Yudu County, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China sales3@ar-reagent.com 3170906422@qq.com
Follow us:



What You Should Know About Glyceryl Tributyrate: A Down-to-Earth Look at Its Safety, Risks, and Use

Identification

Chemical Name: Glyceryl Tributyrate
Common Names: Tributyrin
Molecular Formula: C15H26O6
Appearance: Clear, oily liquid
Odor: Faint, fatty smell
Major Uses: Used in food science as a flavoring agent, sometimes explored for medical research tied to metabolism or gut health, found in controlled environments where strict handling is common

Hazard Identification

Main Hazards: Skin and eye irritation possible upon direct contact, mild respiratory discomfort with prolonged vapor exposure, accidental swallowing could prompt stomach ache, rare cases of allergic reaction reported
Signal Words: Caution around open skin, eyes, and in confined spaces with poor ventilation
Hazard Symbols: Not classified as a major environmental or health hazard under typical handling but lacking safety doesn't mean no risk

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Single Ingredient: Glyceryl Tributyrate
Purity: Generally found at concentrations above 98% for commercial or lab use
Other Compounds: Impurities may exist in manufacturing, but common grade used contains negligible contaminants

First Aid Measures

Skin Contact: Rinse area well with soap and water, no fancy soaps needed, watch for rash or itch
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with clear water for several minutes, blinking often, check for red or watery eyes and seek care if burning persists
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, loosen tight clothing around neck or chest, seek help if cough or difficulty breathing lingers
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, avoid forcing vomiting, sip water if alert, medical care recommended for larger amounts or if belly upset shows

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Use standard dry powder, foam, or carbon dioxide extinguishers; water spray can control vapors
Thermal Breakdown: May produce fumes like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide; large fires demand breathing protection and full gear
Fire Risk: Not easily flammable but still burns, especially if stored in bulk or heated; combustion releases toxic gases

Accidental Release Measures

Spill Handling: Use gloves and goggles for cleanup, ventilate area well; soak up with inert materials like sand or dry earth
Personal Safety: Keep liquid off skin and out of eyes, avoid breathing in mist
Environmental Note: Prevent leaking into drains or waterways to avoid unforeseen local effects, contain spill with dikes or absorbents, discard waste as instructed

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas, wear gloves and splash protection, keep containers tightly sealed between uses
Storage: Store in cool, dry, and shaded location, away from direct heat and incompatible materials like oxidizing agents, keep out of high-traffic zones to reduce risk of accidental knocks or spills

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Eye Protection: Chemical-resistant goggles or glasses
Glove Use: Protective gloves, such as nitrile or latex
Clothing: Lab coats or aprons can help keep clothes clean and skin safe
Work Practices: Wash hands after use, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while handling
Engineering Measures: Use fume hoods or local exhaust in labs for large quantities, adjust practices if strong odors become noticeable

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Liquid
Color: Clear to faint yellow
Odor: Mild, fatty
Boiling Point: Above 300°C
Melting Point: Near -75°C
Flash Point: Over 175°C
Density: Roughly 1.03 g/cm³ at room temperature
Solubility: Poor in cold water, mixes well with alcohol and other organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Low at ambient temperatures
Viscosity: Medium-thick oil

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stays stable at room conditions in sealed containers
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers may lead to breakdown or unwanted reactions
Decomposition: Breaks down to produce sharp-smelling acidic vapors and toxic gases under strong heat or fire
Polymerization: Unlikely under normal use, no reports of spontaneous reactions

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Not widely cited as severely toxic in small doses, but large accidental intake can disrupt digestion and cause discomfort
Eye Effects: Direct splash sometimes leads to irritation, redness, and watery eyes
Skin Response: People with sensitive skin could see rash or itch from extended contact
Long-Term Exposure: Reliable studies on chronic effects in humans are lacking, so good practice aims at minimizing unnecessary contact
Respiratory Risk: Mist or vapor inhalation rarely reaches harmful levels in typical lab or industrial settings

Ecological Information

Environmental Fate: Chemical breaks down slowly in nature, especially in waterlogged soils, risk grows if released in large volumes
Mobility: Does not move quickly through soil or water
Persistence: Biodegrades with time but not instantly, so environmental build-up is possible
Aquatic Impact: Low toxicity in small releases, but still wise to prevent spilling into lakes or rivers to avoid stress on aquatic life

Disposal Considerations

Waste Handling: Collect waste in sealed containers labeled for chemical disposal
Local Rules: Follow municipal or state hazardous waste rules rather than pouring down drains or into general trash
Reuse: Recycle or reclaim if facilities exist, small labs should send containers for professional disposal

Transport Information

Type of Shipment: Generally not regulated as hazardous over road, rail, or air, but large containers must be sturdy, leak-proof, and shielded from heat
Packaging: Secure cap, pressure-tight bottles, shielded crates for bulk movement
Accident Protocol: Inform carrier and seek advice from experts if a significant spill or leak occurs during shipment

Regulatory Information

Status: Not classified as controlled or highly hazardous under many regional chemical safety regulations
Labeling: Proper hazard symbols and advice required on larger containers
Reporting: Some regions call for disclosure of storage or use amounts above given thresholds
Worker Safety: Employers must provide clear training and access to safety gear where chemical is present