Material Safety Data Sheet: Magnesium Acetate Tetrahydrate

Identification

Product Name: Magnesium Acetate Tetrahydrate
Chemical Formula: C4H6MgO4·4H2O
CAS Number: 16674-78-5
Synonyms: Magnesium Ethanoate Tetrahydrate, Acetic Acid Magnesium Salt Tetrahydrate
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, chemical synthesis, food additive in select cases
Supplier Information: Details available upon request. Manufacturer and distributor must comply with local and federal law.
Emergency Phone: Refer to local poison control center or emergency information listed on packaging.

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous by GHS criteria
Primary Hazards: Mild skin and eye irritant
Signal Word: None
Pictograms: None required
Hazard Statements: May cause slight irritation to eyes, skin, or respiratory system if exposed in significant amounts
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Wear protective gear in dusty environments.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Magnesium Acetate Tetrahydrate
CAS Number: 16674-78-5
Concentration: 98-100% by weight
Impurities: Trace amounts of related acetates or magnesium compounds may be present, but do not contribute to the main hazards or toxicity profile.

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least fifteen minutes, lifting eyelids regularly.
Skin Contact: Rinse skin with water and soap. Remove contaminated clothing and clean thoroughly before reuse.
Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air, monitor for coughing or breathing discomfort. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting without medical advice. If large amounts were swallowed, call a physician or poison control center.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known
Fire Hazards: Product is not flammable but may emit irritating fumes of acetic acid on decomposition.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.
Special Procedures: Use water spray to cool containers exposed to heat. Prevent run-off from entering water courses or drains where acetic acid breakdown products may cause harm.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear eye protection, gloves, dust mask or respirator if dust is generated.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into waterways and soil.
Spill Cleanup Methods: Sweep up and shovel spilled material into suitable containers for disposal. Flush area with water after removal.
Decontamination: Avoid dry sweeping to reduce dust generation; dampen with water if practical.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Minimize dust generation. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Handle in a well-ventilated area. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place. Protect from moisture.
Incompatibilities: Avoid strong acids and bases; concentrated oxidizers can cause decomposition.
Storage Class: General chemical storage, away from incompatible materials and food or feedstuffs.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: Not established for this compound. Standard dust limits apply (OSHA PEL for particulates not otherwise classified: 15 mg/m³ for total dust, 5 mg/m³ for respirable fraction).
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation.
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses with side shields or goggles, gloves (nitrile or latex), lab coat. Respiratory protection as needed for exposure to high dust levels.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after use, launder clothing prior to reuse, keep work area clean and avoid eating or drinking in the work area.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline solid
Odor: Slight vinegar-like
Melting Point: About 80°C (with decomposition, loses hydration)
Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol
Specific Gravity: 1.45 (water = 1)
pH (1% solution): 7-8
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes upon heating)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at standard temperatures
Partition Coefficient: Not available
Decomposition Temperature: Above 80°C
Flash Point: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal handling and storage conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizers
Decomposition Products: Acetic acid vapors, magnesium oxide
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with moisture may promote slow hydrolysis to acetic acid; reactions with acids or bases may produce heat and chemical splatter.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low. Oral LD50 (rat): > 5,000 mg/kg
Inhalation: High concentrations of dust may cause mild respiratory tract irritation.
Skin: May cause mild irritation after prolonged or repeated contact.
Eyes: Can produce mild irritation, redness, tearing.
Chronic Effects: Not classified as hazardous; no evidence of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity in current literature for this compound.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin or eye contact.

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not expected to pose significant hazard to aquatic or terrestrial life at concentrations used in laboratory or general commercial settings.
Persistence and Degradability: Magnesium acetate dissociates in water and soil and degrades to benign components.
Bioaccumulation: No potential for bioaccumulation noted for magnesium or acetate ions.
Mobility in Soil: High, due to water solubility.
Aquatic Toxicity: No data indicating high aquatic toxicity at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Material, spill solids, or contaminated packaging should be collected and disposed of in accordance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
Hazardous Waste Status: Not regulated as hazardous waste.
Disposal of Product: Dissolve, dilute, and flush small amounts to drain with plenty of water when permitted. Larger volumes should be sent to chemical disposal facility.
Disposal of Packaging: Triple rinse containers before disposing or recycling when possible.

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport.
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as a dangerous good.
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Precautions: No transport restrictions apply for this substance under normal conditions. Secure containers to prevent spillage or dust release during transport.

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Not considered hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA: Listed in TSCA inventory
SARA Title III: Not subject to SARA Title III reporting
WHMIS (Canada): Not controlled
EU Regulation Status: Not classified as a hazardous substance under REACH or CLP Regulation
Other Regulatory Notes: Exempt from restrictions in most jurisdictions; always follow regional and local guidelines on chemical handling.