Material Safety Data Sheet: Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Identification

Substance Name: Vitamin B2
Chemical Name: Riboflavin
Chemical Formula: C17H20N4O6
CAS Number: 83-88-5
Synonyms: Riboflavine, Lactoflavin, Ovoflavin, Vitamin G
Recommended Use: Food and feed additive, dietary supplement, pharmaceutical intermediate
Supplier: Manufacturer’s details available on request
Emergency Contact: Local poison control center or health authority

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Main Health Hazards: Negligible acute toxicity, unlikely to cause irritation with normal handling, small particles may pose nuisance dust concerns
Physical Hazards: Dust can cause mild irritation to respiratory tract after prolonged exposure
Environmental Hazards: No known significant effects or hazards
Label Elements: Not classified; no symbol or signal word required
Precautionary Statements: Avoid generating dust, use personal protection for sensitive individuals, wash hands thoroughly after handling

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Ingredient: Riboflavin
Concentration: >98% pure
Impurities: Very low, not classifiable as hazardous
Molecular Weight: 376.37 g/mol
Additives/Excipients: None reported for pure bulk powder

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms persist, support breathing with oxygen if needed
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, seek medical care for persistent irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, seek medical attention for large quantity ingestion or symptom development
Sensitivity or Allergic Reactions: Very rare; treat symptomatically if signs appear

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide
Special Hazards: Combustible dust may form explosive mixtures in air, burning can release irritant fumes
Firefighting Instructions: Avoid breathing smoke, wear protective gear; use water spray to cool containing vessels
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective suit recommended in confined spaces

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid contact with dust, use personal protective equipment, prevent spread of dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large spills from entering sewers or watercourses
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or vacuum up spilled material using tools that minimize dust generation, place in suitable container for disposal, clean area with water to remove residues

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use local exhaust ventilation where dust can be generated, minimize dust, wash hands after handling
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers, protect from light, moisture, and excessive heat
Incompatible Materials: Alkalis and oxidizing agents can degrade product, avoid contact
Packaging Materials: Use food-grade plastic or glass, avoid metal containers for long-term storage

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Local exhaust recommended to minimize airborne dust
Exposure Limits: No OSHA or ACGIH occupational exposure limits set for riboflavin; general nuisance dust limits may apply
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear protective gloves and safety glasses; use NIOSH-approved respirator for dusts if ventilation is inadequate
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling; no eating, drinking, or smoking when working with vitamin B2 powder

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Yellow to orange crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
pH (water suspension): Approx. 6.5 (1% solution)
Melting Point: 280°C (decomposes)
Solubility: Nearly insoluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable for solids
Flash Point: Not available/applicable
Density: About 1.7 g/cm³
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at ambient temperature and pressure when kept dry and away from light
Reactivity: Decomposes under strong light, heat, oxidizing alkalis, and in presence of moisture
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide
Polymerization: Will not occur under normal conditions

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): >6,000 mg/kg; very low toxicity
Skin Irritation: Unlikely to irritate skin in normal use
Eye Irritation: Dust may cause minor mechanical irritation
Inhalation: Excessive inhalation of dust can result in mild irritation
Chronic Toxicity: Evidence suggests no carcinogenic, teratogenic, or mutagenic activity; safe at dietary and supplement levels
Sensitization: Rarely reported for riboflavin; not common in occupational settings

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not expected to threaten aquatic or terrestrial environments at typical levels
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable, does not bioaccumulate
Mobility: Not volatile, low water solubility limits migration
Other Adverse Effects: No data indicate adverse effects at environmental concentrations due to natural presence and metabolic role in organisms

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, national, or international regulations; avoid disposal via watercourses
Product Disposal: Small quantities can be disposed with regular waste, larger quantities require waste handler or licensed facility
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly before recycling or disposal, follow all applicable waste authorities

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated
Proper Shipping Name: Not subject to transport regulations
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions: Keep away from light and moisture during transport, avoid crushing containers to limit dust release

Regulatory Information

Regulatory Status: Approved as food additive and nutritional supplement in many countries
Inventory Listings: Listed on US TSCA, EU EINECS/ELINCS, Australia AICS, Canada DSL, Japan ENCS
Labeling Requirements: None required for hazardous chemicals under GHS
Other Regulations: Ingredient permitted under FDA 21 CFR and EU food safety guidelines, meets FAO/WHO food additive specifications
Worker Safety: General occupational health standards apply; specific vitamin regulations focus on purity, source, and labeling in commerce