Product Name: L-Arginine
Chemical Formula: C6H14N4O2
CAS Number: 74-79-3
Synonyms: 2-Amino-5-guanidinovaleric acid
Recommended Uses: Laboratory chemicals, nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals
Manufacturer Information: Contact details of supplier or manufacturer provided on product label and shipping documents
Emergency Contact: Refer to provided phone number on MSDS or packaging for immediate assistance
Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS criteria
Physical Hazards: May cause slippery surfaces when spilled
Health Hazards: May cause mild skin and eye irritation upon direct contact; ingestion of large amounts may result in stomach upset or nausea
Environmental Hazards: Not considered hazardous for the environment in typical quantities used in laboratories or supplement applications
Signal Word: None required
Precautionary Statements: Avoid unnecessary contact with skin and eyes; wash thoroughly after handling; keep out of children’s reach
Chemical Name: L-Arginine
Concentration: At least 98% pure in most laboratory grades
Impurities: Minor content of water, residual solvents below regulatory thresholds
Ingredient Synonyms: Amino acid, arginine, essential amino acid
EC Number: 200-811-1
Molecular Weight: 174.20 g/mol
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen
Skin Contact: Remove any contaminated clothing; thoroughly wash skin with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation occurs
Eye Contact: Gently rinse eyes with plenty of clean water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy; obtain medical attention for persistent irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; seek medical assessment if large quantities were consumed or if discomfort develops
Most Important Symptoms: Redness, irritation, or discomfort in eyes, skin, or gastric tract
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam
Specific Hazards: Product may release nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon oxides (CO, CO2) under high heat or fire
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Unusual Fire Hazards: Fine powder may form explosive dust-air mixtures; avoid creating dust clouds near open flames
Advice for Firefighters: Use caution and minimize exposure to smoke or heated decomposition products
Personal Precautions: Wear protective gloves, goggles, and clothing; remove sources of ignition if handling larger spills
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into drains, sewers, and bodies of water
Clean-Up Methods: Sweep or vacuum up material; avoid generating dust; place in suitable closed containers for disposal
Decontamination: Wash affected area with water and detergent after clean-up
Emergency Procedures: Notify appropriate manager or environmental authority if spill occurs on a larger scale
Safe Handling Recommendations: Use in ventilated areas; avoid generating dust; do not eat, drink, or smoke while working with this substance; wash hands thoroughly after use
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area; keep container tightly closed and labeled; protect from direct sunlight and moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids; avoid mixing with such materials
Packaging Materials: Use containers compatible with amino acids; polyethylene and glass preferred
Special Rules for Bulk Storage: Avoid stacking heavy loads that could damage packaging and result in spillage
Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limits established for L-Arginine
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to minimize dust in air; maintain good laboratory hygiene
Personal Protection Equipment: Protective gloves made from nitrile or latex; safety goggles or face shield; lab coat or apron; face mask if powder handling could lead to aerosol generation
Hygiene Measures: Routine handwashing after handling; avoid skin and eye contact; promptly remove contaminated clothing
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Slight or no discernible odor
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH (10% aqueous solution): Approximately 10.5–12.0
Melting Point / Freezing Point: Decomposes without melting at approximately 244–246°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Flash Point: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Not highly flammable; may burn if exposed to open flame
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Solubility: Soluble in water (approx. 148 g/L at 20°C); slightly soluble in ethanol
Partition Coefficient (octanol/water): -4.2 (estimated)
Relative Density: Approximately 1.26 g/cm³
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not determined
Decomposition Temperature: 244–246°C
Molecular Structure: Contains a guanidino group, making the molecule highly hydrophilic
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: No hazardous polymerization expected; reacts with strong oxidizers or acids
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to heat, moisture, and incompatible substances
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon oxides (CO, CO2), ammonia, urea on thermal decomposition
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizing agents
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) estimated >5000 mg/kg (low toxicity)
Skin Corrosion / Irritation: May cause mild irritation on prolonged contact
Serious Eye Damage / Irritation: May cause transient eye irritation
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: No evidence of sensitization in humans or animals studied
Chronic Effects: No known chronic health effects in standard animal testing
Mutagenicity / Carcinogenicity: No reports of mutagenic or carcinogenic effects from L-Arginine supplementation in standard studies
Potential Health Symptoms: Large doses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, or diarrhea in sensitive individuals
Ecotoxicity: Not expected to cause adverse effects in aquatic or terrestrial species
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable in soil and water; rapidly metabolized by microorganisms
Bioaccumulative Potential: No potential for bioaccumulation; low log Kow
Mobility in Soil: Highly soluble and mobile in water; unlikely to persist in soil
Other Adverse Effects: No known significant environmental effects; product does not contain heavy metals, halogenated compounds, or persistent organic pollutants
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Product Disposal: Incinerate or landfill in a permitted facility; do not dispose in household waste or sewage
Packaging Disposal: Triple-rinse and recycle plastic or glass containers if allowed by local rules
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering waterways, storm drains, or soil
Special Instructions: Material can be rendered non-hazardous with ample dilution in water for disposal in laboratory settings, but always confirm compliance with local requirements
UN Number: Not classified as a hazardous transport material
Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated under ADR, IMDG, IATA or DOT
Transport Hazard Class: None
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: None known
Special Precautions: Keep container closed; protect from direct sun, moisture, and heavy loads during transit
Safety, Health & Environmental Regulations: Complies with REACH, TSCA, and other major global chemical inventories
OSHA Status: Not hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
SARA Title III (Sections 302/304/311/312/313): Not listed
California Proposition 65: Not listed as carcinogen or reproductive toxin
WHMIS Classification (Canada): Not controlled
Labeling Requirements: Standard chemical labeling for laboratory or industrial use
Other Regulations: Product can be lawfully used in nutritional supplements at recommended levels; pharmaceutical use subject to national regulatory approval and standards