Chemical Name: Adipic Acid
Synonyms: Hexanedioic Acid
Appearance: White crystalline powder, distinct mild acidic odor
Common Uses: Production of nylon 6,6; polyurethane additives; plasticizers; food acidulant; intermediate in chemical synthesis
CAS Number: 124-04-9
Main Health Hazards: Eye irritation, skin irritation, respiratory tract irritation after dust inhalation, possible gastrointestinal upset from ingestion
GHS Classification: Eye Irritant (Category 2A), Skin Irritant (Category 2)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye and skin irritation; inhaling dust may provoke coughing, throat discomfort, and nasal irritation
Precautionary Statements: Avoid dust formation, wear suitable protective gear, wash exposed skin thoroughly after handling, keep away from food and drink sources
Chemical Composition: Adipic acid—purity commonly above 99.7%
Impurities: Trace water, negligible levels of cyclohexanone, caprolactam or other process-related organics possible
Molecular Formula: C6H10O4
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present.
Skin Contact: Wash immediately with plenty of soap and water.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep comfortable for breathing, seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, drink water to dilute, do not induce vomiting, medical attention for persistent discomfort
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical powder, foam, carbon dioxide
Hazards of Combustion: Produces carbon oxides, low levels of irritating fumes possible
Advice for Fire Fighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing; dust can form explosive mixtures under certain conditions; cool surrounding containers with water spray
Personal Precautions: Avoid dust exposure, ventilate area, use respiratory protection for dusty environments
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways, drains, or confined spaces; use suitable containment
Cleanup Procedures: Sweep up carefully with minimal dust, shovel into labeled waste drums, wash residuals with water, avoid raising dust clouds
Safe Handling: Use local exhaust ventilation at dust sources, minimize dust spread, avoid direct skin and eye contact, keep away from food and drinks
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, dry and well-ventilated spaces, protect from direct sunlight, segregate from strong oxidizers
Bulk Storage Advice: Keep storage temperature moderate to avoid caking, humidity absorption, or container degradation
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH exposure limit; internal guideline values adopted based on industry experience
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, dust extraction, or wet methods where practical
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, disposable dust mask or P2 respirator, protective lab coat or coveralls, eye wash stations available near workstation
Form: Crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Faint acidic
pH: Aqueous 1% solution at 2.7-3.1
Melting Point: 151 – 154°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes above 337°C
Solubility in Water: About 15g/100g at 25°C
Density: 1.36 g/cm³ at 20°C
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Flash Point: 210°C (closed cup)
Explosion Limits: Dust may create explosive mixtures in air if concentrations exceed lower flammable limit
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Incompatible Materials: Reactive with strong oxidizing agents, strong bases
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flame, moisture, generation of airborne dust
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, low levels of organic vapors under fire conditions
Acute Oral Toxicity: LD50 (rat) around 5560 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Prolonged contact may provoke irritation, redness, or dryness
Eye Damage/Irritation: Irritating, may cause significant discomfort, redness, watering
Inhalation: High dust concentrations can irritate nose, throat, lungs
Chronic Effects: No evidence of carcinogenicity or mutagenicity; prolonged overexposure rare in industrial use
Behavior in the Environment: Moderately water-soluble, not volatile, breaks down slowly in soil and water
Ecotoxicity: Fish LC50 (96h): 97 mg/l; Daphnia EC50 (48h): about 85 mg/l; harmful in high concentrations to aquatic life, normally diluted and degraded naturally over time
Persistence and Degradability: Substance is biodegradable under aerobic conditions, degradation above 70% within a few weeks has been demonstrated in standard tests
Waste Disposal Methods: Collect spilled material in sealed containers, dispose via approved chemical waste incineration or landfill site, in accordance with local environmental regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly, recycle or dispose following local requirements
Do Not: Discharge to watercourses, surface drains, or open soil
UN Number: Not classified as a dangerous good by road, sea, or air
Proper Shipping Name: Adipic Acid
Transport Class: Material generally transported in bulk, sealed bags, or drums; keep dry, avoid handling practices generating dust clouds
Special Precautions: Avoid sharp impacts or vibrations to minimize packaging breach
Global Status: Registered in main global inventory listings covering North America, Europe, Asia
Labelling: Follows GHS, REACH, and other international safety standards
Worker Protection: Covered under national occupational health and chemical safety laws, requiring proper training, basic hygiene standards, and incident reporting
Food Additive Use: Graded for specific applications under food additive codes, limits clearly set by regulatory bodies for direct or indirect inclusion in food
Environmental Release: Reporting obligations may apply in case of accidental significant discharge
