Material Safety Data Sheet for Imidazole-1-Acetic Acid

Identification

Product Name: Imidazole-1-acetic acid
Chemical Formula: C5H6N2O2
Synonyms: 1H-Imidazole-1-acetic acid
CAS Number: 22884-22-6
Intended Use: Laboratory reagent, research
Manufacturer: Listed as required; supplier information with contact in case of emergency
Emergency Contact: National emergency phone (see local agency for details)

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria for most uses, but laboratory quantities may pose a risk with dust inhalation, ingestion, or eye/skin contact
Hazard Statements: May cause irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract
Signal Word: Warning
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Wash exposed skin thoroughly after handling, avoid breathing dust, use in well-ventilated area
Primary Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eye contact, ingestion

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Imidazole-1-acetic acid
Concentration: >98% by weight
CAS Registry Number: 22884-22-6
Impurities: Trace amounts of related imidazole derivatives possible depending on supplier
Mixtures: Not a mixture, single-ingredient solid

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air immediately; if symptoms develop such as coughing or difficulty breathing, medical evaluation is advised
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and shoes, rinse thoroughly with water, seek attention for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, continue rinsing if irritation persists, and see a physician for anything unusual
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, no vomiting unless directed bytrained personnel; monitor for symptoms and contact emergency resources
General Advice: Seek medical advice if feeling unwell, bring product label when possible

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: Avoid high-pressure water jet
Specific Hazards: Combustion generates carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, possibly toxic fumes
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Combustion Products: Hazardous decomposition products such as CO, CO2, and nitrogen-containing gases
Additional Information: Keep containers cool by spraying with water to prevent pressure build-up

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use personal protective gear including gloves, goggles, dust mask or respirator during clean-up
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains, soil, or waterways
Clean Up Methods: Sweep or vacuum solid material using tools that avoid dust production, collect in suitable containers for disposal
Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local regulations, label waste containers clearly, never wash away with water if not contained
Emergency Procedures: Clear non-essential personnel from area, ventilate closed spaces

Handling and Storage

Handling: Wear protective gloves and eye/face protection, avoid creating dust clouds, keep containers tightly sealed when not in use, no eating or drinking in work area
Advice on Safe Handling: Use in fume hood or well-ventilated area, minimize contact by using appropriate tools or devices
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed original container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from heat sources and direct sunlight; separate from incompatible substances
Packaging Materials: Keep in labeled, chemical-resistant containers, avoid fragile or reactive packaging
Special Precautions: Avoid long-term exposure to moisture or air to reduce product degradation or clumping

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established exposure limit, treat as nuisance dust at 10 mg/m3 for total particulates
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or fume hood, safety shower, and eye wash nearby
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or latex), laboratory safety goggles, lab coat or apron, dust respirator if handling powder
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, do not touch face or eat/drink in work area
Environmental Controls: Ensure adequate containment to minimize environmental release

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: No significant odor
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH (Aqueous Solution): Approximately 3.0 at 1% solution
Melting Point/Freezing Point: 244 – 247 °C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not applicable, non-volatile
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability (solid, gas): May burn when strongly heated
Vapor Pressure: Not measurable at room temperature
Vapor Density: Not applicable (low volatility)
Density: Approximately 1.42 g/cm³
Solubility: Moderately soluble in water, almost insoluble in most organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not established
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not available
Decomposition Temperature: >240 °C
Viscosity: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under ambient conditions in sealed container
Reactivity: Forms salts with bases, may react with strong oxidizing agents
Hazardous Reactions: Not known for hazardous polymerization or decomposition under proper storage
Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged exposure to strong acids, bases, oxidizers, excessive moisture or heat
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides if thermally decomposed

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: No detailed data for acute oral or dermal toxicity in humans; animal data suggest low to moderate toxicity
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause mild transient irritation
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Possible irritation on direct exposure
Respiratory Sensitization: Particular risk from persistent dust generation but not confirmed as sensitizer
Long-Term Effects: No evidence for mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, or reproductive toxicity on present data
Symptom Data: Irritation to exposed tissues, transient redness, discomfort

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: No extensive aquatic toxicity data published, but structurally related imidazoles can disrupt algal growth at elevated exposures
Persistence and Degradability: Expected to be moderately biodegradable in the environment
Bioaccumulation: Limited data; low lipophilicity suggests unlikely bioaccumulation
Mobility in Soil: Soluble enough to migrate through some soils, but binding to organic matter likely at neutral to basic pH
Other Adverse Effects: No evidence of significant long-term environmental persistence or impact with recommended disposal

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect in sealed, labeled containers; handle as chemical waste suitable for incineration or secure landfill at permitted facility
Special Instructions: Do not dispose in regular trash or down household drains
Regulations: Comply with local and national regulations for hazardous waste disposal
Packaging Disposal: Decontaminate, dispose or recycle according to local guidance
Contaminated Materials: Treat rinsates and wash waters as hazardous unless verified otherwise

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated
Packing Group: Not regulated
Special Precautions: Keep container well sealed, prevent shift or leak during transport, segregate from food or animal feeds
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant

Regulatory Information

Global Inventory Status: Listed on relevant inventory lists such as TSCA (USA), EINECS/ELINCS (EU), DSL/NDSL (Canada)
OSHA Status: Not specifically listed as hazardous under OSHA chemical lists
SARA Title III: Not listed for threshold reporting
Other Regulations: Use may be regulated on a local or institutional basis; consult safety officers or environmental authorities for site-specific advice
Labeling Requirements: Must be labeled in compliance with OSHA hazard communication and applicable international transport laws