OXALIC ACID DIHYDRATE                                                                                                                0707

                                                                                                                     December 1990

                                                   Ethanedioic acid dihydrate

CAS No: 6153-56-6

                                                   Dicarbolic acid dihydrate

RTECS No: RO2450000

                                                   C2H2O4.2H2O / HOOCCOOH.2H2O

UN No:

                                                   Molecular mass: 126.1

EC No: 607-006-00-8 (anhydrous)





TYPES OF

                   ACUTE HAZARDS/SYMPTOMS                  PREVENTION                                FIRST AID/FIRE FIGHTING

HAZARD/

EXPOSURE



                   Combustible.                            NO open flames.                           Water spray, powder.

FIRE



EXPLOSION





EXPOSURE                                                   PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!

                                                           STRICT HYGIENE!



                   Cough. Shortness of breath. Sore        Local exhaust or breathing                Fresh air, rest. Half-upright

Inhalation

                   throat.                                 protection.                               position. Refer for medical

                                                                                                     attention.



                   MAY BE ABSORBED! Dry skin.              Protective gloves. Protective             Remove contaminated clothes.

Skin

                   Redness. Skin burns. Pain.              clothing.                                 Rinse skin with plenty of water or

                   Blisters.                                                                         shower. Refer for medical attention.



                   Redness. Pain. Severe deep              Face shield.                              First rinse with plenty of water for

Eyes

                   burns.                                                                            several minutes (remove contact

                                                                                                     lenses if easily possible), then take

                                                                                                     to a doctor.



                   Abdominal cramps. Sore throat.          Do not eat, drink, or smoke during        Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce

Ingestion

                   Vomiting. Weakness.                     work.                                     vomiting. Give plenty of water to

                   Convulsions.                                                                      drink. Refer for medical attention.





SPILLAGE DISPOSAL                                          PACKAGING & LABELLING



Sweep spilled substance into containers. Wash              Xn Symbol

away remainder with plenty of water (extra personal        R: 21/22

protection: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles).   S: (2-)24/25







EMERGENCY RESPONSE                                         STORAGE



                                                           Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases.









                                                                             Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International

 IPCS                                                                        Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission

 International                                                                                         © IPCS 1999

 Programme on

 Chemical Safety                                                                      SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON THE BACK.

0707                                                                                          OXALIC ACID DIHYDRATE





                                                      IMPORTANT DATA

Physical State; Appearance                                         Routes of Exposure

COLOURLESS CRYSTALS.                                               The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of

                                                                   its aerosol, through the skin, and by ingestion.

Chemical Dangers

                                                                   Inhalation Risk

The substance decomposes on rapid heating above about

150
C producing toxic gas. The solution in water is a medium       A harmful contamination of the air will not or will only very

strong acid which reacts violently with strong bases. Reacts       slowly be reached on evaporation of this substance at 20
C,

violently with oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard.         on dispersing however much faster. Heating may lead to

Reacts with silver, forming explosive products.                    harmful concentration.



Occupational Exposure Limits                                       Effects of Short-term Exposure

TLV: ppm; 1 mg/m3 (ACGIH 1989).                                    The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the

PDK not established.                                               respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the

                                                                   varpour may cause lung oedema (see Notes). Exposure at high

                                                                   concentration could cause shock and convulsions. In these

                                                                   cases kidney damage may occur. Medical observation is

                                                                   indicated.



                                                                   Effects of Long-term or Repeated Exposure

                                                                   The substance may have effects on the kidneys, resulting in

                                                                   kidney stones.





                                                  PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Sublimation point: see Notes                                        Vapour pressure, Pa at 30
C: see Notes

Melting point: 102
C                                                Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.1

Relative density (water = 1): 1.7                                   Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.43/-0.81

Solubility in water, g/100 ml: 10





                                                  ENVIRONMENTAL DATA







                                                             NOTES

The apparent melting point caused by loss of crystal water is given. The water-free substance anhydrous oxalic acid has a

sublimation point of 157
C, while melting takes place at 187
C (under decomposition) after rapid heating. The vapour pressure of

anhydrous oxalic acid amounts 0.04 Pa at 30
C. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours

have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate

administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. The

recommendations on this Card also apply to anhydrous oxalic acid.





                                               ADDITIONAL INFORMATION









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                                                            © IPCS 1999