Chemical Name: Epicatechin
Common Use: Occurs naturally in tea, cocoa, fruits like apples; found in nutraceuticals and laboratory research settings
Appearance: Fine, off-white to light brown powder
Odor: Faint; close to odorless
Solubility in Water: Limited; dissolves better in ethanol or DMSO
Molecular Formula: C15H14O6
CAS Number: 490-46-0
Main Routes of Entry: Inhalation, ingestion, skin or eye contact
Acute Health Effects: Dust may cause mild irritation to eyes, skin, and the respiratory tract
Chronic Health Risks: Data limited; not recognized as a human carcinogen
Flammability Hazard: May form combustible dust concentrations in air
Signal Words: Warning for laboratory or industrial handling due to potential allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS in most jurisdictions
NFPA Ratings: Health 1, Flammability 1, Reactivity 0 (based on similar polyphenols)
Active Substance: Epicatechin, purity varies by supplier
Impurities: Traces of structurally related polyphenols and residual solvents
Additives: Sometimes diluted with maltodextrin or other excipients if sourced as a supplement ingredient
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air; medical attention recommended if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with plenty of water and mild soap; seek help for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse gently with clean water for at least 10 minutes; consult a physician if redness remains
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, avoid inducing vomiting; consult medical staff if large amounts swallowed
Notes for Doctors: Treat symptomatically; support respiratory and cardiovascular functions if needed
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Heated material may emit irritating fumes; avoid direct inhalation
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear appropriate respiratory protection and full gear
Other Notes: Standard firefighting procedures for organic powders apply; avoid creating dust clouds
Personal Precautions: Use gloves, eye protection, and dust mask if available; ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Sweep up spills quickly; keep out of drains and open waterways
Methods for Clean Up: Collect powder using methods that minimize dust; place residue in a properly labeled container for disposal
Safe Handling: Minimize dust generation; avoid inhaling dust or allowing contact with eyes
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers; keep in cool, dry, and well-ventilated spaces
Incompatibilities: Keep away from strong oxidizing agents and sources of ignition
Special Precautions: Use personal protection when transferring bulk powder; maintain workplace hygiene
Engineering Controls: Work under chemical fume hood or ensure adequate room ventilation
Respiratory Protection: Wear dust respirator during handling large volumes
Hand Protection: Nitrile or latex gloves recommended
Eye Protection: Safety glasses or chemical splash goggles
Other Protection: Laboratory coats or long sleeves and closed shoes for physical barrier
Exposure Limits: No specific workplace exposure limits set for epicatechin; typical low-toxicity behaviors observed in research
Form: Crystalline powder
Color: Ranges from off-white to pale brown
Odor: Negligible
Melting Point: Reports vary, generally above 240°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Density: Limited data; approximates similar polyphenols
Solubility: Partially soluble in polar organic solvents; low solubility in cold water
Chemical Stability: Stable under standard laboratory and storage conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, bases
Hazardous Reactions: Avoid exposure to open flames or high heat
Decomposition: Breaks down into carbon oxides and phenolic substances with strong heating
Oral Toxicity: LD50 in animals not clearly established; mice studies suggest low acute toxicity
Skin and Eye Effects: May cause irritation in sensitive persons
Respiratory Effects: Dust may irritate upper respiratory tract
Carcinogenicity: No known evidence in laboratory studies linking to cancer
Allergenic Effects: Low risk, but allergy not ruled out for people prone to plant-derived allergens
Reproductive and Developmental Effects: No documented negative outcomes in humans at dietary doses
Ecotoxicity: Limited research; not identified as bioaccumulative or highly toxic to aquatic life
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable by soil microorganisms
Mobility in Soil: Slightly mobile; expected to degrade over time in natural environments
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely based on structure and water solubility
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose in accordance with local and federal regulations for non-hazardous organic wastes
Contaminated Containers: Rinse thoroughly and dispose of as chemical waste
Special Precautions: Prevent large amounts from entering drains, water bodies, or soil
UN Number: Not classified as a dangerous good for transport
Shipping Name: Epicatechin or plant extract, not regulated
Hazard Class: No transport hazard identified
Packaging Group: Not assigned for this compound
Environmental Hazards: None identified during normal shipping and handling
Chemical Inventory Status: Listed in major inventories such as EINECS and TSCA for research use
Labeling: Not regulated as hazardous under US OSHA or most international guidelines
Restrictions: Use in supplements, foods, or cosmetics may be guided by national or regional food safety authorities; purity and source must comply with regulations for end use
Other Notes: Laboratory staff should stay updated on changing chemical legislation and workplace safety recommendations related to plant polyphenols and similar compounds