Name: Furfuryl Alcohol
Chemical Formula: C5H6O2
Common Uses: Industrial resin production, foundry processes, certain coatings and adhesives.
Appearance: Colorless to light yellow liquid with a faint burning odor.
Molecular Weight: 98.1 g/mol
CAS Number: 98-00-0
Classification: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled, causes skin and eye irritation, suspected carcinogen.
Routes of Exposure: Skin contact, inhalation, ingestion.
Acute Symptoms: Irritation to eyes, skin, respiratory tract; headaches, dizziness, nausea.
Chronic Effects: Prolonged skin contact may cause dermatitis; inhalation over time increases risk of chronic respiratory issues.
Pictogram Requirements: Health hazard, exclamation mark for irritation.
Main Ingredient: Furfuryl Alcohol, purity usually above 98%.
Impurities: Furfural, water, trace organic residues.
No major stabilizers or additives noted in industrial grades.
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air promptly. If breathing issues, seek medical attention.
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Get prompt medical assistance if irritation lingers.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting. Call medical personnel immediately.
Flammability: Flammable liquid, with flash point below 76°C (169°F).
Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide.
Precautions: Firefighters need full protective gear, avoid inhaling vapors. Vapors heavier than air can spread to distant ignition sources.
Combustion Products: Can release toxic fumes including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and possibly furan compounds.
Containment: Eliminate ignition sources, stop leak if safe to do so, ventilate area.
Spill Response: Absorb on inert material like sand or earth, collect into suitable container for disposal.
Personal Protection: Use gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection if ventilation isn’t adequate.
Environmental Concerns: Prevent liquid from entering drains, waterways, or soil.
Handling: Only trained personnel should open containers. Wear proper protective equipment. Prevent skin and eye contact; avoid breathing mists or vapors.
Storage: Keep containers tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from heat sources and oxidizing materials. Check containers frequently for leaks.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation for processes that might create vapor or mist.
Personal Protective Equipment: Splash-proof goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, approved respirator if airborne limits approach exposure standards.
Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing promptly.
Physical State: Liquid
Boiling Point: Around 171°C (340°F)
Freezing/Melting Point: Approximately -31°C (-24°F)
Solubility: Miscible with water on a moderate scale, more soluble in organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Moderate for an organic solvent
Odor Threshold: Noticeable bitter, burning scent at low concentrations
Chemical Stability: Stable under standard conditions. Risk of polymerization from high heat or contact with strong acids.
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizing agents and strong acids; can form explosive peroxides over time if not protected.
Hazardous Decomposition: Forms toxic gases under fire or improper storage conditions.
Acute Effects: Inhalation can result in headache, lung irritation, drowsiness; skin contact triggers redness and itching.
Long-term Exposure: Possible liver or kidney impact after chronic inhalation or ingestion, increased cancer risk based on lab studies.
Mutagenicity/Carcinogenicity: Some evidence links to genetic mutations and carcinogenic potential. Industrial handling calls for up-to-date safety standards.
Environmental Persistence: Breaks down moderately fast in soil and water, but spills threaten aquatic organisms.
Bioaccumulation: Low risk, does not build up in food chains.
Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to fish, may disrupt microbial balance in water and soil.
Waste Treatment: Burning in regulated chemical incinerators recommended. Disposal should go through professional hazardous waste services.
Precautions: Never pour into drains or local waterways.
Containers: Empty drums should be thoroughly rinsed and sent for permitted recycling or disposal.
UN Number: 2874
Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic Substance), with flammable label
Packaging: Use strong, sealed containers resistant to leaks and impact.
Shipment: Clearly label and segregate from food, feed, and incompatible materials.
Special Precautions: Emergency response guides require carrying spill containment and protection on board.
Workplace Exposure Limit: Consult local occupational safety bodies for up-to-date permitted levels; several agencies cite a range near 10 ppm.
Labeling: Regulations dictate clear danger and warning indications plus pictograms.
Hazard Communication: Regular worker safety training plays a key part in facilities using this material.
Compliance: Registration and safe handling follow rules set by major health, labor, and environment protection authorities in many regions.