Substance: 2-Phospho-L-ascorbic acid trisodium salt
Common Names: Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Vitamin C phosphate
Form: White to off-white crystalline powder
Uses: Commonly incorporated in personal care and cosmetic products for stable vitamin C delivery; also seen in laboratory research focused on cell culture and biochemical assays.
Hazards: Low acute toxicity based on published research in cosmetic and pharmaceutical use. May cause mild skin or eye irritation. Inhalation of dust can irritate respiratory tract.
GHS Classification: Not classified as a hazardous substance under GHS criteria for most applications.
Potential Effects: Prolonged contact with eyes or skin could cause redness or minor irritation. Ingestion of moderate quantities likely presents low risk but care around unknown sensitivities persists.
Chemical Formula: C6H6Na3O9P
Active Content: Typically exceeds 95% 2-Phospho-L-ascorbic acid trisodium salt.
Impurities: Levels of moisture and trace inorganic salts may be present but typically remain very low.
Inhalation: Move to a location with fresh air. Seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms remain or develop.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash area with water and mild soap. Irritation usually subsides quickly.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with plenty of water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present. See a medical professional if irritation continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Medical attention suggested if large amounts are swallowed or symptoms continue.
Flammability: Non-flammable in typical laboratory or manufacturing conditions.
Decomposition Hazards: Can emit irritating or mildly toxic gases such as oxides of phosphorus or sodium when exposed to fire.
Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam as appropriate for surrounding materials.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear standard full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus when tackling large fires involving chemicals.
Personal Precautions: Avoid inhaling dust. Use of gloves and safety goggles recommended.
Spill Cleanup: Sweep or vacuum up, minimizing dust generation. Place in appropriate closed containers for disposal. Clean surfaces with plenty of water.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large spills from entering drains, waterways, or soil.
Handling: Handle with adequate ventilation, minimizing dust creation. Use clean, dry equipment.
Storage Conditions: Store tightly sealed, away from heat and direct sunlight. Keep in a cool, dry place. Avoid incompatible materials, especially strong oxidizers and acids.
Incompatibilities: Strong mineral acids, reducing agents, and oxidizing agents may trigger unwanted reactions or degradation.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established exposure limits for this compound.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general room ventilation to reduce airborne dust.
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses or goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and a dust mask or respirator in case of significant dust generation.
Hygiene: Wash hands after handling, before eating or drinking, and at the end of the work shift.
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Readily soluble in water, forming a clear solution
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting significantly
pH (1% solution): Neutral to mildly alkaline
Stability: Stable at room temperature in dry, sealed containers. Moisture and light can promote slow degradation.
Chemical Stability: Maintains stability in dry, dark, cool settings. Extended exposure to moisture or heat can cause decomposition, producing ascorbic acid and phosphate derivatives.
Reactive Situations: Not reactive under standard conditions. Exposure to strong acids, strong oxidizers, or prolonged moist conditions can diminish integrity.
Hazardous Decomposition: Thermal decomposition may yield sodium oxides, phosphorous oxides, and acidic or basic vapors.
Acute Toxicity: Based on animal research, low to moderate toxicity with large doses. Typical exposure in personal care or laboratory settings produces minimal health risk.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin or eye contact, ingestion.
Irritation: Some chance of mild irritation to eyes, skin, or respiratory tract.
Sensitization: Reports of allergic reaction are rare.
Chronic Exposure: No documented chronic health hazards from normal storage or use.
Aquatic Toxicity: Few studies indicate low toxicity to aquatic life at expected concentrations in waste streams.
Persistence and Degradability: Degrades slowly in the environment, likely converting to ascorbate and phosphate ions, both naturally processed by soil and water organisms.
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely to bioaccumulate.
Soil Mobility: Soluble nature enables some movement in soil, with residues diluted by natural water cycles.
Waste Disposal: Collect residues in sealed containers for authorized chemical waste disposal. Smaller amounts can be diluted and flushed with ample water if in compliance with local disposal policy.
Contaminated Packaging: Empty, decontaminated containers may be recycled or disposed per local regulation.
UN Number: Not classified as dangerous for transport under most regulatory schemes.
Transport Hazards: Not recognized as hazardous for land, sea, or air transport with typical packaging.
Packing Requirement: Keep container securely closed, protected against dampness and physical damage.
Classification: Regulatory agencies do not generally list as a hazardous chemical for common uses such as cosmetics or basic research.
Compliance: Users and handlers should consult with local, regional, or national environmental agencies for up-to-date rules on pharmaceutical or laboratory chemicals. Compliance varies between jurisdictions, but the low hazard profile usually permits routine processing and shipment.