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Product Name: Acetic Anhydride
Chemical Formula: (CH3CO)2O
CAS Number: 108-24-7
Synonyms: Ethanoic anhydride, Acetic acid anhydride
Recommended Use: Manufacture of pharmaceuticals, acetylation agent, production of cellulose acetate, explosives, dyes
Supplier Information: Contact details available through invoice or supplier documentation
Emergency Contact: Refer to company-specific emergency lines or Poison Control Center
GHS Classification: Flammable Liquids (Category 3), Skin Corrosion/Irritation (Category 1), Serious Eye Damage (Category 1), Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Single Exposure (Category 3), Acute Toxicity (Oral, Category 4)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, flammable liquid and vapor, may cause respiratory irritation, harmful if swallowed
Pictograms: Flame, Corrosion, Health hazard, Exclamation Mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid all skin and eye contact, keep away from sparks and heat, use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, wear protective gloves, clothing, eye and face protection, immediately rinse in case of contact, call a physician at once if exposed
Environmental Hazards: Dangerous for aquatic life at high concentrations; spills may endanger surface water and aquatic organisms
Substance: Acetic Anhydride
Chemical Formula: C4H6O3
Concentration: Typically greater than 99%
Impurities: Trace amounts of acetic acid may occur
Other Identifiers: EC Number: 203-564-8, UN Number: 1715
Inhalation: Move to fresh air right away, keep at rest, seek immediate medical attention, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin rapidly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, do not use neutralizing agents on the skin, seek medical aid even for minor symptoms
Eye Contact: Rinse continuously with water or saline for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids occasionally, immediately get medical help
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, drink water if conscious, seek urgent medical attention
Most Important Symptoms: Severe irritation, burning pain, blistering, chemical burns, vision impairment, headache, difficulty breathing, cough
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray in a direct stream, due to violent reaction with water
Specific Hazards: Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air, may produce irritating and toxic fumes (acetic acid, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide), containers may explode in fire
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Use full protective gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus
Additional Precautions: Stay upwind, ventilate area, cool containers with flooding quantities of water from as far as possible
Personal Protection: Use chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, full suit, proper respiratory protection
Evacuation Procedures: Clear area of all unnecessary, unprotected personnel, ventilate enclosed spaces
Spill Cleanup: Absorb with inert material (dry sand or earth), do not use sawdust or combustible materials, place in chemical waste container, flush area with large amounts of water once all material picked up
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff into drains, sewers, surface water, notify authorities in case of environmental contamination
Disposal of Contaminated Material: Dispose of following local, regional and national requirements for hazardous chemical waste
Precautions for Safe Handling: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, avoid inhalation of vapors or mist, use explosion-proof equipment, only use in fume hood or well-ventilated area, keep container tightly closed
Personal Hygiene: Wash hands and exposed skin after handling, do not eat, drink or smoke in areas of chemical use
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated, flameproof area, away from water, moisture, strong oxidizers, strong bases
Container Materials: Use only containers chemically resistant to acetic anhydride (glass, certain plastics, stainless steel), keep sealed when not in use
Incompatibilities: Avoid contact with water, alcohols, amines, strong acids and bases, halogenated materials
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 5 ppm (20 mg/m³) TWA, ACGIH TLV: 1 ppm (4 mg/m³) TWA
Engineering Controls: Use chemical fume hoods, exhaust ventilation, closed systems
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile, butyl rubber), splash goggles, flame-retardant clothing, full face shield, proper footwear
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirator when vapor concentrations are high or during spill cleanup
Environmental Controls: Keep containers closed to reduce emissions, collect vapors at the source, monitor air regularly for exposure
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Pungent, vinegar-like
Molecular Weight: 102.09 g/mol
Boiling Point: 139.8°C (283.6°F)
Melting Point: -73°C (-99.4°F)
Flash Point: 49°C (120°F) (Closed cup)
Autoignition Temperature: 316°C (600°F)
Flammability: Flammable
Explosive Limits: 2.7% (lower) - 10.3% (upper) by volume in air
Vapor Pressure: 10 mm Hg @ 20°C
Vapor Density: 3.5 (Air = 1)
Solubility: Decomposes in water, soluble in ether, chloroform, benzene
Density: 1.08 g/cm³ (20°C)
Viscosity: 0.95 mPa·s at 20°C
Evaporation Rate: No reliable data, but likely moderate due to vapor pressure
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): 0.36
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions, slow hydrolysis on contact with moisture, rapid decomposition under alkaline or acidic conditions
Reactive Hazard: Reacts violently with water, strong oxidizers, alcohols, bases
Products from Incompatibility: Acetic acid (corrosive vapors), combustible gases, irritating aldehydes, carbon monoxide at high temperatures
Polymerization: Does not undergo hazardous polymerization
Other Reactivity Concerns: Absorbs moisture from the air, increasing risk of acid generation and corrosion
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 1780 mg/kg, LD50 (dermal, rabbit): 4000 mg/kg
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Effects on Health: Severe irritation or burns to skin, eyes, respiratory tract; can cause lung damage and edema after inhalation; ingestion may damage mouth, throat, stomach
Sensitization: No evidence for skin or respiratory sensitization
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may lead to chronic respiratory and lung problems, dermatitis, lacrimation
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a known carcinogen by NTP, IARC, or OSHA
Other Data: Reversible effects on eyes and skin with proper decontamination, asthma-like symptoms possible in cases of frequent exposure
Ecotoxicity: Harmful in large quantities to aquatic organisms, fish, and invertebrates through pH changes and acetic acid release
Persistence and Degradability: Rapidly hydrolyzed to acetic acid and then mineralized by microorganisms
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate (low partition coefficient)
Mobility: Highly mobile in soil and water before hydrolysis; vapors heavier than air
Other Environmental Concerns: Can lower pH of water bodies, damaging aquatic life, must not enter waterways, sewers, soil in large quantity
Waste Disposal Methods: Send to licensed hazardous waste incineration or chemical treatment facility
Sludge and Container Disposal: Complete removal of substance before recycling or disposal of container, triple rinse with appropriate neutralizer
Hazard Waste Designation: Classified as hazardous under RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act)
Sewage Disposal: Do not release to sanitary sewers
Other Guidelines: Always follow state, local, federal waste management laws; improper disposal can cause environmental harm and regulatory fines
UN Number: UN1715
Proper Shipping Name: Acetic Anhydride
Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive) with flammability (3)
Packing Group: II
Labels Required: Corrosive, Flammable Liquid
Special Provisions: Protect containers from damage, leaks, stow away from foodstuffs and incompatible chemicals, emergency response information must accompany all shipments
Regulated For Transport: By road, rail, air, and sea
OSHA Status: Hazardous chemical, full compliance with Hazard Communication Standard
SARA Title III: Section 302: Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance; Section 313: Subject to reporting; Section 311/312: Immediate (acute), delayed (chronic), fire hazard
TSCA Inventory: Listed
EPA Regulations: Reportable quantity (RQ): 5000 lbs; Toxic Substances Control Act requirements apply
EU Regulation: REACH Registered, subject to Restrictions under Annex XVII
Controlled Substance Status: Monitored due to use in illegal drug synthesis under US DEA and similar global laws
Other Regulations: Subject to workplace exposure monitoring, chemical accident prevention (risk management), and local environmental laws
