Name: 2,6-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid
Synonyms: Gamma-resorcylic acid
Chemical Formula: C7H6O4
CAS Number: 303-07-1
Appearance: White or off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless or faint aromatic note
Melting Point: Around 227-230°C
Main Hazards: Slight irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract occurs if handled without precautions
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, ingestion, and skin or eye contact
Hazard Symbols: Harmful (Xn) in certain concentrations or as dust
Potential Health Effects: Not considered highly toxic, but contact or inhalation can lead to discomfort
Environmental Impact: Not classed as environmentally persistent or highly bioaccumulative
Pure Compound: Consists mostly of 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid
Percent Purity: Technical and laboratory grades usually above 98%
Impurities: Minor unknowns possible, but not considered hazardous at trace levels usually found
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical help if symptoms like coughing or headache persist
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water, remove contact lenses if present, continue flushing until discomfort subsides
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, avoid inducing vomiting, seek advice from health professionals
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide work for fires involving this solid
Combustion Hazards: May break down into carbon oxides and irritating fumes when heated strongly
Protective Equipment: Wear full protective gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus, to limit smoke exposure
Spill Cleanup: Avoid dust formation, sweep up gently and collect in appropriate container
Personal Precautions: Use protective gloves and safety goggles, wear mask to avoid inhaling powder
Environmental Practices: Prevent bulk material from entering soil or water systems
Handling: Handle with care to avoid dust, use local exhaust ventilation if possible
Storage: Keep in tightly sealed container, store away from strong oxidizers and in a dry, cool environment
Personal Hygiene: Wash hands and face after use, do not eat or drink near working area
Engineering Controls: Use chemical fume hood or adequate ventilation to minimize airborne dust
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves, safety glasses, and dust mask or respirator if airborne particles are present
Occupational Exposure Limits: Not set for this specific substance, but keep exposure minimal as a good practice
Molecular Weight: 154.12 g/mol
Appearance: White or faintly off-white powder
Solubility: Somewhat soluble in water, very soluble in alcohols and acetone
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling, not suitable for distillation
Density: Approximate value 1.5 g/cm³
pH: Slightly acidic in aqueous solution
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal, dry storage conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong oxidizers, avoid mixing with strong acids or bases
Decomposition: Releases carbon oxides and irritant smoke at high temperature
Acute Toxicity: Not highly toxic based on animal studies
Symptoms of Overexposure: May cause mild irritation to eyes, skin, and mucous membranes
Sensitization: No strong evidence of allergic effects from normal laboratory contact
Long-term Exposure: No confirmed serious health risks; prudent to minimize all unnecessary exposure
Mobility: No evidence of significant ground or water migration in normal circumstances
Persistence and Degradability: Organic acid, subject to biodegradation
Bioaccumulation: No significant tendency
Aquatic Toxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic life, but good practice prevents bulk release
Waste Handling: Collect in tightly sealed, labeled container
Disposal Methods: Dispose of through authorized chemical waste facilities, or as directed by local regulations
Environmental Protection: Avoid direct disposal in soil, water bodies, or sewage systems
International Transport: Not classed as hazardous for air, road, or sea
Packing Recommendations: Use clean, dry packaging to avoid contamination and accidental moisture contact
Special Precautions: Protect from physical damage during shipping
Labeling: Hazard symbols and risk warnings required in many laboratories
Restrictions: Standard handling procedures required under workplace safety codes
Other Guidelines: Good laboratory practice supports routine risk assessment, training, and access to safety showers and eyewashes