Material Safety Data Sheet – 4-Hydroxybenzene Sulfonic Acid

Identification

Product Name: 4-Hydroxybenzene Sulfonic Acid
Chemical Formula: C6H6O4S
Synonyms: p-Hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid, Sulfobenzoic acid, 4-Sulfonic acid phenol
Molecular Weight: 174.18 g/mol
CAS Number: 98-67-9
Recommended Use: Intermediate for dyes, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals
Supplier: Provided on request with relevant contact details for emergencies
Emergency Contact Number: Local emergency contact or Poison Control Center
Product Code: Distinct identifier as provided by manufacturer or distributor

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Skin irritation (Category 2), Eye irritation (Category 2A), Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure (Category 3)
Hazard Statements: Causes skin and eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation
Pictograms: Exclamation mark symbol used for irritants
Signal Word: Warning
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or fumes, wash hands thoroughly after handling, use in well-ventilated areas, wear protective gloves and eye protection
Potential Health Effects: Irritates mucous membranes, prolonged exposure intensifies effects especially on skin and eyes, inhalation leads to coughing and difficulty breathing for sensitive individuals
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Environmental Hazards: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; contaminates surface water if not managed correctly

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Component: 4-Hydroxybenzene Sulfonic Acid
Concentration: 98-100% by weight
Impurities: Trace moisture, inorganic salts (usually less than 1%)
Hazardous Impurities: None above regulatory threshold
CAS Component: 98-67-9 for primary ingredient

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek immediate medical advice if breathing difficulty persists, monitor for secondary symptoms such as dizziness or persistent cough
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, seek medical attention for persistent irritation or burns
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing, obtain medical assistance, avoid rubbing eyes
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, do not induce vomiting, provide water to drink if conscious, seek immediate medical help
Symptoms: Redness, swelling or burns to skin and eyes, cough, throat irritation, stomach upset if swallowed
Advice for Medical Personnel: Treat symptomatically, monitor for delayed reactions, be prepared for allergic or respiratory responses

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical powder, foam, carbon dioxide, select as appropriate for surrounding materials
Special Hazards: Emits toxic sulfur oxides and phenolic fumes if heated or burned, increases risk of breathing hazardous decomposition products
Protective Equipment: Full fire-fighting gear, including positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus
Specific Firefighting Procedures: Cool containers exposed to flames with water spray, prevent firewater runoff from entering drains or water courses, evacuate personnel from affected area
Explosion Data: Avoid generating dust; fine particles might pose risk of dust explosion in confined areas

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear respiratory protection, nitrile gloves, chemical-resistant clothing, eye protection with side shields
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from reaching soil, drains, or waterways
Methods for Cleanup: Dampen powder to avoid dust, collect with non-sparking tools, transfer material to suitable container marked as “Hazardous Chemical Waste”, ventilate area after cleanup
Decontamination: Wash residual material from surfaces with water and mild detergent, avoid high-pressure streams that produce airborne dust
Disposal of Collected Material: Treat material as hazardous waste, dispose via licensed chemical handler

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling Practices: Use in chemical fume hood or well-ventilated environment, avoid breathing dust or mist, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, wash hands before breaks and after handling
Technical Measures: Use equipment that minimizes dust generation, ensure all containers are grounded/bonded if handling large volumes
Hygiene Measures: Remove contaminated clothing immediately, prohibit food and drink in work area, provide eye wash stations and safety showers nearby
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed, clearly labeled containers made from compatible materials, protect from moisture and direct sunlight, keep away from oxidizers, bases, and reactive metals
Temperature Sensitivity: Keep at ambient temperature, avoid freezing or excessive heat
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, reducing agents
Packaging: Use corrosion-resistant containers, bulk storage requires secondary containment

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, enclosed transfer systems for bulk handling, dust extraction at generation points, regular monitoring for airborne concentrations
Exposure Limits: Occupational exposure limits unpublished; practice conservative workplace standards, recommend not exceeding 1 mg/m3 based on similar substances
Eye / Face Protection: Chemical splash goggles, face shield for bulk handling
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), chemical apron or long sleeves, closed-toed shoes
Respiratory Protection: Approved respirator if airborne concentrations approach control limits or handling procedures generate dust
Other Protective Equipment: Emergency eyewash and safety shower, disposable coveralls during spill response
Administrative Controls: Restrict access to trained personnel, enforce good personal hygiene standards, periodically review safety procedures
Environmental Protection: Prevent releases to the environment, maintain spill kits on site, perform regular environmental risk assessments

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Faint aromatic, characteristic phenolic odor
Melting Point: 110-114°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol, and alkaline solutions
pH (Solution): Acidic (pH around 2 for 1% aqueous solution)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Vapor Density: Not determined
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable in solid form
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Data not established
Decomposition Products: Sulfur oxides, phenols, carbon oxides when heated

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions, decomposes at high temperatures
Reactivity: May react with strong bases, oxidizing agents, reducers
Conditions to Avoid: High humidity, excessive heat, storage with incompatible chemicals
Hazardous Decomposition: Releases sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phenolic vapors upon decomposition
Polymerization: Not known to polymerize
Corrosivity: Corrosive to some metals, especially in presence of moisture
Sensitivity to Static Discharge: No documented sensitivity, minimize dust for safety

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 800 mg/kg, expected symptoms include burns to mucous membranes, abdominal pain, diarrhea
Chronic Effects: Prolonged contact leads to dermatitis, might aggravate existing respiratory conditions
Skin/Eye Irritation: Causes moderate to severe irritation, redness, possible ulceration with extensive exposure
Sensitization: No known data on sensitization, prudent handling advised
Target Organs: Skin, eyes, respiratory tract
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: No mutagenic effects documented in standard assays
Reproductive Toxicity: Studies have not demonstrated reproductive risks
Other Effects: Strong acidity damages tissue, high inhalation exposure leads to coughing and respiratory distress

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to fish, aquatic invertebrates at low concentrations, risk of bioaccumulation is low
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegrades slowly in the environment, sulfonic acid group resists microbial breakdown under aerobic conditions
Mobility in Soil: High solubility increases migration risk, especially in wet conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not likely to bioaccumulate due to water solubility
Other Ecological Hazards: Alters pH of receiving water, disrupts aquatic ecosystems at higher concentrations, long-lasting effects in soil and water systems
Environmental Fate: Remains in water for extended periods, removal requires advanced treatment
Special Precautions: Do not allow uncontrolled release to streams, lakes, or groundwater; notify authorities in case of environment-threatening spill

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose through licensed hazardous waste contractor, incinerate with appropriate scrubber systems
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse containers before disposal, cut and puncture to prevent reuse, dispose of as hazardous waste
Disposal Precautions: Do not release to drains, surface water, or soil
Regulatory Waste Status: Classified as hazardous waste under most national and regional frameworks
Special Disposal Measures: Solid remains or large spills require stabilization by neutralization and precipitation before disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: 2585 for organic acids, solid
Proper Shipping Name: p-Hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid, solid
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)
Packing Group: III
Label Required: Corrosive label required for ground, sea, and air transport
Special Transport Precautions: Keep containers upright, secure during transportation, separate from food and feedstuffs, prevent contact with incompatible materials or water
Marine Pollutant: Not classified as marine pollutant under IMDG, but avoid bulk discharge to water

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Classified hazardous under Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA: Listed on US Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
REACH: Registered or pre-registered in European Union
WHMIS (Canada): D2B - Toxic Material Causing Other Toxic Effects
Other Regional Registrations: Compliant with most Asian chemical control laws, requires individual review based on location
Labeling Requirements: Hazard classification, signal word, hazard statements, precautionary statements, supplier details
SARA Section 313: Not listed
California Proposition 65: Not on the list of chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity
Other Regulations: Subject to environmental release regulations due to aquatic toxicity, requirements for reporting accidental spills, packaging, and transportation restrictions common in national and international chemical safety codes