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Chemical Name: Anhydrous L-Cysteine Hydrochloride
CAS Number: 52-89-1
Appearance: Fine, white crystalline powder with a faint characteristic odor
Common Uses: Many food and pharmaceutical processes rely on it as a flavor enhancer or precursor in biological applications. Labs explore it for its antioxidant properties and application in protein research.
Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, inhalation, ingestion
Hazard Statements: May cause mild eye and skin irritation with direct contact. Some report coughing or throat irritation if dust is inhaled. Swallowing usually brings digestive upset and nausea in some cases.
Signal Word: Not classified as hazardous by GHS, but users still need care handling it in bulk.
Chemical Identity: L-Cysteine Hydrochloride, anhydrous
Percentage: Nearly pure, generally above 98% by mass for lab grades
Impurities: Traces of water, heavy metals at very low ppm in high-purity batches
Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently with plenty of water for several minutes. Seek medical help if irritation lingers.
Skin Contact: Wash with mild soap and water, remove contaminated clothing.
Inhalation: Move to a well-ventilated area and breathe fresh air. If symptoms persist, get medical advice.
Ingestion: Drink water to dilute the substance, do not induce vomiting, and monitor for discomfort—consult a professional if issues remain.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unusual Fire Hazards: High heat can decompose the product, releasing irritating fumes like sulfur oxides and hydrogen chloride.
Precautions: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus when dealing with larger fires.
Protective Measures: Avoid breathing smoke or combustion products; stay upwind if outdoors.
Personal Precautions: Put on dust protection, such as a particulate mask and gloves.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent dust from entering storm drains; collect residue for safe disposal.
Clean-Up Methods: Take up with a dry, inert material like vermiculite or sand and store for disposal. Avoid excessive sweeping that stirs up dust; moisten dust first if safe.
Safe Handling: Work in a well-ventilated area, avoid creating airborne dust. Wash hands thoroughly after managing the substance. Eating or drinking in the work zone raises the risk of accidental ingestion.
Storage Conditions: Keep tightly sealed in a dry place, away from incompatible materials like strong oxidizers. Cooler temperatures extend shelf life by reducing risk of product breakdown or clumping due to humidity exposure.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or ventilation to keep dust below recommended exposure limits.
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves, protective eyewear, and dust mask protect from skin and eye contact or inhalation. Sensitive individuals might need a lab coat or apron in areas prone to spills.
Hygienic Measures: Always change contaminated clothing and wash hands before breaks and after shifts.
Physical State: Solid, crystalline
Color: White
Odor: Characteristic, sulfur-like
Sublimation/Boiling Point: Not easily volatile at standard conditions
Melting Point: Around 175–180°C, can decompose on heating
Solubility: Easily soluble in water
pH: Slightly acidic in aqueous solution
Other Notes: Non-flammable, but combusts with considerable heat.
Chemical Stability: Stable under most storage conditions.
Reactivity: May react with strong oxidizing agents, causing decomposition.
Hazardous Decomposition: Sulfur oxides and hydrogen chloride may form at high temperatures, which present serious inhalation hazards.
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to excessive moisture, heat, and strong acids or bases hasten breakdown or transformation.
Acute Toxicity: Low acute toxicity for typical handling scenarios.
Health Effects: Short-term exposure may irritate mucous membranes, skin, and eyes. Rare reactions could include mild allergic responses.
Chronic Exposure: Evidence of long-term effects is lacking in current literature, but prolonged skin contact or inhalation might sensitize some workers.
Experience: Seasoned lab personnel report no lasting effects with appropriate safety gear and protocols in use.
Mobility: Highly water-soluble, may migrate in soil or water but does not persist long in the environment.
Persistence and Degradability: Breaks down naturally through microbial action.
Ecotoxicity: Not likely to bioaccumulate or cause harm to aquatic life at common concentrations, but always respect local discharge regulations.
Additional Insight: Laboratories and plants should minimize release to waterways to support conservation goals and water safety.
Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, or national regulations. Segregate waste from incompatible chemicals.
Packaging: Rinse containers before recycling or landfill disposal to avoid uncontrolled exposure.
Responsible Disposal: Partner with licensed waste contractors for larger quantities; avoid dumping in general trash or drains.
UN Number: Not assigned
Regulatory Status: Ordinary shipping under most regulations; not a hazardous material for ground, air, or sea.
Precautions: Use sealed containers to avoid spills or exposure during transit. Label outer packaging with product identity to prevent accidental misuse.
Chemical Inventory Status: Registered in most developed countries for food and pharmaceutical use.
Safety Assessment: Complies with major food and health regulations, confirming the emphasis on user safety.
Workplace Controls: Most regions recommend standard worker protections, particularly respiratory and skin safeguards.
