© 2026 Nanjing Finechem Holdings Co., Ltd,
All Right Reserved
Substance Name: Cytochalasin B
Chemical Formula: C29H37NO5
Common Uses: Cell biology research, microfilament inhibitor, cell division studies
Origin: Fungal metabolite, first isolated from Helminthosporium dematioideum
Appearance: White to off-white powder, usually odorless
Main Risks: Harmful if swallowed, toxic by skin absorption, may damage cells or tissues
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, skin absorption, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Symptoms: Nausea, headache, irritation to eyes and respiratory tract
Chronic Effects: Potential for long-term cellular damage given its role in interfering with cell division
Main Concern: Handling and accidental contact, especially without proper training and equipment, risks health and research integrity
Main Ingredient: Cytochalasin B (typically ≥95% pure in research settings)
Impurities: Trace solvent residues from manufacturing may persist, but safety practices assume the main risk comes from the cytochalasin compound itself
Inhalation: Remove affected person to fresh air immediately, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Exposure: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes, seek medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, seek medical help, do not induce vomiting unless directed by a professional
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam
Combustion Products: Emits toxic fumes such as carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides on burning
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing due to possible toxic decomposition products
Special Hazards: Powder can become airborne, increasing inhalation risk during attempts to fight fires around open product
Containment: Evacuate area, minimize dust formation, ventilate space
Personal Protection: Don lab coat, eye protection, and gloves; avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing
Cleanup: Sweep up material without creating dust, dispose safely; moisten powder to reduce airborne particulates, place in secure waste container
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers or waterways
Safe Handling: Only trained personnel should handle, avoid dust and aerosol formation
Storage Conditions: Cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials (strong oxidizers prefer distance for safety)
Container Requirements: Airtight, labeled, shatterproof containers
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands after handling, change clothing if contaminated, restrict food and drink from lab areas
Workplace Controls: Use with chemical fume hood, keep airborne levels as low as possible
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, ANSI-certified safety goggles, lab coat, closed footwear
Engineering Controls: Exhaust ventilation cuts exposure risk; eyewash and safety shower nearby bolster emergency response
Exposure Limits: Regulatory limits may not be set, but all protocols assume need for maximum reduction of exposure risk
State: Solid powder
Color: White to off-white
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methanol preferred solvents; poor water solubility
Melting Point: 160–170°C
Molecular Weight: 479.61 g/mol
Stability in Storage: Stable under recommended, dry, and dark conditions
Chemical Stability: Stays stable under laboratory conditions if kept dry and out of light
Main Reactivity: Avoid exposure to strong oxidizing agents, acids, and bases
Decomposition Products: Hazardous gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides upon burning
Unexpected Reactions: Risk increases under conditions of heat, light, and moisture
Primary Hazard: Disrupts normal actin filament function in cells, halting cell division and potentially leading to significant cytotoxicity
Acute Toxicity: Headache, irritation, gastrointestinal upset possible if exposed
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged exposure could damage tissues given mechanism of cellular inhibition
Sensitization: Allergic skin reaction rare, but not impossible
Information Gaps: Long-term carcinogenic and mutagenic assessment in humans remains limited, making conservative handling a must
Main Environmental Risk: Toxic to aquatic organisms if released, puts stress on microorganisms in wastewater
Persistence: Biodegradation slow, so environmental release stretches impact
Bioaccumulation: Unclear, but structural properties suggest uptake by aquatic life cannot be dismissed
Mobility: Limited solubility slows spread in ground water, but accidental spills can still harm ecosystems
Waste Handling: Collect spillage in secure, labeled chemical waste containers, never pour down drain
Method: Hand off to licensed chemical disposal facility; incineration in controlled environment is preferred route
Contaminated Packaging: Treat empty containers as hazardous waste, puncture or crush only after triple-rinse and decontamination
Shipping Classification: Non-bulk shipments under research exemption, provided labeling and containment align with hazardous substance rules
Packing Group: Regulated in many regions as a toxic solid requiring secondary containment
Transport Precautions: Store upright, sealed, and away from food, drink, and incompatible chemicals to prevent accidental mix or leak during transit
Hazard Labels: Toxic substance label required for most formal shipments
Lab Safety Programs: Most universities and research clinics keep cytochalasin under lock and document access
Worker Rights: Laws require that users receive risk education and training before handling
International Regulations: Transportation and handling controlled by agreements like IATA for air or ADR/RID for road/rail; restricted to scientific research in many regions
Recordkeeping: Local, state, and national regulations demand that labs keep track of use, storage, and disposal
Occupational Health: Regulatory frameworks treat this as a hazardous chemical with mandatory reporting in case of significant exposure
