Product Name: Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
Chemical Formula: C3H6NO3Na
CAS Number: 70161-44-3
Synonyms: Suttocide A, Sodium Hydroxymethyl Glycinate
Intended Use: Preservative in cosmetics and personal care products
Manufacturer/Supplier: Chemical supply distributors, specialty chemical manufacturers
Contact Information: Available through official safety communication channels
Emergency Phone: Local emergency hotline or regional poison control center
GHS Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2A), Skin irritation (Category 2), Acute oral toxicity (Category 4)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation. Causes skin irritation. Harmful if swallowed.
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Wear protective gloves and eye protection. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using this product.
Emergency Overview: White crystalline powder or granules with faint formaldehyde odor. Irritating to skin, eyes, and respiratory system. May release low levels of formaldehyde under certain conditions.
Chemical Name: Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
CAS Number: 70161-44-3
Concentration: 98–100%
Impurities: Formaldehyde (trace)
Additives: None identified
Relevant Exposure Limits: Refer to workplace exposure limits for formaldehyde as a possible decomposition product
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Seek medical attention.
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. Get medical advice if irritation persists.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Seek medical attention for respiratory symptoms.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical help. Show product label or MSDS.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet on product bulk
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, sodium oxides, formaldehyde
Specific Hazards Arising from Substance: May release toxic fumes if ignited. Containers exposed to fire may burst.
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
Special Precautions: Move undamaged containers from fire area if safe. Use water to cool containers near flames.
Personal Precautions: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing dust or vapor. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff to soil, surface water, and drains.
Spill Cleanup Methods: Ventilate area. Collect spillage with inert dry material. Sweep up and place in suitable labeled containers for disposal. Wash spill site after material pickup.
Emergency Procedures: Evacuate unnecessary personnel. Inform area occupants about spill as needed.
Handling: Avoid dust formation. Prevent inhalation of dust and mist. Use only in well-ventilated areas. Do not ingest. Handle with care. Keep away from incompatible substances such as strong acids or oxidizers.
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers. Keep product in a cool, dry place. Protect from light and moisture. Store away from food and beverages. Label containers clearly and date upon receipt.
Technical Measures: Implement appropriate engineering controls to minimize exposure.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, oxidizers, strong reducing agents
Exposure Limits: No established limits for Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate. Monitor for formaldehyde levels during use.
Engineering Controls: Work in a chemical fume hood or ensure local exhaust.
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved dust masks under conditions of dust formation.
Eye / Face Protection: Wear chemical goggles or safety glasses with side shields.
Skin Protection: Use chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or PVC preferred). Wear lab coat and closed-toe shoes.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling. Remove contaminated clothing promptly.
Appearance: White crystalline solid or powder
Odor: Mild formaldehyde scent
pH (10% solution): 10–11
Melting Point/Range: Decomposes above 160°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Flash Point: Not flammable
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Specific Gravity: Approximately 1.3
Vapor Pressure: Not available
Partition coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions. Avoid excess heat, moisture, and exposure to air.
Reactivity: Reacts with acids to liberate formaldehyde.
Conditions to Avoid: Keep away from open flames, high temperatures, and incompatible chemicals.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizers, reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Formaldehyde, carbon oxides, sodium oxides, nitrogen oxides
Acute Toxicity (Oral): LD50 (rat): Approximately 2,900 mg/kg
Skin Irritation: Can cause moderate to severe irritation
Eye Irritation: Causes serious irritation and possible damage
Inhalation Effects: Potential irritation of respiratory tract, coughing, and discomfort
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may lead to allergic reactions or sensitization. Decomposition can expose users to formaldehyde, with known carcinogenic risks.
Mutagenicity/Carcinogenicity: Not classified, but breakdown product formaldehyde is listed as a probable carcinogen.
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life in concentrated amounts. Acute toxicity to fish and daphnia at moderate levels.
Persistence and Degradability: Expected to degrade in water through hydrolysis and biodegradation.
Bioaccumulation Potential: Unlikely to bioaccumulate.
Mobility in Soil: Easily dissolves and can migrate through soil to waterways.
Other Adverse Effects: Breakdown can release small levels of formaldehyde, adding to environmental load.
Waste Disposal Methods: Collect waste into suitable, labeled containers and handle as hazardous chemical waste. Use an approved chemical waste disposal contractor.
Unused Product: Dispose of as hazardous waste following local, regional, and national regulations.
Contaminated Packaging: Clean before reuse or dispose of as hazardous waste.
Precautions: Prevent any spills from entering drains, surface water, or soil.
UN Number: Not regulated for transport as a hazardous material
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not assigned
Proper Shipping Name: Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
Transport Labels: Not required under normal shipment
Special Precautions: Ensure containers are tightly sealed, clearly labeled, and kept upright during transport.
Inventory Status: Listed on TSCA, EINECS, and AICS
OSHA Hazard Status: Irritant
SARA Title III Section 313: Not listed as a reportable ingredient
California Prop 65: Finished product does not require warning, but formaldehyde (as a decomposition product) is listed
REACH Status: Registered for use in cosmetics and personal care industries, subject to concentration limits
Other Regulations: Follow national and local regulations regarding chemical handling, workplace health and safety, and labeling