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Chemical Name: L-Pyroglutamic Acid
Other Names: 5-Oxoproline, PCA, L-pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid
Chemical Formula: C5H7NO3
CAS Number: 98-79-3
Appearance: Usually forms as a white to off-white crystalline powder with no notable odor
Use Cases: Adds value as a biochemical intermediate, skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics, and research chemical
Physical Hazards: Solid powder rarely supports direct combustion, but dust suspended in air may pose a risk
Health Hazards: Can irritate eyes, skin, and the respiratory tract if handled carelessly; some may experience coughing or temporary discomfort
GHS Classification: Carries no acute toxicity warnings under regular laboratory use, yet risk of mild irritation remains
Pictogram: Not associated with corrosive, toxic, or serious health symbols under GHS standards
Environmental Hazards: Minimal concern in short-term aquatic exposure, though chronic release can carry downstream effects
Main Ingredient: L-Pyroglutamic Acid (purity typically greater than 98%)
Impurities: Water traces, possible residual solvents from synthesis, often below analytical detection limits
Typical Contaminants: Some lots might contain minor quantities of related pyrrolidone derivatives formed during production or storage
Inhalation: Move outdoors to fresher air; expect symptoms like mild irritation to resolve quickly
Skin Contact: Wash area thoroughly with soap and water; persistent redness usually subsides within minutes
Eye Contact: Rinse with clean water for several minutes, holding eyelids open; eye irritation rarely persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek attention if discomfort, nausea, or persistent symptoms follow
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide extinguishers; water spray reduces risk of dust explosion
Specific Fire Hazards: Combustion may produce nitrogen oxides and carbon oxides, both recognized as respiratory irritants
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective suit to avoid smoke and irritant exposure
Advice for Firefighters: Keep powder heaps cool if possible; dampening prevents re-suspension and airborne risk
Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust and keep area ventilated; gloves and safety goggles prevent direct skin or eye exposure
Environmental Precautions: Limit powder run-off into drains or soil to prevent small-scale, chronic build-up
Clean-up Methods: Moisten powder to control dust, then scoop up; bag residue for proper disposal
Handling: Work in environments with extraction fans or fume hoods for large amounts; keep containers closed to prevent dust formation
Storage: Store in sealed containers, in areas kept dry and cool; temperature stability holds up at ambient room temperature, away from sunlight
Incompatibilities: Avoid storing near strong acids or oxidizing agents, which can prompt unplanned reactions or degradation
Occupational Exposure Limits: National guidelines rarely specify limits for this substance; prudent practice keeps exposures as low as possible
Engineering Controls: Local ventilation or extraction recommended for bulk or frequent handling
Personal Protective Equipment: Use gloves, lab coats, and splash-resistant safety goggles; dust masks help if airborne powder cannot be contained
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after use, do not eat, drink or smoke near chemical handling areas
Form: Fine, crystalline powder
Color: White to slightly off-white
Odor: Lacks significant smell
Melting Point: Roughly 150°C, with slight variation depending on purity and moisture content
Solubility: Dissolves well in water, particularly at warm temperatures; some solubility in alcohols
pH: Aqueous solutions tend toward mildly acidic
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Stability: Chemically stable under normal lab and manufacturing conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Strong acids or bases can degrade the structure; oxidizing agents hasten breakdown
Decomposition Products: High heat or strong oxidants may yield toxic gases such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, open flame, and long sunlight exposure accelerate degradation
Acute Toxicity: Lab tests show very low toxicity in rats and mice, with high doses required to cause systemic effects
Irritation: Dust might cause red, watery eyes or mild skin redness; discomfort subsides quickly in most cases
Chronic Exposure: No published links to long-term health problems in humans from workplace contact
Sensitization: Repeated exposure has not resulted in known allergic reactions, based on peer-reviewed studies
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Evidence points to no cancer risk or DNA damage at expected workplace concentrations
Aquatic Toxicity: Fish and aquatic invertebrates tolerate low concentrations; bioaccumulation not anticipated
Persistence and Degradability: Natural processes, such as bacterial breakdown, eventually return the compound to harmless end products
Mobility in Soil: Dissolves in water and can migrate, but high soil adsorption tends to limit spread and groundwater risk
Other Adverse Effects: High local concentrations may alter soil or water pH, especially near disposal or accidental release sites
Methods: Dispose as non-hazardous chemical waste following local regulations; avoid direct disposal to drains and sewers
Considerations: Dilution in large volumes of water prior to sewer disposal may meet requirements if permitted by local civic codes
Waste Packaging: Place in sealed containers or double bags; label clearly for downstream handlers
UN Number: Not classified as dangerous for transport
Transport Hazard Class: No transport hazard label required
Packaging Recommendations: Use leak-proof containers; keep bulk shipments protected from humidity
Special Precautions: Avoid rough handling to minimize risk of rupture or spillage
Inventory Status: Listed in most national and international chemical inventories
Labelling: General labelling requirements apply; hazard pictograms or warnings above usual thresholds not seen in regular practice
Restrictions: Some localities restrict use in direct food or pharmaceutical manufacturing unless additional purity standards are fulfilled
Worker Protections: Occupational health rules require information and accessible safety training for regular handlers, even for less hazardous compounds like this one
