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Name: 4-Hydroxy-6-methyl-2-pyrone
Synonyms: Maltol
Chemical family: Pyrone derivatives
Molecular formula: C6H6O3
CAS Number: 118-71-8
Physical state: Solid, often appears as white to off-white crystalline powder
Main hazards: Possible mild irritant to skin, eyes, or respiratory system
Hazard statements: May cause minor eye and skin irritation
Precautionary actions: Avoid breathing dust, avoid contact with skin and eyes, wash hands after handling
GHS classification: Not classified as hazardous under standard criteria, but it makes sense to act with caution due to dust-producing nature of many fine powders
Chemical Name: 4-Hydroxy-6-methyl-2-pyrone
Purity: Usually above 98% in laboratory-grade samples
Impurities: Trace-level byproducts from synthesis or degradation, but rarely in concentrations that require hazard statements
Eye contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water, ideally for several minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation or discomfort lingers.
Skin contact: Wash with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air if breathing dust. If breathing becomes difficult, get medical help.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Drink water if conscious. Get medical advice for large or accidental intake, even though small amounts rarely cause harm.
Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. Avoid methods that can spread powder dust.
Specific hazards: May burn and release carbon oxides and other unknown substances if overheated
Protective equipment: Firefighters need full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus since smoke can be unpredictable
Advice: Stay upwind, keep out of enclosed spaces, and cool nearby containers with water spray
Personal Precautions: Put on dust mask, gloves, and goggles
Spill procedure: Sweep up solid material without raising dust and place in container for disposal.
Environmental precautions: Prevent from entering drains, surface water, or soil in significant quantities. Clean spill area with plenty of water to mop up residues
Handling: Avoid inhaling dust or letting powder get on skin and eyes. Work in well-ventilated spots and keep containers closed.
Storage: Store in cool, dry location. Keep away from oxidizers and sources of heat. Use containers that prevent moisture from getting inside to protect powder integrity and reduce clumping
Engineering controls: Use fume hood or good ventilation, especially if handling powders on a large scale
Personal protective equipment: Wear safety glasses or goggles, nitrile or latex gloves, and dust mask or respirator if the powder spreads in the air.
Hygiene measures: Wash hands after handling, don’t eat or drink in work areas, and launder exposed clothing regularly
Appearance: White to slightly yellow crystalline powder
Odor: Sweet caramel-like, almost reminiscent of cotton candy
Melting point: Around 160-164°C
Boiling point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, ethanol, and ether
Density: About 1.35 g/cm³
pH: Solutions tend to be slightly acidic, a nod to the hydroxyl functional group
Chemical stability: Stable under normal temperature and dry conditions
Reactivity: Can react with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases
Decomposition: Heat or fire may release carbon oxides
Conditions to avoid: Moisture, excessive heat, strong acids, and bases
Polymerization: Does not polymerize
Acute toxicity: Generally considered to have low toxicity by oral, dermal, and inhalation routes
Irritation: Prolonged or repeated contact can bring mild skin or eye irritation
Chronic effects: Not linked to cancer or reproductive toxicity as far as current research shows
Routes of exposure: Dust inhalation or skin/eye contact
Sensitization: Poor record for causing allergies
Aquatic toxicity: Not overly toxic to fish or microorganisms in low concentrations
Persistence: Degrades by typical environmental mechanisms
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely due to water solubility and rapid breakdown
Mobility: Can move fairly easily through water due to solubility—so any spill into waterways deserves quick cleanup
Waste treatment: Send solid material to approved chemical waste facilities—never pour down the drain or into the soil
Packaging: Use clean, sealed containers marked for chemical waste
Other concerns: Follow local, regional, and national regulations on chemical disposal. Dilute water solutions may need expert advice before disposal
UN Number: Not regulated for transport under most guidelines
Proper shipping name: 4-Hydroxy-6-methyl-2-pyrone, as powder or crystals
Transport hazard class: Not classed as a hazardous material for ground, air, or sea
Environmental hazards: Not considered a marine pollutant
Labelling requirements: No acute hazard labelling under standard classification systems in most countries
Usage restrictions: Some authorities may place purity, labeling, or handling restrictions for use in food or pharmaceuticals
Other regulation: Users in manufacturing, academia, or industry should always consult up-to-date standards from their own country, since regulations and guidelines can jump ahead of published research
