards: May form combustible dust concentrations in air under certain conditions
Environmental Hazards: Not considered hazardous to the environment by common regulatory standards
Precautionary Statements: Use good industrial hygiene; avoid generating dust; wash hands after handling

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: D-Glucitol
CAS Number: 50-70-4
Concentration: 98% or greater, may differ by manufacturer; remainder consists of trace sugars and water
Impurities: Trace sugars like mannitol or isomalt

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath persist
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; continue rinsing
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; provide water to drink; do not induce vomiting; seek medical advice if discomfort occurs
Medical Attention: Seek help for persistent irritation or adverse reaction

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Water spray, regular foam, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High pressure water jet might disperse dust
Hazards from Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other toxic gases
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Other Recommendations: Dust dispersed in air can be explosive; control sources of ignition

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid creation of dust; provide ventilation
Protective Equipment: Use gloves, goggles, and dust masks; in large spills, use protective clothing
Environmental Precautions: Avoid discharge into drains or natural waters
Clean-Up Methods: Sweep or vacuum material, placing into a suitable container for disposal; wash spill area with water

7. Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Prevent dust accumulation; handle with care; avoid contact with eyes and skin
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area; keep containers tightly closed
Material Compatibility: Keep away from strong oxidizers; do not store near sources of ignition
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands after handling sorbitol; do not eat or smoke in handling areas

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific limits set by agencies such as OSHA, ACGIH
Engineering Controls: Provide local exhaust ventilation at points of dust generation
Personal Protective Equipment: Use protective gloves and safety goggles; use dust mask or respirator in case of high dust concentrations
Environmental Control Measures: Prevent uncontrolled release; use equipment fitted with dust containment devices

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White, crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 95–102°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, practically insoluble in ether
pH (of 10% Solution): 5–7
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Density: About 1.49 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): -2.57
Flammability (solid, gas): Not easily flammable, but combustible dust
Other Properties: Stable under most conditions; hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from air)

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage conditions
Reactivity: Not reactive under normal use
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: May release carbon oxides on burning
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur under normal handling

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity; LD50 (oral, rat): >15,000 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mild irritation possible on prolonged contact
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Dust may cause slight irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: Dust inhalation may cause transient irritation
Ingestion Effects: Large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset (cramps, bloating, diarrhea)
Chronic Exposure: Not classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction
Other Health Effects: People with hereditary fructose intolerance can experience serious reactions to significant ingestion

12. Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not classified as hazardous to aquatic life
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in the environment
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low
Mobility in Soil: High solubility means it can migrate in soil but does not persist
Other Adverse Effects: No major environmental hazard expected from normal use or small spills

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Disposal of Contaminated Containers: Rinse containers well before recycling or disposal
Disposal Restrictions: Do not allow product to reach sewage systems or natural waters in uncontrolled amounts
Methods for Large Quantities: Use licensed waste disposal contractors for large-scale disposal

14. Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated as hazardous for transport
Transport Hazard Class(es): Not applicable
Packing Group: Not required
Special Precautions: Avoid dust generation and moisture during transport
Environmental Hazards: None identified

15. Regulatory Information

Safety, Health and Environmental Regulations: Listed as non-hazardous under most chemical inventories (TSCA, REACH, DSL, etc.)
Labelling Requirements: No hazard label required
Other Regulatory Notes: Food-grade sorbitol must comply with purity requirements for use in consumable goods; pharmaceutical applications covered by relevant pharmacopeia
Worker Protection: Comply with occupational workplace safety standards for chemical handling, including provision of SHE (Safety, Health, Environment) training