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Name: Sodium Valerate
Chemical Formula: C5H9NaO2
Common Use: Often used in laboratories and industrial settings, especially in chemical synthesis and as a reagent in various reactions.
Physical Appearance: White crystalline powder, typically with a slight odor resembling valeric acid.
Registry Numbers: CAS number 6106-41-8
Solubility: Easily dissolves in water, forming a clear, colorless solution.
Hazard Class: Irritant, which means it can sting eyes or skin with unprotected contact.
Acute Health Effects: Inhalation may produce coughing, headaches, or mild respiratory irritation. Larger exposures may cause gastrointestinal upset if swallowed, or burning if it gets in the eyes.
Chronic Risks: Ongoing or repeated exposure may lead to skin sensitization or increased risk of dermal irritation.
Physical Hazards: Dust from the powder can disperse in the air and, if in high concentration, may ignite with a proper ignition source. Not classified as a flammable solid under normal conditions.
Component: Sodium Valerate
Concentration: Typically above 98% in pure sample
Impurities: Minor residuals from manufacturing; these rarely exceed 2%. Impurities can increase corrosiveness or change reactivity.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air and keep breathing normally; symptoms usually go away after exposure ends. Seek attention if breathing trouble lingers.
Skin Contact: Wash area with soap and water; if irritation develops, medical attention may be needed.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with clean water for several minutes; hold eyelids open. See a healthcare provider if irritation remains.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Drink water to reduce taste and slight irritation in throat. Medical advice is wise if a large amount is swallowed.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry powder, or foam to tackle a fire in the vicinity.
Unusual Fire Hazards: Thermal decomposition may produce irritating fumes like carbon monoxide and sodium oxides.
Protective Equipment: Wear goggles, face shield, and self-contained breathing apparatus in cases of heavy smoke or confined space fires.
Precautionary Advice: Avoid inhaling combustion by-products, as these may be more hazardous than the substance itself.
Small Spills: Collect with a sweep or vacuum that does not raise dust, and place the residue in sealed containers for proper waste management.
Large Spills: Isolate area, restrict unnecessary personnel, and use dust masks or respirators.
Personal Protection: Gloves, safety goggles, and respiratory protection recommended when cleaning spills.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent the escape of powder into drains, or soil and water bodies; sodium valerate may disrupt local microbial activity.
Handling: Avoid creating dust in the air. Good ventilation is key. Use gloves and safety glasses for handling the powder, especially in larger batches.
Storage Conditions: Keep containers closed and dry; heat and moisture can cause caking or depolymerization.
Incompatible Materials: Store away from strong acids, oxidizers, and anything reactive with sodium salts.
Safety Practices: Label containers clearly, and always keep workspace clean to avoid the risk of small accidental releases.
Engineering Controls: Work under a local exhaust hood or in a well-ventilated area.
Personal Protection: Use standard chemical-resistant gloves, tightly fitting safety goggles, and a dust mask if dust might be created.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after completing tasks with this substance.
Monitoring: No established workplace exposure limit, but minimizing dust exposure cuts down on accidental irritation.
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Slightly pungent, similar to valeric acid
Melting Point: Approximately 233°C
Density: Close to 1.1 g/cm³
pH: 7-9 in water solution
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, low solubility in alcohols
Molecular Weight: 124.12 g/mol
Chemical Stability: Remains stable under typical use and storage conditions.
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids to form valeric acid and sodium salts; can release flammable gases if mixed with strong oxidizers.
Hazardous Decomposition: Smoke, carbon monoxide, sodium oxides form during high-temperature breakdown.
Conditions to Avoid: Excess moisture, strong oxidizers, exposure to heat or flame in storage.
Acute Toxicity: Low oral toxicity in rodents; direct ingestion causes mild gastrointestinal symptoms, but not classified as highly toxic.
Skin and Eye Effects: Moderate irritation risk for skin and eyes on prolonged contact.
Respiratory Impact: Inhalation of high levels of dust can irritate airways and lead to coughing or mild headache.
Chronic Exposure: No clear evidence of carcinogenicity or mutagenic risk in standard laboratory animal models.
Aquatic Effects: Sodium valerate can raise local pH and shift the ionic balance if released into water, stressing aquatic microorganisms.
Soil Impact: Breakdown products may alter bacterial populations; in large amounts, could affect plant root uptake locally.
Persistence and Degradation: Over time, it tends to hydrolyze or get metabolized by bacteria, though the rate depends on environmental conditions.
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to build up significantly in higher organisms.
Waste Disposal: Dispose in accordance with regional or national hazardous waste guidelines. Small quantities can go into chemical waste bins for incineration by licensed handlers.
Container Disposal: Empty and triple-rinse containers before recycling or incinerating; avoid sending contaminated packaging to standard landfill.
Environmental Advice: Never dump unused material into sewers, soil, or open water. Responsible disposal protects both workers and nearby communities.
Shipping Classification: Not listed as hazardous for ground or air transport under most global standards.
Recommended Packaging: Moisture-proof, sealed containers that resist crushing and accidental rupture.
Precautions in Transit: Protect packages from vibration, high heat, and moisture to maintain product quality on arrival.
Local and International Rules: Regulations vary by country, but generally, sodium valerate is not flagged as a major health or environmental threat at commercial scales.
Labeling Requirements: Use standard hazard labels for skin and respiratory irritants.
Workplace Controls: Many regions recommend access to eyewash stations and good ventilation in handling areas. Laws may require a safety data sheet on site.
