Chemical Name: Glycerol diacetate
Synonyms: Diacetin
Molecular Formula: C7H12O5
Appearance: Oily, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Faintly sweet, reminiscent of esters
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under global regulations
Health Risks: Mild eye or skin irritation for some individuals
Flammability: Slight, not easily ignited but will burn when exposed to strong ignition sources
Environmental Impact: Not regarded as hazardous to aquatic systems in small quantities; spills into water bodies could still disrupt local ecology
Main Concerns: Inhalation of mist may cause respiratory discomfort; extended contact may dehydrate skin
Main Component: Glycerol diacetate (typically over 98 percent)
Impurities: Traces of monoacetin, triacetin, and raw glycerol may be present in minimal amounts
Source: Produced through the acetylation of glycerol using acetic acid or acetic anhydride
Skin Contact: Rinse skin thoroughly with water and mild soap; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Flush with large amounts of water for several minutes; seek medical attention if irritation continues
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; respiratory symptoms from mists generally subside quickly
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; medical care is rarely needed unless large volumes are swallowed
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide
Combustion Hazards: May release aldehydes, carbon monoxide, or carbon dioxide if burned inefficiently
Protective Equipment: Firefighters benefit from self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear during large fires involving chemicals
Personal Precautions: Prevent skin and eye contact; use gloves and splash goggles if needed
Environmental Steps: Contain spills to prevent entry into drains and waterways; use absorbent materials like sand
Clean-Up: Mop up small spills with absorbent material, dispose of collected material in line with regulations
Handling: Avoid unnecessary splashing or aerosol creation; keep containers closed when not in use
Storage: Store in cool, well-ventilated areas in tightly closed containers made of compatible materials such as polyethylene or glass
Incompatibility: Strong oxidants accelerate decomposition; acids or alkalis may hydrolyze the product over time
Exposure Limits: No established occupational limits for this compound
Protective Equipment: Gloves, laboratory coat, safety goggles when handling in bulk
Engineering Controls: Use with local ventilation or fume hood if working with large volumes or generating mist
Hygiene: Wash hands after use, keep food and drink outside work zone
Physical State: Liquid
Color: Colorless to pale yellow
Odor: Slightly sweet
Boiling Point: Around 258°C
Melting Point: -35°C
Solubility: Fully miscible with water and many polar solvents
Viscosity: Medium to high
Vapor Pressure: Very low at room temperature
Stability: Remains stable under standard atmospheric conditions
Decomposition: Can break down into acetic acid and glycerol on extended exposure to strong acids or bases
Incompatibles: Strong oxidizers and reactive acids
Hazardous Byproducts: High-temperature decomposition may produce acrid smoke and irritating vapors
Acute Oral Toxicity: Low; laboratory animals typically tolerate moderate doses with minimal effects
Skin Contact: Mild irritation may occur after prolonged exposure
Eye Contact: Can cause stinging and redness in sensitive individuals
Long-Term Exposure: No evidence points to chronic health risks under normal workplace conditions
Persistence: Degrades in the environment by natural bacteria and hydrolysis
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely, due to high water solubility and low log Kow
Aquatic Toxicity: Not acutely toxic to fish or aquatic plants, but large spills can cause oxygen depletion in water
Soil Impact: Microbial activity returns soil conditions to normal once substance breaks down
Waste Management: Absorb small spills with soil or inert material, then discard at appropriate facilities
Drain Disposal: Avoid disposing of large amounts in municipal sewers
Regulatory Reference: Consult local environmental laws for best practices around disposal and recycling
Reuse: If uncontaminated, can often be distilled and reused for industrial purposes
UN Number: Not classified as a dangerous good under major transportation rules
Shipping: Not regulated for road, sea, or air
Handling During Transport: Leaks or container ruptures remain the greatest risks; pack securely to prevent punctures
Chemical Inventories: Listed in most major chemical inventories including TSCA, EINECS, and others
Workplace Exposure: No specific workplace exposure limits established by global agencies
Labeling Requirements: No hazard pictograms mandated; regulatory bodies still demand responsible use and communication of basic hazards
Community Impact: Manufacturing sites benefit from regular risk assessments to ensure local populations remain protected from minor but chronic exposure events