Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – Nicotine

Identification

Product Name: Nicotine
Chemical Name: 3-(1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)pyridine
Synonyms: Nicotina, Beta-Nicotyrine
CAS Number: 54-11-5
Recommended Use: Research, pharmaceutical applications, manufacture of insecticides
Manufacturer Information: Company address and contact number should be available on packaging

Hazard Identification

Hazard Class: Acute Toxicity, Oral and Dermal (Category 2), Acute Toxicity, Inhalation (Category 1), Aquatic Acute (Category 1)
Pictogram: Skull and crossbones, Environment symbol
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through skin; causes serious eye damage; extremely toxic to aquatic life
Precautionary Statements: Use protective gear, handle with care to prevent release into environment, keep container tightly closed
Target Organ Effects: Central nervous system, cardiovascular system
Symptoms of Exposure: Nausea, dizziness, vomiting, respiratory distress, convulsions
NFPA Ratings: Health 4, Flammability 2, Instability 0

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Composition: Nicotine
Concentration: 95–100%
Impurities: Trace levels of related alkaloids or solvents possible, based on production method
Other Ingredients: None listed for pure substance; formulation products may contain stabilizers or solvents
Molecular Formula: C10H14N2
Molecular Weight: 162.23 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, provide oxygen if needed, seek immediate medical attention
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, consult a doctor promptly
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, get professional medical care
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth with water, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person, get urgent medical help
Notes for Physicians: Monitor for respiratory paralysis, treat symptoms, consider activated charcoal for ingestion

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High-pressure water jets risk spreading
Special Firefighting Procedures: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing
Hazardous Combustion Products: Toxic nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: Vapors could form explosive mixtures with air, containers may burst when heated
Advice for Firefighters: Evacuate area, avoid breathing smoke, use water spray to cool containers

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, respirator if vapors present
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spill from entering drains, waterways or soil
Containment: Absorb with inert material like vermiculite, secure in sealable container for disposal
Cleanup Procedures: Ventilate area, clean thoroughly with water after material pickup, avoid use of solvents that dissolve nicotine
Decontamination: Soak contaminated tools in bleach solution to neutralize residue

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work under fume hood if possible, wear personal protective equipment, avoid ingestion or inhalation, keep away from incompatible substances
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, well-ventilated area, in tightly closed original container, away from direct sunlight, incompatible materials include oxidizers and acids
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, alkalis
Specific End Use(s): Laboratory or industrial use, not for personal consumption
Storage Class: Toxic chemicals

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: Skin exposure must be avoided, ACGIH TLV: 0.07 mg/m³ (inhalable fraction and vapor)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, fume hood
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical splash goggles, gloves (nitrile or rubber), lab coat, respiratory protection if exposure risk occurs
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after handling, do not eat, drink or smoke around nicotine
Environmental Exposure Controls: Avoid release into environment; use secondary containment

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow, oily liquid
Odor: Tobacco-like, irritating
Melting Point: -79 °C
Boiling Point: 247 °C
Flash Point: 95 °C (Closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Not available
Flammability: Combustible liquid
Vapor Pressure: 0.042 mmHg at 25 °C
Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohol, ether, chloroform
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Log Kow 1.17
Relative Density: 1.009 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Viscosity: 1.14 mPa·s at 25 °C
pH: Alkaline, roughly 10 (for 1% solution in water)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Can react vigorously with strong oxidizing agents, causes fire and explosion risk
Conditions to Avoid: Contact with air, elevated temperatures, electrostatic discharge
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, hydrogen cyanide

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 Oral (rat): 50 mg/kg; LD50 Dermal (rabbit): 285 mg/kg; LC50 Inhalation (rat): 5 mg/m³/4h
Routes of Exposure: Ingestion, skin absorption, inhalation, eye contact
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, salivation, abdominal pain, convulsions, paralysis, respiratory failure
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure may cause addiction, cardiovascular diseases, changes in blood pressure
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC
Reproductive Toxicity: Evidence from animal studies points to effects on fertility and fetal development
Mutagenicity: Some test systems show positive results
Sensitization: Not known to cause skin or respiratory sensitization

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: LC50 (Lepomis macrochirus): 0.5 mg/L/96h; extremely toxic to aquatic species
Persistence/Degradability: Biodegradable in soil and water; breakdown takes days to weeks depending on conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Log Kow indicates moderate potential; bioaccumulation possible in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Highly mobile, may leach into groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Dangerous for pollinator insects, can disrupt aquatic and terrestrial food chains

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Incinerate at approved facility, follow local hazardous waste regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse then puncture containers for secure disposal, do not reuse
Sewage Disposal: Avoid discharge to drains, water courses, or on the ground
Special Instructions: Consult with licensed chemical waste contractor

Transport Information

UN Number: UN1654
UN Proper Shipping Name: Nicotine, liquid
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: I
IMDG, IATA Regulations: Marine pollutant, toxic by inhalation; regulated on most forms of transit
Special Precautions for User: Use containers designed for toxic liquids, ensure labeling and packaging meet requirements, avoid temperature extremes

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Listed hazardous substance
TSCA: Listed
REACH: Registration required in the European Union
WHMIS Classification: D1A (Very toxic), D2A (Very toxic, other chronic effects)
DSL/NDSL: Present on Domestic Substances List (Canada)
EU Classification: Very toxic (T+), dangerous for environment (N)
SARA Title III: Nicotine is subject to reporting requirements
California Proposition 65: May be subject to warning requirements due to reproductive toxicity concerns