Acetic Anhydride Safety Data Sheet

Acetic Anhydride Safety Data Sheet: A Comprehensive Guide

Acetic anhydride, a colorless liquid with a pungent, vinegary odor, is a crucial chemical in various industries. Its widespread use, however, necessitates a thorough understanding of its safety profile. This comprehensive guide serves as a detailed Acetic Anhydride Safety Data Sheet (SDS), providing crucial information for safe handling, storage, and emergency response. This document aims to prevent accidents and protect the health and safety of individuals working with or near this chemical. Understanding this information is paramount for maintaining a safe working environment.

1. Identification

• Product Name: Acetic Anhydride
• Synonyms: Acetic oxide, ethanoic anhydride
• Chemical Formula: (CH₃CO)₂O
• CAS Number: 108-24-7
• RTECS Number: AB2275000
• EINECS Number: 203-510-8
• Molecular Weight: 102.09 g/mol
• Manufacturer/Supplier: (This section would typically contain the manufacturer's information, which is omitted here to maintain generality.)

2. Hazard Identification

Acetic anhydride presents several significant hazards:

• Health Hazards: Acetic anhydride is a severe irritant to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Inhalation can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in the lungs) in severe cases. Skin contact leads to burns and blisters. Ingestion is extremely dangerous and can cause severe internal burns and damage to the esophagus and stomach. Prolonged or repeated exposure can sensitize individuals, leading to allergic reactions. It's also a potential carcinogen, though research is ongoing and the carcinogenic potential is debated.

• Physical Hazards: Acetic anhydride is highly flammable and can react violently with water, producing heat and acetic acid. It can form explosive mixtures with air. The vapors are heavier than air and can accumulate in low-lying areas, posing a significant fire risk.

• Environmental Hazards: Acetic anhydride is harmful to aquatic life. Spills into water bodies can have detrimental effects on the ecosystem.

3. Composition/Information on Ingredients

• Acetic Anhydride: ≥99% (This percentage may vary slightly depending on the specific supplier and grade.)
• Other Components: May contain trace amounts of stabilizers or other additives to improve shelf life and stability. Specific information should be obtained from the product's label or the manufacturer's SDS.

4. First-aid Measures

• Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting the eyelids occasionally. Seek immediate medical attention.
• Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash the affected area with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
• Inhalation: Remove the person to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. Seek immediate medical attention.
• Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting. Rinse the mouth with water. Seek immediate medical attention.

5. Fire-fighting Measures

• Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide.
• Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water stream (may spread the fire).
• Specific Hazards Arising from the Chemical: Acetic anhydride is highly flammable and reacts violently with water, generating heat and acetic acid. Firefighters should wear appropriate protective equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and protective clothing.
• Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Cool surrounding containers with water spray to prevent further ignition. Evacuate the area and keep uninvolved persons away.

6. Accidental Release Measures

• Personal Precautions: Evacuate the area and restrict access to unauthorized personnel. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection, gloves, and eye protection.
• Environmental Precautions: Prevent the chemical from entering drains, waterways, or soil. Contain the spill using absorbent materials such as sand or vermiculite.
• Cleaning Methods: Absorb the spilled material with inert absorbent material. Dispose of the contaminated material according to local regulations. Thoroughly wash the affected area with water.

7. Handling and Storage

• Handling: Handle acetic anhydride in a well-ventilated area. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Never add water directly to acetic anhydride; always add anhydride to water slowly and cautiously.
• Storage: Store acetic anhydride in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials, such as strong oxidizing agents and bases. Store in tightly closed containers in a dedicated storage area. Protect containers from physical damage. Properly label containers with the chemical name, hazard warnings, and handling instructions. Use appropriate storage tanks constructed of compatible materials (e.g., stainless steel).

8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

• Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to maintain airborne concentrations below occupational exposure limits (OELs).
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  • Respiratory Protection: Use a NIOSH-approved respirator with appropriate cartridges for organic vapors when airborne concentrations exceed OELs.
  • Eye Protection: Wear chemical splash goggles or face shield.
  • Skin Protection: Wear impervious gloves made of materials such as neoprene, nitrile, or butyl rubber. Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes.
  • Other: Aprons, boots, and safety showers/eye wash stations should be readily available.

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

• Appearance: Colorless liquid
• Odor: Pungent, vinegary odor
• Boiling Point: 139-140 °C (282-284 °F)
• Melting Point: -73 °C (-99 °F)
• Flash Point: 49 °C (120 °F)
• Solubility in Water: Reacts violently with water
• Specific Gravity: 1.08 (20 °C)
• Vapor Pressure: 1.1 kPa (20 °C)
• Vapor Density: 3.5 (air=1)
• Autoignition Temperature: 530 °C (986 °F)

10. Stability and Reactivity

• Stability: Stable under normal conditions.
• Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, sparks, incompatible materials (strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, water).
• Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, water, alcohols.
• Hazardous Decomposition Products: Acetic acid, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.
• Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.

11. Toxicological Information

Acetic anhydride is a highly toxic substance. Acute exposure can cause severe irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Inhalation of high concentrations can lead to pulmonary edema. Ingestion can cause severe internal burns. Chronic exposure may lead to sensitization and allergic reactions. The potential for long-term health effects, including carcinogenicity, is a subject of ongoing research and requires further investigation. Specific toxicological data should be consulted from relevant scientific literature and databases.

12. Ecological Information

Acetic anhydride is harmful to aquatic life. Spills should be prevented from entering waterways. The substance and/or its breakdown products may have long-lasting adverse effects in the environment. Bioaccumulation is not expected to be a major concern, but further information on its environmental fate is recommended for comprehensive risk assessment.

13. Disposal Considerations

Dispose of acetic anhydride and its contaminated packaging according to local, regional, and national regulations. Contact a licensed waste disposal company for proper disposal. Never dispose of acetic anhydride down the drain or into the environment.

14. Transport Information

Transport acetic anhydride according to the applicable regulations (e.g., DOT, IATA, IMDG). Properly label and package containers to ensure safe transportation. Specific transport classifications will vary based on the quantity and mode of transport. Consult relevant transport regulations for detailed instructions.

15. Regulatory Information

Compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations is essential. This includes OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), and other relevant agencies. Check for any specific regulations pertaining to the handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of acetic anhydride in your jurisdiction.

16. Other Information

• NFPA Ratings: Health: 2, Flammability: 3, Reactivity: 1
• HMIS Ratings: Health: 2, Flammability: 3, Reactivity: 1
• Revision Date: (This section would contain the date the SDS was last updated.)
• Disclaimer: This information is provided for guidance only and does not constitute a guarantee of the product's safety. Always consult the manufacturer's SDS for the most up-to-date information. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable safety regulations and guidelines.

This Acetic Anhydride Safety Data Sheet provides a thorough overview of the hazards and safe handling procedures associated with this chemical. Remember that safety is paramount, and meticulous adherence to the guidelines outlined here is crucial to prevent accidents and protect human health and the environment. Always prioritize proper training and access to comprehensive safety information before working with acetic anhydride. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a replacement for professional safety training or consultation.