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Common Name: 2,3-Dimercapto-1-propanol
Other Name: British Anti-Lewisite, BAL
Chemical Formula: C3H8OS2
Appearance: Oily, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a distinct odor
Primary Use: Chelating agent for heavy metal poisoning
Solubility: Soluble in water, alcohol, and ether
Odor: Characteristic sulfurous scent that lingers
Origin: Developed during conflict times as an antidote for chemical warfare agents
Health Hazards: Skin and eye irritation, potential neurotoxic effects if missed or overdosed, risk of allergic reaction upon repeated contact
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, dermal, ocular
Signs of Overexposure: Headache, drowsiness, nausea, skin redness, irritated lungs
Environmental Impact: Toxic to aquatic life in its undiluted form
Combustion Concerns: Releases toxic gases, mostly sulfur oxides, in fire
Principal Component: 2,3-Dimercapto-1-propanol (typically above 97% purity for clinical use)
Impurities: Trace water, minimal stabilizers in formulated products
CAS Number: 59-52-9
Toxic Elements: None added deliberately; issue arises from reaction products or degradation with storage
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air promptly, support breathing if necessary, seek medical help if symptoms last
Skin Contact: Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water for at least fifteen minutes
Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently with running water, keep lids apart, continue rinsing and call medical assistance
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, avoid forced vomiting, consult poison control or a healthcare provider promptly
General Advice: Never ignore possible delayed effects even after initial symptoms subside, keep a close watch if exposure occurred
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Special Hazards: Fumes contain sulfur oxides and hydrocarbons
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus, stays critical in enclosed fires
Precautions: Keep containers cool with water if near flames, evacuate if unmanageable, avoid inhaling vapors
Combustion Products: Choking fumes, visibility reduced quickly, need for rapid containment
Spill Containment: Isolate area, use barriers to prevent entry of liquid into channels or drains
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with sand, earth, or proprietary absorbent, pick up using non-sparking tools
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, goggles, long sleeves; ventilate enclosed areas
Environmental Protection: Stop release from reaching soil and surface waters, call environmental authorities for large spills
Disposal: Collect residues in a tightly sealed container, do not return to the original vessel
Handling: Use only within well-ventilated rooms, minimize open container time, avoid direct contact, never pipette by mouth
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and exposed skin after procedure, change contaminated clothing
Storage: Keep containers tightly closed, store at controlled room temperature, away from direct sunlight and incompatible materials like oxidizers
Protection against Degradation: Keep air-tight, ensure storage jars are labeled clearly to prevent mix-ups
Segregation: Do not keep near food or beverages
Engineering Controls: Work in fume hood or use localized exhaust ventilation
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves of nitrile or neoprene, safety goggles, lab coat, covered shoes
Hand Protection: Change gloves regularly, inspect for damage after handling
Eye/Face Protection: Chemical splash goggles only, face shield in case of splashing risk
Respiratory Protection: Use certified mask if airborne concentrations exceed recommended limits
Exposure Limits: No established OSHA PEL, ACGIH TLV; minimize exposure as best practice
Form: Liquid oil
Color: Pale yellow to colorless
Odor: Strong, sulfur-like
Boiling Point: 90–92°C at 0.1 mmHg
Melting Point: -44°C
Flash Point: Above 113°C (closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Solubility: Mixes with water; better in ethanol, chloroform
Density: Around 1.25 g/cm³
Viscosity: Slightly viscous, noticeable in pipetting
Chemical Stability: Stable in sealed container under cool, dry conditions
Reactivity: Avoid strong oxidizing agents, acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Toxic fumes, mainly sulfur oxides, released if burned
Polymerization: Not expected
Sensitivity: Light and heat hasten breakdown; storage in amber glass can help reduce risk
Storage Concerns: Potential corrosion of reactive metals, seals
Acute Toxicity: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness upon significant exposure
Skin Contact: Redness, discomforts, sometimes dermatitis after repeated handling
Inhalation: Lung irritation, headache, sense of fatigue
Chronic Effects: May impact liver, kidneys with repeated exposure above recommended therapeutic doses
Sensitization: Risk rises with frequent skin exposure
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Studies show no evidence at therapeutic doses, but data limited for industrial exposures
Aquatic Toxicity: May threaten water organisms if released in large amounts
Persistence/Degradability: Breaks down slowly in aquatic settings
Bioaccumulation Potential: Considered low in mammals but aquatic impact uncertain
Soil Mobility: Not highly mobile, binds to organic material
Advisory: Avoid direct discharge into sewers, rivers, or soil
Waste Handling: Treat as hazardous waste, consult chemical disposal services
Disposal Method: Incinerate under controlled conditions if suitable local arrangements exist
Container Disposal: Rinse thoroughly, discard as chemical waste, do not reuse for other substances
Environmental Note: Never pour down drain or burn in open air to avoid toxic emissions
Shipping Name: 2,3-Dimercapto-1-propanol
UN Number: Not always assigned
Hazard Class: Consult specific transit regulators; not classed as highly flammable or toxic for land transit
Packing Group: Dependent on concentration and container size
Precautions: Secure tightly, prevent leaks, label in accordance with chemical transport codes
Spillage: Prevent liquid mixing with incompatible goods during shipment
GHS Classification: Classified for skin and eye irritation, ensure hazard symbols on all containers
Workplace Labels: Mandatory for laboratory and industrial environments
Environmental Regulations: Subject to local rules on hazardous chemical handling, especially for storage and disposal
Medical Use: Approved only for restricted applications under a physician’s supervision, not for home or non-medical use
Recordkeeping: Track inventory and usage logs as a best practice for chemicals of this profile
