Substance Name: Caffeic Acid
Chemical Formula: C9H8O4
CAS Number: 331-39-5
EC Number: 206-361-3
Synonyms: 3,4-Dihydroxycinnamic acid
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, antioxidants in research, food additive studies
Manufacturer Details: Supplier and manufacturer's contact information as indicated on packaging
Emergency Phone Number: Provided by supplier or place of purchase
Classification: Skin and eye irritant, target organ toxicity not considered significant at low doses
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes mild skin and eye irritation; harmful if swallowed in high amounts; may trigger sensitization in some individuals
Pictograms: Exclamation mark (irritant)
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhaling dust or powder; use protective gloves; wash skin after handling; avoid contact with eyes
Potential Health Effects: Contact can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; ingestion can cause nausea and discomfort
Caffeic Acid Purity: Minimum 98% by weight
Impurities: Trace organic acids, related cinnamic acid derivatives, generally less than 2%
Other Ingredients: None, provided as pure compound
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least fifteen minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; seek medical help for continuing symptoms
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; give oxygen if breathing is difficult; consult a physician for persistent discomfort
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; drink water to dilute; do not induce vomiting; get medical advice if symptoms develop
Important Symptoms: Irritation of eyes, skin, mucous membranes; rarely allergic reaction or sensitivity
Notes for Doctor: Treat symptomatically; monitor for delayed reactions or allergic manifestations
Extinguishing Media: Use CO2, dry chemical powder, water fog, or foam
Special Hazards: Combustion may release irritating or toxic fumes including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full turn-out gear
Advice for Firefighters: Avoid inhaling dust or smoke; keep containers cool by spraying with water; ventilate area
Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, phenolic compounds may form in high heat
Personal Precautions: Use dust mask, gloves, safety goggles; ventilate area to prevent dust accumulation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage into drains or waterways
Methods for Cleanup: Sweep or shovel up product; avoid creating dust; place in sealed container for disposal; clean area with water
Spill Handling: Avoid direct contact; use non-sparking tools; contain and collect spillage promptly
Safe Handling Practices: Minimize dust generation; avoid breathing dust and direct skin contact; wash hands after use
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources; keep container tightly closed
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, alkalis; moisture can degrade product over time
Storage Stability: Stable under normal laboratory conditions and recommended storage; observe shelf-life limitations from supplier
Packaging Materials: Use glass, high-density polyethylene, or other compatible inert containers
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA, ACGIH, or NIOSH exposure limits for caffeic acid
Engineering Controls: Use fume hood or local exhaust to keep airborne concentration below detectable level
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, laboratory coat, and safety goggles; use dust mask if powder formation
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke in laboratory area
Environmental Exposure Control: Prevent material from entering drains or surface water
Appearance: Light yellow to beige crystalline powder
Odor: Practically odorless
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: Approx. 2.5 – 3.5 (1% solution in water)
Melting Point: 223–225 °C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not applicable
Flammability: May be combustible as fine powder
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: Approximately 1.36 g/cm3
Water Solubility: Slightly soluble (1–3 g/L at 20 °C)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 1.25 (estimated)
Other Properties: Stable under recommended storage; sensitive to light, moisture, and air over time
Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature and low humidity
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, light, strong oxidizing agents, strong alkalis
Reactivity: Not reactive under normal conditions
Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides and unidentified organic compounds
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur
Acute Toxicity Data: LD50 (oral, rats): >2,000 mg/kg; low acute oral toxicity
Skin and Eye Contact: May cause irritation and redness; not classified as corrosive
Inhalation: Dust may irritate respiratory system
Chronic Exposure: No long-term adverse effects reported in humans; some animal studies suggest possible liver and kidney effects at high doses
Mutagenicity/Carcinogenicity: No evidence in humans; some in vitro effects observed at high concentrations
Other Data: Not classified as reproductive toxin or sensitizer in standard models
Ecotoxicity: No data for aquatic toxicity in standard taxa; expected to have low environmental hazard due to low solubility and rapid degradation
Persistence: Expected to be biodegradable in soil and water
Bioaccumulation: Low potential based on log Kow
Mobility: Low mobility in soil; degrades quickly in presence of microbes
Other Environmental Effects: Avoid large discharges to water bodies; possible local impact at high concentrations
Waste Disposal Method: Dispose in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations; chemical waste must go to a licensed facility
Incineration: Suitable for contaminated material if permitted; avoid uncontrolled burning
Packaging Disposal: Empty containers should be rinsed and offered for recycling or disposal
Precautions: Do not discharge to sewers or natural water bodies
UN Number: Not regulated as a dangerous good
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous
Packing Group: Not applicable
Labels Required: None for transport under standard procedures
Special Precautions: Prevent container damage; avoid generating dust during handling or transit
Transport in Bulk: Not regulated for bulk transportation
GHS Status: Not classified as hazardous under GHS guidelines
TSCA Inventory: Listed
REACH Status: Registered or exempt
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting requirements
California Prop 65: Not listed
Other Regulations: Not subject to major transport or workplace restrictions in major jurisdictions
Labelling: Standard labels indicating chemical name, hazard pictogram, and supplier information