Chemical Name: 3-(Cyclohexylamino)-1-Propanesulfonic Acid
Common Name: CAPS
Chemical Formula: C9H19NO3S
Molecular Weight: 237.32 g/mol
Appearance: Usually white to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Use: Buffer in biochemistry and molecular biology
Health Hazards: Can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract; exposure could lead to sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and redness at the points of contact
Environmental Hazards: Not known to be acutely toxic to the environment, though any chemical released in bulk will have some impact on water or soil
GHS Classification: Typically labeled as not classified as hazardous, but this does not excuse carelessness in handling
Signal Word: None mandated; better to treat as a low-level irritant
Pictogram: None required
Chemical Component: 3-(Cyclohexylamino)-1-Propanesulfonic Acid (CAS: 1135-40-6)
Purity: Commonly sold at research grade, close to or above 99%
Impurities: Typically limited, but can include minor amounts of moisture or residual solvents from production
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, watch for wheezing or coughing, seek medical evaluation if symptoms continue
Skin Contact: Remove clothing if contaminated, rinse affected area with plenty of water and soap
Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently with cool water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, get medical advice if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, consult a healthcare provider if any symptoms show up
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical foam, or carbon dioxide; substance is generally not flammable under normal conditions
Specific Hazards: May burn at high heat, decomposing into sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide
Protective Equipment: Firefighters wear self-contained breathing apparatus, gloves, and full protective gear
Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust, ventilate area; protect skin and eyes; keep unnecessary workers away
Methods for Cleanup: Use dry methods like broom and dustpan or vacuum, take care not to generate dust clouds; bag material for chemical waste
Environmental Measures: Avoid runoff to drains; contain any bulk spills; aim to collect completely for disposal
Handling: Use with care in well-ventilated areas or with local exhaust; keep containers tightly closed; avoid creating dust; wear gloves and eye protection
Storage: Hold in cool, dry place; shield from direct sunlight and strong oxidizers; segregate from food and drink
Engineering Controls: Work under a fume hood or with local exhaust; use airflow to push dust away from breathing zones
Personal Protective Equipment: Standard lab gloves (nitrile or latex), safety goggles, cotton lab coat, closed-toe shoes
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask if airborne particles seem likely; not a routine need unless working in bulk amounts
Physical State: Solid, crystalline
Color: White to off-white
Solubility: Soluble in water with a pH range that stays near neutral in buffer formulations
Melting Point: Approximately 292–294°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable for routine purposes
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Odor: None
Flashpoint: Not readily flammable
Chemical Stability: Solid under room temperature stores well on the shelf if sealed
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive moisture, extreme heat
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, or bases in strong concentrations
Hazardous Decomposition: Burning leads to sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon compounds
Acute Effects: Data reports low acute toxicity, but dust or solutions can irritate eyes and skin
Chronic Effects: No evidence for long-term toxicity or carcinogenicity in available data
Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, inhalation, ingestion
Sensitization: Not expected, though potential always exists for allergic responses after repetitive handling
Environmental Fate: Will degrade slowly in the environment; no major reports of high persistence
Aquatic Toxicity: Not known to be highly toxic to aquatic life in working solution concentrations, but care should always be taken not to flush any chemicals into drains
Bioaccumulation: No significant evidence for bioaccumulation
Mobility in Soil: Likely mobile in water; treat as a potential pollutant, especially for lab-scale mishaps
Waste Treatment: Package chemical and residues tightly for disposal through appropriate hazardous waste channels—don’t pour down the drain or toss in regular trash
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse and dispose of as lab chemical waste
Recycling/Reuse: Possible if uncontaminated and appropriate channels exist, but often not practiced due to chemical care standards
UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material for most forms of shipping
Shipping Name: Not listed as dangerous for transport
Packing Group: None required
Special Precautions: Ship in sealed containers; prevent leaks or spills
OSHA Status: Not listed as a hazardous substance
TSCA Inventory: Typically included
REACH Compliance: Labs in the EU check registration requirements; not typically listed as a controlled substance
SARA Title III: Not listed
Labeling Requirements: Storage container labels need to include chemical name and hazard statements (mainly as a low-level irritant)