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Product Name: N-Acetylcysteine, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine
Chemical Formula: C5H9NO3S
CAS Number: 616-91-1
Synonyms: NAC, Acetylcysteine
Intended Use: Pharmaceutical ingredient, mucolytic agent, research applications
Manufacturer Information: Supplied by chemical distributors, biotechnology companies, and pharmaceutical firms
Contact Details: Available from supplier, includes address, phone number, and emergency contact
GHS Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2A), Skin irritation (Category 2), Respiratory tract irritation (Category 3)
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation, causes skin irritation, may cause respiratory irritation
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wash skin thoroughly after handling, wear protective gloves, use eye protection, seek fresh air if inhaled, rinse if in eyes
Potential Health Effects: Eyes: Irritation, redness, discomfort; Skin: Irritation, rash; Inhalation: Sore throat, coughing, headache; Ingestion: Nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal distress
Environmental Risks: Limited toxicity towards aquatic environments, bioaccumulation unlikely; good chemical hygiene reduces risks
Chemical Name: N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine
Concentration: > 98% pure (varies by supplier)
Impurities and Additives: Minimal, typically not exceeding 2%, may include trace moisture or silica from drying
Molecular Weight: 163.19 g/mol
Structural Formula: CH3CONHCH(CH2SH)COOH
General Advice: Remove from exposure, ensure access to fresh air, seek medical attention when symptoms persist or worsen
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, keep at rest, provide oxygen if needed; seek medical care if symptoms develop
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, rinse area for at least 15 minutes; seek advice if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids to flush, remove contact lenses if present; obtain medical attention if discomfort continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, seek medical assistance immediately, do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, foam
Special Hazards: Releases sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides on combustion; fumes can be irritating or toxic
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical-resistant clothing, gloves, full face shield
Fire-Fighting Procedures: Evacuate area, avoid inhaling vapors, cool containers with water from a safe distance, prevent runoff from entering drains or watercourses
Flammability: Product is not considered highly flammable but may combust at high temperatures
Personal Precautions: Use personal protective equipment including gloves, safety glasses, dust mask or respirator; avoid generating dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering soil, drainage systems, surface water; notify local authorities if significant spill threatens environment
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up and collect spilled material, avoid raising dust, place in properly labeled container for disposal; wash affected area with water
Decontamination: Clean tools and equipment with detergent and water
Disposal: Dispose according to local and national regulations; consult landfill requirements and incineration options
Handling Guidelines: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, clothing; handle inside well-ventilated work space; minimize dust formation when transferring or weighing
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed container, away from moisture, heat, light, and incompatible substances; maintain temperature below 25°C
Incompatibles: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents (may react and cause decomposition)
Storage Area: Keep in designated storage cabinet, labeled for hazardous chemicals, equipped with appropriate spill containment
Other Precautions: Keep container dry, inspect regularly for leaks or damage
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits in most jurisdictions; prudent practice dictates minimizing exposure
Engineering Controls: Use appropriate exhaust ventilation, fume hoods or local extraction systems to manage dust and vapors
Personal Protection: Nitrile or latex gloves, lab coat, safety goggles or chemical splash glasses, NIOSH-approved dust mask for airborne particles
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing, avoid eating or drinking in handling areas
Physical State: Solid
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Mild sulfurous scent
Melting Point: 106-108°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
pH (1% solution): 2-2.5
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Density: Approx. 1.3 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): -2.78
Autoignition Temperature: Not determined
Chemical Stability: Typically stable under recommended storage; may discolor over time with light or moisture exposure
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive humidity, exposure to high temperature, direct sunlight, incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Oxidizing agents, acids, bases; contact may initiate exothermic or decomposition reactions
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides can form in fire or extreme heat
Polymerization: Product does not undergo hazardous polymerization
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, eyes
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): approx. 5050 mg/kg; low acute toxicity reported in animal studies
Chronic Toxicity: No data suggesting carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, or reproductive toxicity at recommended use levels
Irritant Effects: Can cause transient eye and skin irritation, mild upper respiratory symptoms
Allergic Sensitization: No reports of allergic sensitization with routine laboratory exposures, but sulfhydryl group can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals
Target Organs: None identified in studies at therapeutic or research doses
Additional Notes: Used therapeutically in humans for acetaminophen overdose and chronic bronchopulmonary conditions; large doses may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Aquatic Toxicity: Freshwater aquatic toxicity believed to be low based on structure and experience; LC50 (fish, 96 hr): > 100 mg/L
Marine Toxicity: Not acutely toxic to marine species in available studies
Persistence and Degradability: Product is biodegradable; breakdown expected within biological wastewater treatment facilities
Bioaccumulation: Low potential due to moderate water solubility and molecular weight
Mobility in Soil: Water soluble, can move through soils fairly quickly if spilled; unlikely to persist in groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Large quantities may cause localized pH drop in waterways; good lab practice and containment eliminate this risk in responsible facilities
Waste Disposal Methods: Collect as chemical waste, dispose at authorized hazardous waste landfill or incinerator, according to local and national regulations
Container Disposal: Triple rinse containers, puncture before discarding, send to approved recycler or hazardous waste handler
Precautions: Never pour down drains or mix with incompatible substances prior to disposal; label waste clearly and document transfer
Recycling or Reuse: Not generally practical at laboratory scale, but may be feasible for large industrial stock
UN Number: Not a regulated hazardous material for transport (DOT, IATA, IMDG)
Proper Shipping Name: N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions: Ship in tightly closed, undamaged container; protect from moisture, excessive heat during transit
Label Requirements: No mandatory hazardous material labeling under US or European rules
GHS Label Elements: Pictogram (exclamation), signal word (Warning), hazard statements
Federal and Local Regulations: N-Acetylcysteine not listed as dangerous under most chemical safety directives (US TSCA, EU REACH, Australian AICS, Canadian DSL); subject to local workplace safety, environmental, and pharmaceutical controls
Occupational Health: Observe chemical hygiene, PPE, recordkeeping per OSHA, EU, and country-specific guidelines
Right-to-Know Laws: Some US states list as a chemical of concern due to irritant potential; maintain up-to-date MSDS on site for worker reference
Other Legal Requirements: Disposal, reporting, and occupational controls depend on facility’s registration; consult with health and safety official or regulator for details
