Product Content

FORMIC ACID 

MSDS NO.3009

 CAS No:

64-18-6

Chemical Formula:

HCOOH

Synonyms:

Methanoic acid; hydrogen carboxylic acid; Aminic Acid; Formylic acid

UN No:

1779

Molecular Weight:

46.03

Appearance:

Clear, colorless liquid.

RTECS No:

LQ4900000

Usage:

Formic acid is used in various stages of leather and textile processing and in natural rubber manufacturing. Due to its acidic and reducing reactions, formic acid is an important chemical building block in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. It is used for acidity control and cleaning in processes where lowest environmental impact is sought and no residues allowed.

Formic acid products are also widely used in biomaterial preservation and as antibiotics replacers in industrial animal feed.

ENIECS No.:

200-579-1

WGH No.:

81101

ICSC No.:

0485

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE

Combustible.

NO open flames.

Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.

EXPLOSION

Above 69/C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.

Above 69/C use a closed system, ventilation.

In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

EXPOSURE

AVOID ALL CONTACT!

Inhalation

Sore throat. Cough. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing. Unconsciousness.  Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).

Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.

Skin

MAY BE ABSORBED!  Pain. Blisters. Serious skin burns.

Protective gloves. Protective clothing.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse

skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.

Eyes

Pain. Redness. Severe deep burns. Blurred vis ion.

Face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.

Ingestion

Sore throat. Burning sensation. Abdominal pain. Abdominal cramps. Vomiting. Diarrhoea.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

PACKAGING & LABELLING

TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers.

Cautiously neutralize spilled liquid with weak alkaline solution (e.g., disodium carbonate). Then wash away with plenty of water.

Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. (Extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).

UN classification

UN Hazard Class: 8

UN Pack Group: II

EU classification

C Symbol

R: 35

S: (1/2-)23-26-45

Note: B

PROPER SHIPPING NAME: FORMIC ACID

UN NO: 1779          

IMDG Class: 8  Corrosive substances.

Subsidiary Risks: 3

IMDG-Packaging Group: II

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

SAFE STORAGE

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-89 (EU).

NFPA Code: H3; F2; R0

Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases, strong acids, and food and feedstuffs.

Well closed. Keep in a cool, well-ventilated room.

Temperature does not exceed 32 ⁰C, humidity does not exceed 80%.

Keep out of reach of children.

IMPORTANT DATA

Physical State; Appearance

COLOURLESS, FUMING LIQUID, WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

Chemical dangers

The substance decomposes on heating and on contact with strong acids (sulfuric acid) producing carbon monoxide. The substance is a medium strong acid. Reacts violently with oxidants. Reacts violently with strong bases causing fire and explosion hazard. Attacks many plastics and metals.

Occupational exposure limits

China  PC-TWA:10 mg/m³; PC-STEL:20 mg/m³

USA  TLV: 5 ppm, 9.4 mg/m³ as TWA; 10 ppm, 19 mg/m3 as STEL (ACGIH 1996).

EU  OEL: 5 ppm, 9 mg/m3 as TWA (EU 2006).

Toxicological Information

Oral rat LD₅₀: 1100 mg/kg;

Inhalation rat LC₅₀: 15000 mg/m³ (15min);

Investigated as a tumorigen, mutagen.

Routes of exposure

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion.

Inhalation risk A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20/C.

Effects of short-term exposure

The substance is very corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The substance may cause effects on the energy metabolism, resulting in acidosis.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 101/⁰C

Melting point: 8/⁰C

Relative density (water = 1): 1.2

Solubility in water: miscible

Vapour pressure, kPa at 20/⁰C: 4.6

Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.6

Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20/⁰C (air = 1): 1.03

Flash point: 69/⁰C

Auto-ignition temperature: 520/ ⁰C

Explosive limits, vol% in air: 12-57%

Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.54

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

When released into the soil, this material is expected to leach into groundwater. When released into the soil, this material may biodegrade to a moderate extent. When released into water, this material is expected to readily biodegrade. When released into the air, this material is expected to be readily degraded by reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals. The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms.

Notes: 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 inhalation therapy by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered.

The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient.

OTHER INFORMATION

PRIMA CHEM INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED，V. ©2015