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Name: Indole-3-ethanol
Chemical Family: Indole derivatives
Common Synonyms: Indole ethanol, Tryptophol
Formula: C10H11NO
Appearance: Pale yellow to colorless crystals
Odor: Mild, sometimes floral or aromatic
Uses: Commonly studied in plant physiology, sometimes found as a natural component in fermented beverages and in laboratory research
Physical State: Solid or crystalline at room temperature
Potential Hazards: Slightly hazardous if ingested, inhaled, or upon skin contact
Health Risks: May cause mild irritation to eyes, skin, or respiratory tract
Environmental Impact: Not expected to present a major hazard in small laboratory quantities, though repeated releases to the environment could cause unforeseen effects
Flammability: As with many organics, combustible at higher temperatures
Primary Component: Indole-3-ethanol (CAS 496-18-6), purity often above 97% in research settings
Impurities: Usually minor traces from synthesis processes, rare unless sourced from low-grade suppliers
Additives: Almost never added, pure substance is preferred for study
Inhalation: Move to fresh air if irritated; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water and soap; irritation usually resolves on its own
Eye Contact: Flush gently with water for several minutes; persistent discomfort warrants medical follow-up
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; small amounts unlikely to cause harm but consult poison control if unusual symptoms develop
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or foam
Fire Hazards: Vapors in dust clouds can ignite at elevated temperatures
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear standard self-contained breathing apparatus
Byproducts: Combustion may release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides
Spill Cleanup: Sweep or scoop up solid; avoid creating dust
Protective Measures: Standard lab gloves and eye protection
Disposal: Place collected material in a closed container for disposal, observe local rules
Environmental Precautions: Avoid entry into sewers or waterways
Handling: Work in a well-ventilated area, avoid prolonged breathing of dust
Safe Practices: Use laboratory eye/face protection and gloves
Storage Conditions: Keep container tightly closed and in a cool, dry place
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers can react with organic substances
Engineering Controls: Fume hood or good ventilation recommended
Personal Protection: Gloves, lab coat, and safety goggles are standard
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask if dust generated
Hygiene: Wash hands after use and before eating or drinking anything
Physical State: Solid at room temperature
Color: Typically colorless to faintly yellow
Melting Point: Around 65–70°C
Solubility: Moderately soluble in water, easily soluble in alcohol and organic solvents
Odor: Subtle, often described as pleasant and slightly floral by those familiar with aromatic compounds
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal laboratory or storage conditions
Reactive With: Strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition: Will break down into typical combustion byproducts if burned
Polymerization: Has not been reported in normal use situations
Acute Effects: Swallowing may cause stomach discomfort, dust might irritate airways
Chronic Effects: Not well established for low-level, short-term lab handling
Sensitization: Very rare; reports limited to sensitive individuals
Other Information: Human toxicity data scarce, as this compound occurs naturally in small quantities in some foods and beverages
Aquatic Impact: Low toxicity in aquatic environments based on available observations
Persistence: Biodegradable, unlikely to accumulate in soil or water when handled properly
Bioaccumulation: Not anticipated to build up in organisms through food chains
Considerations: Better to prevent large spills due to incomplete research on ecosystem interactions
Preferred Method: Chemical waste collection in approved facilities
Lab Practice: Avoid drain disposal; follow institutional protocols for organics
Packaging: Use well-labeled, sealed containers to prevent exposure during transport
UN Classification: Not classified as dangerous for ground, air, or sea shipment in typical small lab quantities
Shipping Description: Handle with care, avoid rough handling that could cause breakage
Labeling: General chemical warning labels suffice for most shipments
Regulatory Status: Not listed as a substance of very high concern by major health and chemical authorities
OSHA: Not regulated as a specific hazard under standard OSHA rules
REACH/EU: Not subject to restriction or authorization as of last available reports
TSCA (US): Listed for commercial, research, and educational use
