Chemical Name: α-Cyclodextrin
Common Names: Alpha-cyclodextrin, α-CD
Molecular Formula: C36H60O30
Appearance: White to off-white powder with no noticeable odor
CAS Number: 10016-20-3
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS standards.
Potential Health Hazards: Not known to be acutely toxic in small quantities. Inhalation of excessive dust may irritate the respiratory tract. Eye contact may cause mild irritation. Excessive ingestion may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Environmental Hazards: Not expected to create a significant hazard to aquatic life or soil organisms in small or moderate quantities. Large spills may create localized imbalances in biological oxygen demand.
Signal Words and Pictograms: Not required for this material.
Main Ingredient: α-Cyclodextrin (purity typically greater than 98%)
Impurities: Trace moisture, minor saccharides resulting from incomplete cyclization, less than 2% combined.
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. Symptoms such as mild irritation or coughing tend to subside quickly. Seek medical attention if they persist.
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly under running water. Use gentle blinking to flush the eyes. If irritation continues, speak with a healthcare provider.
Skin Contact: Brush material off skin. Wash exposed area with water and mild soap. Allergic response is rare.
Ingestion: Drink water to dilute the substance. Symptoms like minor bloating or discomfort tend to resolve on their own. See a healthcare provider if discomfort continues or is severe.
Suitable Extinguishing Methods: Use water spray, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical to control fires involving this powder.
Combustion Products: If burned, this substance releases carbon monoxide and dioxide along with minor aldehyde vapors.
Fire Hazards: Fine particles in air may form explosive dust clouds in rare situations.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear standard protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus to avoid smoke inhalation during major fires.
Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust. Make sure adequate ventilation is present. Use gloves and protective eyewear in large spills.
Environmental Measures: Prevent large amounts from entering waterways. Small quantities absorbed into soil break down naturally.
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or vacuum the powder using dust-control methods. Wash area with water to remove residues and reduce dust risk.
Handling: Avoid creating dust. Scoop powder gently from original container. Don’t eat, drink, or smoke when handling the product.
Storage: Store in a dry, cool area away from oxidizing agents. Seal package tightly to minimize moisture pickup. Keep away from sources of open flame, since excessive dust could ignite.
Exposure Limits: Workplace exposure limits have not been established. Minimize inhalation as a sensible precaution.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation in bulk handling. Regular housekeeping helps prevent dust accumulation.
Personal Protection: Wear safety glasses and gloves during handling of bulk powder. Use a dust mask if levels appear high. Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin after significant exposure.
Physical State: Solid powder
Color: White or nearly white
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Soluble in water, sparingly soluble in ethanol
Melting Point: Decomposes above 260°C
pH (20% solution): Neutral (about 5.0–8.0)
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Chemical Stability: Stable under standard temperature and humidity.
Hazardous Reactions: No dangerous reactions known during normal use.
Conditions to Avoid: Strong heat, open flame, sources of ignition, oxidizing agents.
Decomposition Products: When burned, carbon oxides are released.
Acute Toxicity: Oral toxicity is very low. Large quantities may cause mild laxative effects.
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mild and largely non-irritating for most people.
Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes mild irritation from mechanical action.
Respiratory Sensitization: Unlikely except via lengthy exposure to airborne powder.
Chronic Effects: No significant evidence of chronic toxicity in humans at normal levels of dietary intake.
Ecotoxicity: No acute toxicity recorded in aquatic organisms at environmental concentrations expected from accidental release.
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable; microorganisms in soil and water break down the molecule.
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not known to accumulate in living organisms.
Mobility in Soil: Dissolves readily in water, binds weakly to soil.
Waste Treatment: Dispose of small amounts in regular waste streams with copious water. Large quantities should be handled in line with local regulations for organic solid disposal.
Special Precautions: Avoid dust formation during disposal. Prevent large loads from entering natural waterways to reduce biological oxygen demand.
UN Number: Not regulated for transportation.
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as a hazardous material.
Transport Hazards: No transport risks for normal shipments in sealed packaging.
Packing Group: Not assigned.
Chemical Inventory Status: Listed in most major chemical inventories.
Workplace Regulations: Not subject to special labeling or storage requirements in many jurisdictions, though workplace risk assessments are always good practice.
Food Use: Approved as a food ingredient or processing aid in several countries. Regulations may limit use levels or allowable applications.
Other Considerations: Periodically review local guidelines since classification may change as new studies emerge, especially for products intended for food or pharmaceutical use.