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Chemical Name: Picrotoxin
Synonyms: Cocculin, Picrotoxane, Picrotoxinin
CAS Number: 124-87-8
Physical State: White to yellow crystalline powder, readily water-insoluble but soluble in alcohol and chloroform
Primary Use: Known primarily as a central nervous system stimulant in experimental settings, not for consumption
Hazard Classification: Highly toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin
Main Hazards: Severe convulsant, capable of causing strong seizure activity, respiratory failure, and death in large doses
Warning Signs: Risk of acute poisoning and rapid onset of symptoms, including severe agitation, muscle twitching, and hallucinations
Principal Component: Picrotoxin (C15H16O6)
Concentration: Pure forms generally used in laboratory doses; impure or adulterated samples substantially increase risks
Impurities: Adulteration increases unpredictability and hazard level, particularly for skin and inhalation exposure
Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately, seek urgent medical assistance—no safe home remedies here
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin thoroughly with running water, never ignore even if irritation is minor
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, keep eyes open and seek prompt medical help
Ingestion: Urgent hospital attention, do not induce vomiting, keep patient stable and breathing
Extinguishing Methods: Use carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or foam; water spray for larger fires
Specific Hazards: Burning produces toxic fumes, fallout can be dangerous with fine particles
Protective Equipment: Proper self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical suits required
Special Considerations: Run-off from firefighting may cause hazardous contamination
Personal Protection: Gloves, protective eyewear, chemical-resistant clothing mandatory
Evacuation: Limit spread by sealing area, keep untrained personnel clear
Cleanup Procedure: Sweep or scoop material into secure, label-identified, sealable containers for disposal; never use bare hands
Avoidance: Do not generate dust, never touch face during cleanup
Handling Precautions: Only trained laboratory professionals should handle, use fume hoods to guard against inhalation
Storage Conditions: Keep in tightly sealed containers, stored away from food, water sources, and flammable materials
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers and acids boost the risk for dangerous reactions
Spill Protocol: Always report laboratory spills, avoid solitary cleanups
Ventilation: Use local exhaust at points of dust production
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical fume masks, nitrile gloves, laboratory coats and protective goggles
Hygiene Measures: No eating, drinking, smoking where chemical is handled, thorough hand washing after every contact
Exposure Limits: No officially recognized occupational exposure limits due to high toxicity, zero-tolerance best practice
Appearance: Crystalline, often granular at room temperature
Odor: None distinct
Melting Point: Approximately 199°C
Solubility: Low in water, high in ethanol, ether, and chloroform
Stability Under Common Conditions: Stable at room temperature, avoid exposure to light and high humidity
Chemical Stability: Chemically stable under standard laboratory conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong acids and oxidizers
Decomposition Products: May break down into toxic and corrosive fumes including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide if overheated or burned
Acute Effects: Convulsions, respiratory paralysis, nausea, acute neurological symptoms
Chronic Effects: Risk of long-term neurological damage with repeated exposure, no safe exposure threshold established for humans
Routes of Exposure: Dangerous through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact
Human Data: Documented poisonings with severe results, animal tests show high mortality at low doses
Environmental Impact: Highly toxic to aquatic life, long-lasting effects in streams and soil
Persistence and Degradability: Does not break down quickly in natural environments, can accumulate and cause harm outside of controlled settings
Bioaccumulation: Likelihood of build-up in food chains makes accidental release a concern
Waste Management: Treat as hazardous chemical waste; incineration in permitted facilities best practice; never flush down drains
Container Disposal: Decontaminate and crush containers before authorized landfill, do not attempt household disposal
Local Legislation: Strict adherence to hazardous waste laws can prevent environmental or occupational injury
Transport Classification: Regulated as a toxic substance; fails most common transport safety thresholds for public carriers
Packing Requirements: Secure, leakproof, rigid containers, clear labeling with hazard warnings
Spill Response: Full chemical suit, respiratory protection, full incident reporting required for accidents
International Controls: Strictly controlled under chemical safety regulations in most developed countries
Occupational Restrictions: Only trained persons in licensed labs or scientific facilities allowed access
Import/Export: Permits and documentation needed, not eligible for general trade
Worker Protection: Regular training, access to antidotes and emergency equipment, enforcement of no-exception safety policies
