Product Name: 2-(N-Morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid
Common Names: MES, MES Buffer
CAS Number: 4432-31-9
Recommended Use: Biological buffer, laboratory reagent
Supplier: Common scientific chemical distributors and laboratory suppliers worldwide
Synonyms: 2-(Morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid
EC Number: 224-632-3
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Signal Word: None required
Hazard Statements: Not a hazardous substance or mixture
Precautionary Statements: Avoid unnecessary dust formation, use with proper ventilation
Routes of Exposure: Skin and eye contact, inhalation, ingestion
Potential Health Effects: May cause mild irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, particularly with large exposures
NFPA Ratings: Health 1, Flammability 0, Reactivity 0
Chemical Name: 2-(N-Morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid
CAS Number: 4432-31-9
Concentration: 98-100%
Molecular Formula: C6H13NO4S
Molecular Weight: 195.24 g/mol
Impurities/Additives: Trace amounts of analog buffers or water may be present
Component Description: Single-component buffer chemical, no known hazardous contaminants
General Advice: Remove contaminated clothing and seek medical attention if symptoms develop
Inhalation: Move individual to fresh air, keep comfortable for breathing, seek medical advice if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, consult a doctor if irritation appears
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if safe, contact ophthalmologist for persistent irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, give water to drink, do not induce vomiting, seek medical attention for any unusual symptoms
Most Important Symptoms: Possible mild irritation, no long-term effects expected with regular laboratory use
Notes for Physicians: Treat symptomatically, observe for signs of allergy or respiratory distress in sensitive individuals
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers
Specific Hazards: Material is not flammable, thermal decomposition may release small amounts of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides
Personal Precautions: Use breathing apparatus and full protective gear in case of large fire
Advice for Firefighters: Cool containers with water spray to prevent rupture, avoid inhaling dust or vapors
Explosion Hazards: Not explosive but may decompose under extreme heat, producing irritating or toxic smoke
Combustion Products: Sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Personal Precautions: Ventilate area, avoid creation of dust, use personal protective equipment including gloves and goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff into sewers, soil, and waterways, keep material contained
Methods for Cleanup: Sweep up spillage and collect in appropriate chemical waste container, wash area thoroughly with water after material pickup
Spill Response: For large spills, use dust mask or respirator, evacuate area if airborne dust concentration becomes excessive
Disposal: Dispose according to local, regional, and national regulations for non-hazardous laboratory chemicals
Precautions for Safe Handling: Work in well-ventilated locations, avoid inhaling dust or fumes, practice good laboratory hygiene
Hygiene Recommendations: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke in chemical work areas
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated space, keep tightly closed in original packaging
Incompatibilities: Avoid strong oxidizing agents, strong acids or bases
Storage Stability: Stable under proper storage conditions, avoid moisture to prevent caking or degradation
Packaging Materials: Use containers made of polyethylene or glass, keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
Permissible Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limits set by OSHA, ACGIH, or NIOSH for this compound
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or laboratory fume hood for dust-generating operations
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Laboratory coat, safety goggles or face shield, nitrile or latex gloves, dust mask as needed
Respiratory Protection: Use approved respirators in case of insufficient ventilation
Skin and Body Protection: Wear suitable protective clothing, avoid prolonged skin contact
Eye Protection: Use chemical splash goggles during powder handling or buffer preparation
Work Practice Controls: Keep chemical containers labeled, follow standard lab safety protocols
Appearance: White or off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
pH (1% solution): 5.5–7.0
Melting Point: 285–290°C (decomposition)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes prior to boiling)
Solubility: Soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohols
Density: Approximately 1.2 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Flash Point: Not applicable
Auto-Ignition Temperature: No data available
Partition Coefficient: Not determined
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Other Properties: Stable crystalline solid under standard laboratory conditions
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures
Incompatible Substances: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: No hazardous polymerization expected
Conditions to Avoid: Excess heat, moisture, dust formation
Reactivity: Non-reactive under recommended storage and handling
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) > 5,000 mg/kg, considered low toxicity
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Slightly irritating to skin and mucous membranes
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause temporary discomfort and redness
Respiratory Sensitization: Prolonged inhalation of dust may cause mild respiratory irritation
Carcinogenicity: No components identified as carcinogens by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: No available data, not expected to pose significant risk under normal use
Chronic Effects: No long-term health effects observed in animal studies
Target Organs: Skin, eyes, upper respiratory tract
Ecotoxicity: No significant effects on aquatic or terrestrial species at low concentrations; untested in large-scale spills
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, but hydrolyzes slowly in the environment
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic species
Mobility in Soil: High water solubility, expect moderate to high mobility depending on environment
Aquatic Toxicity: No available evidence for acute aquatic toxicity in standard test organisms
Additional Notes: Avoid release into natural waterways, sewer systems, or soil
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose in compliance with local, state, and national regulations
Recommended Disposal: Small quantities may go to chemical waste for incineration; for large amounts, consult a licensed disposal contractor
Packaging Disposal: Empty containers can be treated as laboratory plastic or glass waste after thorough cleaning
Precautions for Disposal: Avoid discharge to environment, use designated chemical disposal channels
Regulatory Status: Not regulated as hazardous waste under RCRA for typical laboratory quantities
UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not applicable
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Marine Pollutant: Not expected to be a marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Transport in closed containers, avoid rough handling and exposure to moisture
DOT, IATA, IMDG: Not classified as dangerous goods for transport under major regulatory standards
TSCA (USA): Listed on the Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
REACH (EU): Registered, not classified as hazardous
OSHA Hazards: Not hazardous under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
CERCLA Reportable Quantities: Not subject to reporting
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
WHMIS Classification: Not controlled
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Other International Regulations: Not subject to major restrictions, safe for laboratory use under standard protocols
Labeling Requirements: Keep container labeled per laboratory guidelines, include chemical name, concentration, and hazard status
