Product Name: Chloramphenicol
Chemical Name: 2,2-Dichloro-N-(1,3-dihydroxy-1-(4-nitrophenyl)propan-2-yl)acetamide
CAS Number: 56-75-7
Recommended Use: Pharmaceutical antibiotic, research laboratory reagent
Supplier: Listed on the product label or shipping invoice
Emergency Contact: Company emergency line / local toxicology center
Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, potential carcinogen
Label Elements: Danger, skull and crossbones symbol, health hazard symbol
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, suspected of causing cancer, may damage fertility or the unborn child
Precautionary Statements: Wash hands after handling, don’t eat or drink around the substance, avoid inhaling dust or fumes, wear personal protective equipment
Effects of Overexposure: Bone marrow suppression, aplastic anemia, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal distress
Component: Chloramphenicol
Chemical Formula: C11H12Cl2N2O5
Concentration: Usually ≥98% if pure, lower in formulated products
Impurities: Minimal in pharmaceutical-grade product, trace solvent residues possible
Synonyms: Chloromycetin, Detreomycin
Inhalation: Immediately move to fresh air, give artificial respiration if not breathing, call for medical attention right away
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel, seek immediate help
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water, get medical help if irritation continues
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for at least 15 minutes holding eyelids apart, seek ophthalmologic care
Symptoms to Watch: Nausea, headache, sore throat, fever, signs of allergic reaction, unusual bleeding or bruising
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray, foam
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic fumes under fire, including nitrogen oxides, hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide and dioxide
Advice for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical-protective clothing
Firefighting Techniques: Approach from upwind; prevent runoff from entering drains or watercourses
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area if necessary, avoid direct contact, ventilate area well
Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, lab coat, dust mask or respirator
Spill Cleanup: Scoop up material with non-sparking tools, collect into labeled waste container, wipe area with damp absorbent pads
Disposal: Follow hazardous waste protocols, avoid letting powder become airborne
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, soil, or waterways
Safe Handling: Avoid breathing dust; never eat, drink or smoke in the work area; wash hands thoroughly after use
Storage Requirements: Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, protect from sunlight and incompatible substances
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, alkalis, acids
Special Notes: Segregate from food, feed, and animal products
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV; handle as hazardous material
Engineering Controls: Use fume hood or local exhaust
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves (nitrile or latex), safety goggles, protective clothing, NIOSH-approved respirator for dusty operations
Hygienic Practices: Remove contaminated clothes, wash hands and arms before breaks and after handling, keep contaminated clothing out of clean areas
Appearance: White to grayish-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 150–153°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, freely soluble in alcohol, ether, acetone
pH: Neutral to slightly acidic in solution
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: 1.5–1.6 g/cm3
Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature if kept dry and protected from light
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents
Decomposition Products: Creates toxic gas when burned or decomposed
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, moisture, light, contact with incompatible substances
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, eye contact
Acute Toxicity: LD50 oral (rat): around 2500 mg/kg; toxic by all routes
Chronic Effects: Bone marrow suppression, aplastic anemia, possible carcinogen, reproductive toxin
Symptoms: Dizziness, headache, confusion, gastrointestinal issues, blood disorders
Special Populations: Pregnant women, infants, people with impaired liver or kidney function face higher risks
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to fish and aquatic life even in small concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent, slow to degrade in water and soil
Bioaccumulation: Low potential in aquatic organisms
Soil Mobility: Moderate mobility, some leaching in wet conditions
Other Environmental Hazards: Antibiotic resistance may spread due to improper disposal
Waste Treatment Methods: Incinerate in approved facility, dispose of in accordance with local regulations
Container Disposal: Triple rinse, then puncture and send to licensed waste handler
Avoid: Draining into sewer, dumping into uncontrolled landfill
Special Considerations: Dedicated chemical waste stream for pharmaceuticals, avoid environmental contamination
UN Number: 3249 or as specified for specific preparation
Shipping Name: Medicinal antibiotic, solid, toxic
Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Transport Labels: Toxic
Special Instructions: Ensure outer packaging is secure and marked “Hazardous,” keep away from incompatible materials during transport
OSHA: Covered under Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA (US): Listed
EU Regulations: Substances of very high concern, restricted for human pharmaceutical use
WHMIS (Canada): Classified as toxic and health hazard
Other: International transport regulations treat as hazardous; special disposal and reporting requirements apply