Common Name: Spermidine
Chemical Formula: C7H19N3
Synonyms: N-(3-aminopropyl)-1,4-diaminobutane
Physical Appearance: Colorless to pale-yellow liquid or solid, distinct amine odor
Primary Uses: Research, chemical synthesis, biological applications
Main Risks: Eye and skin irritation after direct contact, may cause respiratory issues if inhaled, ingestion linked to abdominal discomfort
Hazard Classification: May be classified under corrosive and irritant chemicals due to ammonia-like basicity and reactivity
Key Warning Signs: Redness or pain in exposed areas, sneezing or coughing if airborne, burning sensation on skin
Chemical Component: Spermidine
Concentration: Typically found above 98% in research-grade or laboratory samples
Impurities: Minor amounts of water, related polyamines such as putrescine may be detected, depending on synthesis
Skin Contact: Rinse with copious water, remove contaminated clothing, soap helps neutralize residue
Eye Contact: Immediately flush with lukewarm water, blink frequently to aid removal, seek medical attention if discomfort persists
Inhalation: Relocate to area with fresh air, deep breaths can ease mild exposure, ongoing symptoms may require medical assessment
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, drink water unless instructed otherwise by healthcare provider, avoid inducing vomiting unintentionally
Flammability: Not prominently flammable under regular conditions, releases toxic fumes (nitrogen oxides) if burned
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, or standard foam
Precautions for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, avoid inhaling combustion products, remain upwind if possible
Fire Hazards: Decomposition may emit pungent or hazardous vapors, indoor fires require extra ventilation
Personal Safety: Wear gloves and goggles, ventilated rooms help reduce inhalation risk
Spill Management: Absorb with inert material such as sand, carefully collect residue, thorough cleanup with water and soap
Environmental Considerations: Prevent runoff into drains and waterways, bag contaminated materials for disposal per local requirements
Handling Practices: Work in well-ventilated area, avoid direct skin and eye contact, wash hands after use
Storage Guidance: Secure sealed containers away from heat and moisture, dedicated chemical storage cabinets recommended, label all containers visibly
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers or acids can trigger dangerous reactions, always segregate from food and drink areas
Engineering Controls: Use fume hood or local exhaust ventilation, air purification units reduce airborne concentrations
Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, lab coat, safety goggles, face shield for splash-prone tasks
Exposure Limits: Specific limits not universally established, handle as a potentially hazardous amine
Molecular Weight: 145.25 g/mol
Boiling Point: 234–235°C
Melting Point: Variable (liquid at room temperature in some cases)
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, alcohols, and polar solvents
Vapor Pressure: Low at room conditions
Odor: Strong amine smell
Chemical Stability: Stable in cool, dry storage and neutral conditions, heat or acids can accelerate degradation
Reactive Hazards: Releases ammonia-related vapors when mixed with acids, reacts exothermically with strong oxidizers
Decomposition Products: Hazardous nitrogen oxides, ammonia derivatives, potentially irritating fumes under combustion
Likely Exposure Routes: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, accidental ingestion
Acute Effects: Skin and mucous membrane irritation, coughing, headache, stomach upset after substantial exposure
Chronic Effects: Data from animal studies shows possible reproductive impacts and cell-level changes, human data remains limited
Carcinogenic Status: No widely recognized evidence for cancer risk in humans based on current long-term studies
Other Notes: Laboratory animals exhibit stress and organ changes at high exposure doses
Aquatic Toxicity: High concentrations can disrupt local aquatic systems, polyamines sometimes bioaccumulate in lower organisms
Persistence: Readily biodegradable in soil or water with robust microbial presence
Bioaccumulation: Low for humans, higher risk in some aquatic and plant species if repeatedly exposed
Other Effects: Nitrogen-rich decomposition feeds microbial blooms, stressing certain natural habitats
Waste Methods: Place in sealed containers for professional chemical disposal, flush residues with plenty of water only if permitted by regulatory guidance
Environmental Protection: Keep out of open landfills, incinerators require smoke scrubbing to control emission of nitrogenous gases
UN Number: Typically unregulated for transportation in small quantities, check local dangerous goods lists for larger amounts
Shipping Precautions: Seal tightly, cushion to prevent leakage, avoid stacking beneath heavy items, ship upright in clearly marked packages
Compliance: Register with chemical inventory lists in relevant countries, labels must align with laboratory safety standards
Regulatory Listings: United States TSCA, REACH registration for import to EU, sometimes flagged under workplace exposure monitoring
Worker Rights: Employers must provide SDS documents and appropriate protective gear in scientific and manufacturing settings