Material Safety Data Sheet: Triacetin

Identification

Product Name: Triacetin, Glycerol Triacetate
Chemical Formula: C9H14O6
CAS Number: 102-76-1
EC Number: 203-051-9
Recommended Use: Used in food additives, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, tobacco, and plastics as a solvent or plasticizer
Manufacturer: Listed by supplier or importer
Emergency Contact: Refer to company’s emergency phone number

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS (Globally Harmonized System)
Signal Word: None required
Hazard Statements: None
Precautionary Statements: Avoid direct contact with eyes and skin. Do not ingest in large amounts. Maintain good industrial hygiene.
Potential Health Effects: Mild eye or skin irritation possible upon prolonged contact
Other Hazards: Spilled product may make floors slippery

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Glycerol triacetate
Synonyms: Triacetin
Content: >99% by weight
Impurities: Water (<1%), trace glycerol or diacetin
Hazardous Components: None present above cut-off values

First Aid Measures

General: Remove affected person from exposure area. Seek medical attention if unwell.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present.
Skin Contact: Wash off with plenty of water and mild soap. Remove contaminated clothing.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Provide respiratory support if necessary.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Get medical advice if symptoms develop.
Most Important Symptoms: Possible mild irritation, discomfort in eyes or on skin

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, CO2, or water spray
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jet may spread material
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acetic acid vapors
Protective Equipment: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Further Advice: Cool containers with water spray from a safe distance
Flammability: Slightly combustible; burns with typical hydrocarbons in a fire
Explosion Risk: No known risk under normal conditions

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear goggles and gloves. Prevent slipping hazard.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains or waterways. Contain large spills with sand or earth.
Methods for Cleanup: Absorb spilled material with inert absorbent (sand, silica, earth). Collect and transfer to suitable container for disposal.
Other Information: Wash spill area with detergent and plentiful water

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use proper ventilation. Avoid eye and skin contact.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after use and before eating or drinking.
Storage: Keep container tightly closed. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
Storage Temperature: Recommended 5–30°C
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids
Packaging Materials: Use HDPE, stainless steel, or glass containers for long-term storage

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: None established for triacetin.
Engineering Controls: Adequate ventilation, local exhaust in confined spaces
Personal Protective Equipment:
– Eye/Face Protection: Safety goggles
– Skin Protection: Protective gloves (nitrile, PVC)
– Body Protection: Lab coat, chemical-resistant apron if large quantities handled
– Respiratory Protection: Only needed if spraying or misting occurs, use half mask with organic vapor cartridge
Environmental Controls: Avoid release to sewers or water courses

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless, oily liquid
Odor: Slight, pleasant, similar to acetic acid esters
pH: Not applicable (non-aqueous)
Melting Point: Approximately -78°C
Boiling Point: 258°C at 760 mmHg
Flash Point: 140°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Low compared to water
Flammability: Not easily ignited
Vapor Pressure: 0.09 mmHg at 25°C
Vapor Density: About 6.3 (air = 1)
Solubility: Soluble in water (7g/100ml at 20°C), miscible with most organic solvents
Density: 1.16 g/cm³ at 20°C
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 0.29
Viscosity: 22 mPa.s at 25°C
Decomposition Temperature: Gradual above 200°C, forms acetic acid and acetaldehyde

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions
Reactivity: No hazardous reactions identified
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, sources of ignition
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids or bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acetic acid fumes under fire conditions

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin or eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity, LD50 oral (rat) >7,000 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mild irritation possible on repeated or prolonged contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: Eye discomfort or redness may occur from splashes
Respiratory Sensitization: No evidence of respiratory effects at typical use
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen
Mutagenicity: No data showing effects
Reproductive Toxicity: Not identified as reproductive hazard
Other Health Effects: Large quantities may cause gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Not toxic to aquatic life at typical environmental concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable through microbial action
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low, log Kow of 0.29 suggests little potential
Mobility in Soil: High mobility due to solubility in water
Other Adverse Effects: Ecotoxicology studies report rapid decomposition in sewage and soil environments

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Handled as non-hazardous waste in most regions
Product Disposal: Incinerate or landfill in accordance with local regulations; avoid direct discharge to waterways
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly, recycle or dispose in proper facilities
Special Precautions: Prevent large releases to the environment

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not assigned
Packing Group: Not assigned
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Transport Precautions: Transport in tightly sealed containers. Protect from extreme heat or cold.

Regulatory Information

GHS Classification: Not hazardous
US TSCA Inventory: Listed
EU REACH Status: Registered as low hazard
OSHA Status: Not regulated as hazardous substance
Canada DSL/NDSL: Listed
Other Regional Regulations: Exempt status for food and pharmaceutical use, subject to purity and intended use regulations
Labeling Requirements: Identification of substance required, precautionary handling labels recommended for bulk quantities