Chemical Name: Sulfanilic Acid Azochromotrope
Synonyms: Acid Red 26, Azo dye derivative of sulfanilic acid
Chemical Formula: C20H14N4Na2O7S2
Appearance: Red to violet powder with slight odor
Uses: Analytical reagent, staining agent in laboratories, dye in textile industry
Health Hazards: Dust can cause irritation to eyes, respiratory tract, and skin. Inhalation may provoke coughing or shortness of breath. Accidental ingestion sometimes triggers nausea, abdominal pain, or headache. Prolonged skin contact may contribute to redness or itching.
Fire Hazard: Fine particulates have potential to ignite dust clouds. Substance itself does not strongly support combustion but can emit toxic fumes under fire conditions.
Environmental Impact: Contamination of waterways threatens aquatic life. Persistent dyes sometimes accumulate.
Active Ingredient: Sulfanilic Acid Azochromotrope
Chemical Class: Disazo dyes
Impurities: Trace sulfanilic acid, sodium chloride, and byproducts from synthesis
Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air. Keep breathing calm and steady. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Wash exposed skin with plenty of soap and water, remove any contaminated clothing. Rinse for several minutes.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes carefully under running water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contacts during flushing if easy. Watch for persistent irritation.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not force vomiting. Seek medical help if unwell.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide.
Special Hazards: Burning releases nitrous gases and sulfur oxides.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters wear full gear and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Other Considerations: Cool containers with water spray to prevent rupture. Avoid breathing fumes.
Personal Protection: Wear gloves, goggles, and dust mask to reduce exposure.
Spill Response: Sweep or vacuum up to avoid dust clouds. Collect residue in tightly sealed container.
Cleaning: Wash the spill site with water and soap after material pickup. Prevent runoff to drain.
Ventilation: Ensure airflow in the area during cleanup.
Handling: Use with care in well-ventilated settings to avoid inhaling dust. Keep containers closed when not dispensing. Don’t eat, drink, or smoke in work areas.
Storage: Keep in a cool, dry spot away from acids and oxidizing agents. Avoid direct sunlight. Store in labeled, airtight containers.
Incompatibilities: Avoid mixing with strong oxidizers and reducing agents.
Engineering Controls: Fume hood or exhaust ventilation helps keep airborne concentrations low.
Respiratory Protection: Use dust masks or respirators if handling powder.
Eye Protection: Goggles or safety glasses provide a shield against accidental splashes and dust.
Skin Protection: Gloves, lab coat, and closed shoes minimize direct contact.
State: Fine powder
Color: Reddish to violet, depending on pH
Odor: Weak, almost unnoticeable
pH Range: Slightly acidic in aqueous solution
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Solubility: Readily soluble in water under alkaline conditions
Stability During Use: Stable at room temperature when dry and sealed
Stability: Remains stable under ordinary handling, but prolonged heat or strong acids may break it down.
Reactive Risks: Strong oxidizers or reducing agents can trigger unwanted reactions.
Decomposition: Emission of sulfur oxides, nitrous gases, and organic vapors if burned.
Acute Exposure: Mild to moderate irritation for skin, eyes, and airways if not careful.
Allergies: Sensitization possible for those with pre-existing dye allergies.
Chronic Effects: No clear evidence ties it to long-term toxicity at low levels, but occupational exposure not ruled out as a factor for contact dermatitis.
Ingestion: Unlikely in normal lab use, but oral intake can provoke stomach irritation.
Mobility: Dissolves and moves through water, especially in urban or industrial wastewater.
Persistence: Many azo dyes resist breakdown, so they linger in waterways.
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Concentrations in the wild raise worries about oxygen depletion or long-term harm to aquatic species.
Bioaccumulation: Tends to build up in sediments over time.
Waste Management: Collect all waste in secure, labeled containers.
Disposal Methods: Incinerate under controlled conditions or send to an approved chemical waste processor.
Environmental Precautions: Do not wash into drains or waterways.
Container Disposal: Rinse and send empty packaging to hazardous waste facility.
Packing Considerations: Use sealed, durable containers. Prevent dust release during transit.
Labeling: Clearly mark with chemical name and hazard warnings.
Handling During Transport: Keep cool and dry; avoid rough handling to prevent breakage.
Regulatory Status: Not classified as dangerous goods for general carriage, though local rules may differ.
Workplace Controls: Occupational exposure limits rarely established for this compound, but general chemical hygiene practices apply.
Labelling Requirements: Follow chemical hazard labeling standards with pictograms and warnings about eye and respiratory irritation.
Waste Disposal Laws: Hazardous chemical waste legislation governs disposal in many regions; avoid uncontrolled releases.
Restrictions: Certain jurisdictions limit the use of azo dyes over concerns about breakdown to potentially toxic amines.