Name: O-Chloromandelic Acid
Chemical Formula: C8H7ClO3
Appearance: Off-white or light tan powder
Odor: Largely odorless under normal handling
Common Uses: Intermediate for pharmaceuticals and specialized organic synthesis
Synonyms: 2-Chloromandelic acid
CAS Number: 3041-90-7
Classification: May irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract upon exposure
Physical Hazards: Combustible in powdered form
Health Hazards: Irritation to mucous membranes, skin redness or rashes, possible aggravated symptoms among sensitive or allergic individuals after prolonged or repeated contact
Environmental Hazards: No broad-scale aquatic toxicity, though persistent soil contamination poses a threat to localized ecosystems
Substance: Pure O-Chloromandelic Acid
Percentage: Over 98% active ingredient
Impurities: Trace organic byproducts from synthetic process, rarely exceeding 2%
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air immediately; persistent symptoms demand medical attention
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin with plenty of water; soap helps remove residue
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for at least fifteen minutes, checking for residual particles; seek medical help if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, avoid inducing vomiting; seek prompt medical support, as symptoms may not show up immediately
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical powder, or foam; avoid direct blasts which can cause dust clouds
Fire Hazards: Decomposes in a fire, generating smoke and toxic fumes like hydrogen chloride and carbon oxides
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear respiratory protection, gloves, and eye shields in fire scenarios; self-contained breathing apparatus keeps first responders safer amidst dense smoke
Spill Cleanup: Scoop up spill using non-sparking tools, minimize dust generation and ventilate area
Personal Precautions: Gloves, goggles, and dust masks reduce exposure risk during cleanup
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains and surface water, collect residues for proper waste management
Decontamination: Wash surfaces with soapy water and rinse thoroughly following removal of bulk material
Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas, minimize airborne dust, keep containers sealed when not in use
Hygiene: Wash hands before eating or drinking, avoid touching face during use
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry location far from oxidizers or acids; moisture absorption alters chemical stability and handling characteristics
Container Materials: Use polyethylene or glass; metals may corrode on sustained contact with acidic surfaces
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation in handling zones limits airborne particles
Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, disposable lab coats safeguard personal safety
Respiratory Protection: Dust respirators matter during any operation that raises airborne levels above nuisance thresholds; those with respiratory sensitivities benefit most from consistent protection
Physical State: Fine crystalline powder
Color: Off-white to pale tan
Melting Point: Approximate onset above 110°C
Solubility: Moderate in water, easier in alcohols and acetone
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling under normal pressure
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Odor Threshold: Practically undetectable
Chemical Stability: Stable in tightly sealed containers at recommended temperatures
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers ramp up the risk of hazardous decomposition
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, carbon oxides released under fire or extreme heat
Hazardous Reactions: No polymerization under typical laboratory or storeroom conditions
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact
Acute Effects: Irritation, coughing, mild skin redness, possible eye discomfort
Chronic Effects: Low risk of accumulation; repeated exposure may lead to skin sensitization or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals
Carcinogenicity: Not listed on recognized cancer risk databases
Reproductive or Genetic Effects: No reliable evidence points to risk at regular exposure levels in research or industry
Aquatic Toxicity: Significant impacts unlikely below major spill levels
Persistence and Degradability: Slow biodegradation rate, risk increases in poorly ventilated soils
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low, due to limited lipid solubility
Soil Mobility: Middle range; rainwater may move contamination to shallow groundwater
Precautionary Principle: Prevent runoff and large-scale contamination near sensitive habitats
Disposal Methods: Incinerate in approved facility or landfill under jurisdictional rules; do not flush with aqueous waste
Container Disposal: Rinse empty containers, puncture or crush, and send to licensed waste handler
Regulatory Disposal Requirements: Follow national or regional hazardous waste laws where applicable, track volume and method used, and keep records for compliance checks
UN Number: Not routinely listed for this compound on international indexes
Mode Restrictions: Not classified as dangerous goods for ground or sea; avoid packing with food or medical cargo
Packing Requirements: Use sealed, impact-resistant inner packaging for bulk shipments; outer drum or box limits spill risks
Special Instructions: Proper labeling marks containers for hazard awareness
Global Inventory Status: Listed in major chemical regulatory listings, no outright restrictions on small-scale use
Workplace Limits: No published occupational exposure limits in major guidance as of this year
Hazard Symbol: Corrosive and irritant pictograms apply for bulk handling
Labeling Guidance: Label clearly with hazards and secure access in accordance with local chemical storage codes
Community Right-to-Know: Workers benefit from straightforward hazard communication at all access points