Name: Abscisic Acid
Chemical Formula: C15H20O4
CAS Number: 14375-45-2
Common Synonyms: ABA, Dormin
Appearance: White or off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Faint, not usually noticeable
Classification: Not classified as a hazardous substance under GHS standards
Potential Health Effects: May cause mild irritation to eyes and skin with direct or prolonged contact; inhalation of dust may irritate respiratory tract; ingestion may produce digestive discomfort
Environmental Impact: Not known to harm aquatic life at typical exposure levels
Label Elements: Eye irritant icon present on some labels; not considered highly flammable or toxic
Main Component: Abscisic Acid (concentration often >95% in commercial products)
Impurities: Small amounts of related plant hormones or process residues may be present
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air; monitor for breathing difficulties
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with clean water for several minutes, hold eyelids open; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention if significant amount swallowed
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO2 extinguishers
Unusual Hazards: Dust in air can form explosive mixtures; combustion produces CO, CO2, and other volatile organics
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Spill Response: Avoid raising dust, ventilate area, sweep up with care
Containment: Collect in airtight container for disposal
Personal Protection: Use gloves, dust mask/respirator, and safety goggles
Environmental Precautions: Avoid discharge to drains or waterways, use barriers to stop further spread
Handling: Keep containers sealed, minimize creation of airborne dust, wash hands after handling
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from heat and strong oxidizers, avoid direct sunlight
Exposure Limits: No official occupational exposure limits set for abscisic acid
Engineering Controls: Work with proper ventilation or local exhaust
Protective Equipment: Gloves, laboratory coat, dust mask or respirator when airborne particles expected, safety goggles
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling; wash up after tasks
Physical State: Solid powder
Color: White to off-white
Odor: Faint and not typically bothersome
Melting Point: About 160°C
Solubility: Sparingly soluble in cold water, more in organic solvents like ethanol, acetone
Vapor Pressure: Very low under ambient conditions
Partition Coefficient: Log P typically in range of 2.8 - 3.0
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage, heat or strong light causes slow degradation
Hazardous Reactions: Strong oxidizers may degrade abscisic acid
Decomposition Products: CO, CO2, water, various organic fragments
Reactivity: Does not react dangerously with most common materials
Routes of Exposure: Mainly dust inhalation, skin or eye contact, ingestion
Short-Term Effects: Mild eye, respiratory or skin irritation possible
Long-Term Effects: No evidence of chronic toxicity in agricultural or laboratory use
Sensitization: No known allergic reactions
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: No studies have shown cancer or mutation links
Biodegradability: Naturally broken down in soil and water by microbial action
Aquatic Toxicity: Low toxicity to fish, daphnia, and other aquatic life in tested concentrations
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely based on low water solubility and rapid degradation
Mobility in Soil: Remains mostly near where applied; binds moderately to soils
Preferred Methods: Dispose of unused material in compliance with local environmental regulations; incineration or landfill in approved sites usually permitted
Contaminated Packaging: Wash and reuse or dispose as chemical waste according to guidance
UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous cargo
Packaging Requirements: Use tightly sealed, moisture-proof containers; label clearly for identification
Global Inventory Status: Listed in most chemical inventories including TSCA, REACH
Regulatory Restrictions: Not restricted or scheduled in major jurisdictions for normal agricultural or laboratory use
Labeling: Eye/skin irritation warning required in some countries