Product Name: Β-Sitosterol
CAS Number: 83-46-5
Synonyms: Stigmast-5-en-3-ol
Molecular Formula: C29H50O
Molecular Weight: 414.71 g/mol
Manufacturer Details: Check supplier’s address for direct contact; common in nutritional and supplement industries.
Recommended Use: Lab reagent, nutraceutical ingredient, pharmaceutical research.
Emergency Contact: Refer to national poison control center or local emergency number.
GHS Classification: Β-Sitosterol usually carries low acute toxicity; hazards generally arise from dust formation.
Hazard Statements: May cause eye or respiratory tract irritation due to dust; not classified as dangerous under GHS guidelines.
Signal Word: Not applicable
Pictograms: None required; some suppliers recommend standard health hazard symbol for workplace awareness.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation of dust, ingestion, or eye/skin contact.
Symptoms: Mild irritation of eyes or upper respiratory tract; rare cases of mild gastrointestinal disturbance when ingested in large quantities.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhaling powders; prevent contact with eyes; wear basic protective apparel.
Chemical Identity: Β-Sitosterol
Concentration: 98% minimum pure product in commercial samples
Impurities: Traces of other phytosterols (campesterol, stigmasterol), sometimes present below 2%.
CAS Number: 83-46-5
EC Number: 201-480-9
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing.
Eye Contact: Rinse gently with clean water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses if easy to do.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth out; do not induce vomiting; seek medical advice if large amounts swallowed or symptoms develop.
Additional Notes: No critical acute effects expected at typical workplace exposures; keep emergency eyewash station nearby.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or foam; choose whatever is most appropriate for the surrounding fire.
Specific Hazards: Fine dust may form explosive mixtures with air during handling.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide produced if large amounts burn.
Protective Equipment: Full protective suit and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Explosive Limits: Not well-defined; minimize dust clouds around ignition sources.
Personal Precautions: Wear respiratory protection if dust is generated; use eye protection and chemical-resistant gloves.
Environmental Precautions: Avoid discharge into drains, surface or ground water.
Methods for Cleanup: Sweep up carefully to reduce dust; transfer to appropriate containers for disposal; ventilate area.
Spill Response: Use vacuum with HEPA filter for dry spillages; dampen gently to control dust for large volumes.
Handling: Prevent inhalation by working in well-ventilated spaces or using fume hoods; minimize skin and eye contact by wearing protective gear.
Storage: Store in sealed containers, away from heat, sparks, open flames; keep cool, dry, and shielded from direct sunlight.
Special Notes: Avoid creating airborne dust; clean equipment and surfaces after handling.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limits for Β-Sitosterol; treat dust as nuisance particulates with suggested exposure threshold values (10 mg/m³ total dust, 3 mg/m³ respirable fraction).
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or process enclosures.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety goggles, lab coat, appropriate gloves (nitrile, latex), dust mask or respirator.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling; avoid eating or drinking during work; clean clothing to remove residues.
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder.
Odor: Odorless or faint earthy scent.
Melting Point: 135 – 140°C
Boiling Point: > 400°C (decomposes)
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol, chloroform, ether.
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Density: About 1.04 g/cm³
Flash Point: > 200°C
pH: Not applicable for solid compound
Chemical Stability: Remains stable under normal storage and handling conditions.
Conditions to Avoid: Strong heat sources, open flames, high humidity, and formation of dust clouds.
Incompatible Materials: Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents and acids.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides generated at decomposition temperatures.
Reactivity: Generally unreactive in standard use.
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity if ingested or exposed by skin/eye contact in moderate amounts.
Chronic Effects: Generally considered safe in small dietary quantities; excessive ingestion may affect absorption of certain nutrients.
Sensitization: Rare, but prolonged contact may cause mild skin irritation.
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: No established links to cancer or genetic harm in available studies.
Reproductive Effects: No reproductive toxicity observed in typical studies.
Additional Notes: Individuals with specific allergies or gut conditions could be more sensitive.
Ecotoxicity: Not regarded as environmentally hazardous in small quantities; minimal aquatic toxicity expected.
Mobility: Shows low mobility in soil and water, as it is largely insoluble.
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable by soil microflora over time.
Bioaccumulation Potential: Unlikely to build up due to poor water solubility.
Other Ecological Risks: Large accidental releases may disturb microbial processes in soil.
Waste Disposal Methods: Handle as non-hazardous laboratory waste; dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations.
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse containers before recycling or disposal.
Environmental Precautions: Take care not to discharge dust or solutions into waterways; avoid uncontrolled environmental release.
UN Number: Not assigned
Proper Shipping Name: Β-Sitosterol
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated as dangerous goods for road, air, or sea.
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Ship in tightly sealed, properly labeled containers; avoid package breakage and exposure to moisture.
Labeling Requirements: Workplace labeling as “dust hazard” suggested; not listed as hazardous by OSHA, EU REACH, or WHMIS.
Inventory Status: Listed on TSCA (US), EINECS (EU), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia).
Restrictions: Not classified as a controlled substance; some restrictions may apply for use in food or pharmaceuticals depending on jurisdiction.
Other Regulations: Typically not subject to priority pollutant reporting.
Worker Training: Recommend instruction in safe handling of powders and basic first aid response.