Tryptophan - Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Identification

Product Name: L-Tryptophan
Chemical Formula: C11H12N2O2
Synonyms: Indole-3-alanine, alpha-Aminoindolepropionic acid
CAS Number: 73-22-3
Recommended Use: Nutraceutical, pharmaceuticals, laboratory chemicals, feed additive
Supplier Information: Details of manufacturer or distributor, emergency contact number, and address supplied with product

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS criteria
Signal Word: None
Hazard Statements: May cause eye or skin irritation upon contact; may cause respiratory tract irritation if dust is generated
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust; wash thoroughly after handling; use in well-ventilated areas
Other Hazards: No known significant effects or critical hazards

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: L-Tryptophan
CAS Number: 73-22-3
Concentration: Greater than 98% pure
Impurities: Minimal, as per supplier specification
Additional Components: Trace moisture, less than 1%

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, support breathing if problems develop; seek medical attention for persistent discomfort
Skin Contact: Wash exposed skin with mild soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; obtain medical assistance if irritation continues
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for at least fifteen minutes; lift eyelids if necessary; seek help if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel; seek medical attention if symptoms develop
Most Important Symptoms: Irritation of respiratory tract, eyes and skin; no severe acute hazards expected

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide or foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Do not use strong water jets
Special Hazards: Combustion may generate toxic gases including nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides
Firefighting Instructions: Firefighters must wear appropriate protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus; move containers from fire area if safe
Protective Equipment: Full firefighting gear with face shield, self-contained breathing apparatus recommended

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use personal protective equipment to avoid dust contact; ensure adequate ventilation; avoid breathing dust
Environmental Precautions: Do not let product reach groundwater, drainage systems, or sewers; clean up spills promptly to reduce environmental impact
Methods for Clean Up: Sweep up or vacuum spilled material and transfer to appropriate waste container for disposal; wash area with water after material collection
Preventive Measures: Avoid creating dust clouds; minimize exposure to released dust by using local exhaust or respiratory protection

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle in accordance with good hygiene and safety practice; avoid dust generation; use it in a well-ventilated place; avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing
Storage Requirements: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area; protect from moisture and incompatible substances like strong oxidizers; keep away from sources of heat or flame
Technical Controls: Maintain strict inventory control and secure storage to prevent spills or unauthorized access

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limits for L-Tryptophan
Engineering Controls: Laboratory fume hood or local exhaust suggested for dusty operations
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, lab coat, NIOSH-approved respirator for dust, chemical-resistant gloves; avoid direct contact with product
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke during use

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH (1% solution): Approximately 5.5 to 7.0
Melting Point: 282 °C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not available
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Not flammable
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; insoluble in ether and chloroform
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): -1.06
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not self-igniting
Decomposition Temperature: Decomposes on heating
Viscosity: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions known under normal use
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive moisture, exposure to strong acids or bases, oxidizers, and high heat
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Emits nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide during thermal decomposition

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity; oral LD50 (rat): >5000 mg/kg
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation — respiratory irritation; Ingestion — minimal effects in small quantities, but may lead to nausea, discomfort in high amounts; Skin or eye contact — irritation possible
Chronic Effects: No evidence of carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic effects at normal exposure levels
Sensitization: Not expected to cause skin or respiratory sensitization
Additional Information: Metabolized in the body; processed naturally in food

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not expected to be harmful to aquatic life at normal environmental concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable by microorganisms in soil and water
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low potential for bioaccumulation due to water solubility and biological use
Mobility in Soil: Likely to move through soil due to water solubility
Other Adverse Effects: No known significant environmental hazards

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose as non-hazardous laboratory waste in accordance with local, state, and national regulations; do not discharge large quantities into drains, soil, or natural waterways
RCRA Hazard Class: Not hazardous
Container Disposal: Triple rinse and recycle containers if possible; otherwise, dispose in a suitable landfill

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous goods
Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazards Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Precautions for User: Transport in tightly closed containers; prevent spillage; protect from water and incompatible materials

Regulatory Information

Safety, Health and Environmental Regulations: Not listed under any major hazardous chemical regulations including OSHA, TSCA, SARA Title III, or California Prop 65
Workplace Classification: Controlled product under workplace hazard legislation due to potential mild irritation
Other Requirements: Users should review any local or national regulations regarding transport, handling, and disposal