Knowledge
Material Safety Data Sheet: Trehalose
Identification
Product Name: Trehalose dihydrate
Chemical Formula: C12H22O11 · 2H2O
CAS Number: 6138-23-4
Synonyms: α,α-Trehalose; Mycose
Recommended Uses: Used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical preparations as a stabilizer or sweetener
Supplier Details: Name, address, and phone number of the supplier
Emergency Phone Number: Local emergency contact and poison control center information
Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS standards
Signal Word: None
Pictograms: None
Hazard Statements: Not considered to present any significant physical, health, or environmental hazard under normal use
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with eyes and inhalation of dust
Potential Health Effects: May cause mechanical irritation to eyes, nose, and throat if dust is generated
Symptoms of Exposure: Eye or respiratory discomfort if dust becomes airborne
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical Name: Trehalose dihydrate
Concentration: >98% pure
CAS Number: 6138-23-4
Impurities or Stabilizers: Minor traces of water or process-related materials below toxic thresholds
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms develop
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing and seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, change contaminated clothing, medical attention if irritation occurs
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute, seek medical advice if large quantities swallowed or symptoms occur
Notes for Doctor: Treat supportively; no specific antidote
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam
Unsuitable Media: None expected
Specific Hazards: Combustible dust may form explosive mixtures with air in rare conditions
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment: Full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus for large fires
Special Instructions: Move containers from fire area if safe, prevent fire-fighting water runoff from contaminating drains or water bodies
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Wear protective mask and goggles to avoid dust inhalation and eye contact
Environmental Precautions: Prevent from entering drains, surface water, soil
Containment: Sweep or vacuum up material, avoid generation of dust
Clean-Up Practices: Collect in suitable containers for reuse or disposal, wash spill area with water
Disposal: Dispose by following national, state, and local regulations
Handling and Storage
Handling: Use only with adequate ventilation, avoid dust formation, wash hands after handling
Storage Requirements: Store in sealed, labeled containers away from moisture, heat, ignition sources
Shelf Life: Preserve in original packaging, protect from extreme temperature and humidity
Special Conditions: Keep away from strong oxidizers and incompatible chemicals
Recommendations: Use good industrial hygiene practices
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established exposure limit for trehalose; treat as nuisance dust (inhalable dust: 10 mg/m³, respirable dust: 3 mg/m³)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, containment where dust generation likely
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Dust mask or respirator for airborne particles, safety goggles, gloves
General Hygiene: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or using lavatory
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH (1% solution): 5.0 – 6.7
Melting Point/Range: Decomposes above 97°C (anhydrous form melts at 203°C)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Not easily ignited but forms combustible dust
Other Properties: Soluble in water, insoluble in most organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Not relevant
Density: About 1.58 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient: Not determined
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition: Thermal degradation yields carbon oxides
Polymerization: Will not occur
Special Conditions: Moisture and prolonged exposure to air can cause clumping
Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) > 15,800 mg/kg; considered non-toxic
Skin Irritation: Non-irritant
Eye Irritation: Dust may cause slight irritation
Respiratory Effects: Dust may cause mild mechanical irritation
Chronic Effects: No data supporting long-term toxicity or carcinogenicity
Mutagenicity: No evidence from available studies
Other Remarks: Widely used in foods without reported adverse health effects
Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: No evidence of acute or chronic toxicity to aquatic or terrestrial life
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: Highly water soluble, will leach in soil; breaks down quickly
Additional Notes: Considered safe for the environment based on current evidence
Disposal Considerations
Waste Handling: Avoid creating dust, collect in suitable labeled containers
Disposal Methods: Landfill or incinerate according to local, regional, and national regulations
Incineration: Combustible material, will burn to carbon dioxide and water
Recycling: Reuse if uncontaminated and approved for intended use
Transport Information
UN Number: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous for transportation
Packing Group: Not assigned
Shipping Name: Trehalose
Labels: No special marking required
Special Precautions: Prevent packages from absorbing moisture; avoid crushing to keep dust generation low
Regulatory Information
Inventory Status: Listed on TSCA, EINECS/ELINCS, and other international inventories
Safety Assessment: Approved food ingredient in the US and EU
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting
OSHA: Not classified as hazardous
WHMIS Classification: Not controlled
REACH Status: Trehalose complies with relevant chemical regulations and registration requirements
Other Regulations: No mandatory hazard labeling, not known to be subject to export restrictions
