Product Name: Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate
Synonyms: Guaiacolsulfonic acid, potassium salt
CAS Number: 1321-14-8
Recommended Use: Expectorant in pharmaceuticals, laboratory reagent
Supplier/Manufacturer: Contact local distributor for information
Emergency Contact: Use standard regional poison control or chemical emergency lines
Address: Found on packaging
Classification: Not classified as hazardous per GHS (Globally Harmonized System). May cause mild eye and respiratory irritation.
Label Elements: No pictograms or signal word. Precaution needed for handling large quantities.
Health Hazards: Short exposure may cause coughing, minor eye discomfort, mild skin reaction in some individuals. Chronic exposure information limited.
Environmental Hazards: Not expected to threaten environment at small/typical use amounts.
Physical Hazards: Dust formation can produce mild irritation. Not reactive, nonflammable under typical conditions.
Chemical Name: Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate
Formula: C7H7KO4S
CAS Number: 1321-14-8
Concentration: 100% (pure substance)
Impurities: Small traces of unreacted guaiacol or potassium salts may occur depending on source.
Inhalation: Move individual into fresh air. Seek medical advice if symptoms like coughing or sneezing persist.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse area with soap and water. Allergic responses are rare but possible.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of clean water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present. Medical advice may be needed for persistent irritation.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly. Give water if conscious. Do not induce vomiting. Medical supervision advised in case of accidental ingestion in quantity.
Symptoms/Effects: Applies mainly to minor irritant properties. No severe poisoning cases reported.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide.
Special Hazards: Thermal decomposition may produce sulfur oxides, potassium oxides, phenols. Avoid inhalation of smoke.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing.
Advice for Firefighters: Isolate area. Remove non-involved personnel. Cool containers with water spray to prevent overheating.
Personal Protection: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Wear gloves, goggles, dust mask.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent bulk releases from entering drains, surface water, or soil.
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up spills gently, avoiding raising dust. Use appropriate containers for disposal. Wash area with water after bulk clean-up.
Handling: Use care to prevent dust formation. Appropriate protective equipment should be used in processing large quantities. No specific ventilation required in non-industrial settings.
Storage: Store in tightly sealed container. Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space. Avoid moisture exposure. Segregate from strong oxidizers. Label containers clearly.
Hygiene: Wash hands after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits for potassium guaiacolsulfonate.
Engineering Controls: Use general laboratory ventilation. Local exhaust not required for small scale.
Personal Protective Equipment:
- Eye/Face: Chemical safety glasses or goggles
- Skin: Wear laboratory gloves (nitrile, latex), lab coat
- Respiratory: Disposable dust mask if dust becomes airborne in significant amounts
- Other: Emergency shower and eyewash recommended in work area.
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Faint, phenolic
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral in solution
Melting Point: Decomposes above 300 °C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Solubility: Soluble in water
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: Approximately 1.8 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): No data
Viscosity: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Explosive Properties: Not explosive
Oxidizing Properties: Does not display oxidizing properties
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions. Decomposes at high temperature.
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, moisture, incompatible materials like strong oxidizers.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizers (risk of exothermic reaction, decomposition).
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Phenol-type vapors, potassium oxides, sulfur oxides may form with strong heating.
Polymerization: Will not occur.
Acute Toxicity: Not acutely toxic at typical oral, dermal, or inhalation exposures.
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Data shows low irritation potential.
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Mild irritation possible on direct eye exposure.
Respiratory Effects: Dust can cause mild upper respiratory discomfort.
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: No evidence or listing as carcinogen or mutagen by major regulatory agencies.
Other Effects: No known chronic toxicity in humans. May induce mild allergic reaction in rare cases.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion.
Toxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic organisms at environmental concentrations associated with normal use.
Persistence and Degradability: Likely biodegradable, aromatic ring structures break down slowly in nature.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not expected.
Mobility in Soil: Dissolves and disperses in water, low accumulation.
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid bulk releases to waterways to keep aquatic and microbial communities safe.
Waste Treatment Methods: Collect product and contaminated material in appropriate containers. Dispose according to local and national environmental regulations.
Unsuitable Disposal Methods: Do not release into drains or the natural environment in unapproved quantities.
Container Handling: Empty containers may contain residues. Dispose after thorough cleaning or as hazardous waste.
Recycling: Unused product may be returned to supplier or routed for controlled destruction.
UN Number: Not classified as a dangerous good for transport.
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Hazard Class: None
Packing Group: None
Special Precautions: Prevent moisture exposure. Keep containers upright and sealed. Avoid dust generation during loading/unloading.
Transport in Bulk: Not subject to bulk transport requirements.
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant.
TSCA Status (USA): Listed
REACH Status (EU): Listed
SARA/OSHA (USA): Not subject to specific hazard reporting
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
Labelling: No mandatory hazard symbols or risk phrases in EU, USA, Japan
Other Regulations: National/local regulations may apply to waste management and occupational health
Workplace Safety: Follow established best practices for lab handling and chemical storage.