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MERCAPTOACETIC ACIDICSC: 0915 (November 1998)
Thioglycolic acid
Ethanethiol-2-acid-1
2-Mercaptoethanoic acid
CAS #: 68-11-1
UN #: 1940
EC Number: 200-677-4

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.    NO open flames.    Use water spray, powder, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide.   

 AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Abdominal cramps. Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Symptoms may be delayed. See Notes.  Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention. See Notes. 
Skin MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Skin burns. Pain. Blisters. See Inhalation.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Redness. Pain. Loss of vision. Severe deep burns.  Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Shock or collapse.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 8; UN Pack Group: II 

STORAGE
Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases, food and feedstuffs and combustible substances. Keep in a well-ventilated room. 
PACKAGING
Unbreakable packaging.
Put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. 
MERCAPTOACETIC ACID ICSC: 0915
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS VISCOUS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. 

Physical dangers
No data. 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on burning. This produces toxic fumes of sulfur oxides and hydrogen sulfide. The substance is a medium strong acid. Reacts with strong oxidants, alkalis and organic compounds. Attacks steel, stainless steel and aluminium. 

Formula: C2H4O2S / HSCH2COOH
Molecular mass: 92.1
Boiling point: 120°C
Melting point: -16.5°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.3
Solubility in water: miscible
Vapour pressure, kPa at 18°C: 1.3
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.2
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.00
Flash point: 126°C o.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 350°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 5.9-?
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.05  


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema. Exposure could cause death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. See Notes. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 1 ppm as TWA; (skin); (DSEN).
MAK: skin absorption (H); sensitization of skin (SH) 

ENVIRONMENT
 

NOTES
The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential.
Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: T; R: 23/24/25-34; S: (1/2)-25-27-28-45 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations