Chemical Name: 2-Ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol
Common Name: Trimethylolethane
Chemical Formula: C6H14O3
Appearance: White crystalline solid
Odor: Slight odor or odorless
Uses: Typically shows up in alkyd resins, coatings, and plasticizers.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Health Hazards: Contact with skin or eyes may lead to mild irritation. Dust becomes a concern for airway irritation if inhaled; ingesting large quantities brings risk of digestive upset.
Physical Hazards: Dust can pose explosion risk in confined environments with sufficient ignition source.
Environmental Hazards: Runoff can disrupt aquatic environments if not managed properly.
Main Ingredient: 2-Ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol
CAS Number: 77-99-6
Purity: Usually found in concentrations above 95% for industrial applications.
Additives: No typical additives reported.
Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air. Symptoms like coughing or throat irritation may subside after breathing clean air.
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with water and mild soap. Irritation might continue for a short time.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with plenty of water for several minutes. If discomfort lingers, a medical checkup may be needed.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth and get advice from a health professional if a large amount has been swallowed; mild digestive symptoms could follow.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide.
Combustion Products: Burning can yield carbon monoxide and dioxide.
Precautions: Firefighters should wear protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus in case of dust or smoke generation.
Personal Protection: Sweep up while using gloves and eye protection.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains or waterways. Use barriers around storm drains.
Cleanup Methods: Scoop up spilled material, store in a dry container for disposal; dampening the dust can reduce airborne particles.
Handling: Scoop carefully to avoid dust clouds and minimize spills. Wash hands after handling.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place with a tight-fitting lid.
No Smoking or Open Flames: Powder suspended in air carries explosion potential, so keep ignition sources away.
Engineering Controls: Ventilate room, especially during mixing or transfer processes.
Personal Protection: Choose gloves, chemical safety goggles, and, if dust exposure is possible, a mask or respirator.
Work Hygiene: Remove work clothes after use, and wash thoroughly before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Molecular Weight: 134.17 g/mol
Solubility in Water: Moderately soluble
Melting Point: Around 195°C-200°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: About 1.04 g/cm³
Flammability: Not considered highly flammable in bulk, but airborne dust could ignite.
Chemical Stability: Solid material stays stable under normal storage conditions.
Reactivity: Very little risk of hazardous reactions under expected use conditions.
Incompatible Materials: Exposure to strong oxidizers could boost fire risk.
Decomposition: Heat or fire prompts breakdown to carbon oxides.
Acute Toxicity: Not considered highly toxic by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact at typical exposures
Skin Irritation: Prolonged or repeated contact brings mild irritation for sensitive people
Eye Irritation: Dust can irritate eyes, especially for workers with existing eye sensitivity
Chronic Effects: No known links to carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity
Allergenic Potential: Not known to trigger allergic reactions in most cases
Aquatic Toxicity: Modest hazard if released into waterways, since breakdown is slow
Persistence: Substance is persistent in the environment; high concentrations could stress small aquatic organisms
Bioaccumulation: Low possibility of build-up in food chains
Wastewater Impact: Regular monitoring helps limit release into sensitive systems.
Waste Disposal: Gather unused product and send to an approved chemical disposal. Avoid pouring down public sewers.
Container Disposal: Empty, cleaned containers can be recycled or sent for landfill.
Legal Requirements: Always follow local rules for chemical waste.
UN Number: Not regulated under typical road, rail, or air codes
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as dangerous for most shipments
Packing Group: No packing group required
Environmental Concerns: Spills during transport call for prompt cleanup and reporting to transport authorities if waterways are threatened.
OSHA, GHS: Not listed as a hazardous chemical at most exposure levels by occupational rules
Inventory Listings: Registered in most global chemical inventories, including REACH, TSCA, and similar systems
Labeling: Sections for safety and handling instructions should remain accessible for workers.
Restriction Notes: Special requirements tend to focus on dust management and waste handling.