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Chemical Name: Levulinic acid
Common Uses: Found in flavors, fragrances, biodegradable plastics, personal care products, and alternative fuels
CAS Number: 123-76-2
Molecular Formula: C5H8O3
Hazard Class: Skin and eye irritant
Risk Phrases: Irritating to eyes, respiratory tract, and skin
GHS Label: Exclamation mark; may trigger symptoms after inhalation, skin contact, or accidental eye splashing
Main Concerns: Prolonged or repeated contact dries out skin; inhalation of dust aggravates respiratory issues; accidental ingestion upsets the stomach, causes nausea, might induce vomiting
Main Ingredient: Levulinic acid, typically over 98% purity for lab, manufacturing, or formulation uses
Inhalation: Move the exposed person to fresh air as soon as possible; watch for persistent cough, difficulty breathing; seek medical attention if symptoms intensify
Skin Contact: Wash area thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with clean water, hold eyelids open to ensure thorough flushing
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; consult a medical professional for persistent discomfort
Suitable Extinguishing Agents: Water spray, dry powder, foam, or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: During combustion, releases choking fumes of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment: Use full protective gear, including a self-contained breathing apparatus in case of heavy smoke
Additional Notes: Avoid direct skin and eye contact with fire residues or contaminated water
Personal Protection: Wear gloves and goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent movement into drains, surface, or soil; avoid release to waterways
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spill with non-combustible materials like sand or earth; sweep up material and place in a suitable disposal container
Safe Handling: Keep area well-ventilated; minimize dust formation and direct contact
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances (strong alkalis, strong oxidizers)
Packaging: Use tightly sealed containers, avoid exposure to moisture and direct sunlight
Engineering Controls: Operate in well-ventilated zones; install appropriate extraction or local exhaust systems where large quantities are handled
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves, chemical-resistant goggles; in situations with dust or splashing risk, use lab coats and particulate or vapor respirators
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly before eating, drinking, or smoking; never use food or drink containers for storage
Form: Clear to slightly light yellow liquid or crystalline solid at room temperature
Odor: Mild, somewhat acidic, sharp
Boiling Point: Around 245 °C
Melting Point: Roughly 33 °C
Solubility: Readily dissolves in water, ethanol, and other common solvents
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Density: About 1.14 g/cm³
pH: Acidic in aqueous solution
Stability: Stable under standard conditions; does not show signs of decomposition in everyday use
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides formed in fire or extreme heat
Polymerization: Not known to occur under normal conditions
Acute Effects: Can irritate skin, eyes, respiratory tract
Chronic Effects: No well-documented severe chronic health effects in casual exposure; long-term unprotected exposure increases risk of irritation or dermatitis
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion
LD50 (oral, rat): Around 1850 mg/kg, placing it in the category of moderately toxic chemicals (EPA classification)
Biodegradability: Breaks down readily in the environment
Ecosystem Impact: Lower risk to aquatic life than more persistent chemicals, but higher concentrations pose threats to aquatic organisms due to acidity
Mobility: Dissolves quickly in water, spreads in soil and water systems unless contained
Preferred Disposal: Incinerate under controlled conditions or send to a licensed chemical waste handler
Environmental Risks: Do not pour into drains, bodies of water, or soil; follow local and national environmental regulations where applicable
Land Transport: Package securely to prevent leaks
Air Transport: Ensure compliance with ICAO/IATA packaging and labeling guidelines
Regulatory Transport Status: Not classified as hazardous for all transport modes, but leaks create risks; transporters should use suitable secondary containment
Occupational Safety: Subject to workplace exposure limits in some regions
Environmental Regulations: Listed on key chemical inventories in Europe, the United States, and Asia
Consumer Use: Regulations may require clear labeling of irritant potential, safe handling and storage information in retail and industrial supply chains
