Product Name: Ethanesulphonic Acid
Synonyms: 2-Hydroxyethanesulfonic Acid, Acesulfame precursor, Ethylsulfonic acid
CAS Number: 594-45-6
Molecular Formula: C2H6O3S
Molecular Weight: 110.14 g/mol
Recommended Use: Laboratory chemical, organic synthesis, chemical manufacturing
Supplier Information: Chemical distributors, research supply companies, laboratory suppliers
Emergency Contact: Use local emergency response numbers, refer to organization's incident protocol
Hazard Classification: Corrosive to metals, severe skin burns and eye damage (GHS05), acute oral toxicity
Pictogram: Corrosive symbol (test tube pouring onto hand and material)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, may at high concentrations irritate respiratory tract, extremely hazardous if ingested
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves and face protection, avoid breathing vapors, work with adequate ventilation, wash thoroughly after handling
Chemical Name: Ethanesulphonic Acid
Common Synonyms: 2-Ethanesulfonic acid
Concentration: 98% – 100% (typical as supplied)
Impurities: May include water <1%, possible trace organic contaminants from synthesis process
Other Components: Not applicable
General Information: Remove victim from exposure, seek fresh air and medical attention immediately for any contact/inhalation/ingestion
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, provide artificial respiration if breathing has stopped, seek medical help promptly
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, flood affected area with water for at least 15 minutes, seek urgent medical attention
Eye Contact: Immediately flush with water continuously for at least 15 minutes, hold eyelids open, consult physician
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, do not induce vomiting, get medical attention as soon as possible
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, alcohol-resistant foam
Unsuitable Methods: Direct water jets may spread product
Specific Hazards: Releases toxic vapors of sulfur oxides, carbon oxides under fire conditions
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Procedures: Eliminate ignition sources, isolate exposed area, dike runoff to prevent environmental entry
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, chemical splash goggles, and acid-resistant clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering waterways, drains, or the soil
Methods for Cleanup: Neutralize with sodium bicarbonate or lime, absorb with inert dry material, collect residues in labeled container for disposal
Decontamination: Wash area thoroughly with water after material removal, ventilate site, ensure affected personnel decontaminated
Handling: Work in chemical fume hood, avoid breathing fumes and vapors, avoid skin and eye contact, enforce strict hygiene protocols that demand thorough washing before eating, drinking, or smoking
Storage: Store in a tightly closed, corrosion-resistant container under cool, dry, ventilated conditions, segregate from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers, strong bases, and water-reactive materials
Incompatibles: Bases, oxidizing agents, cyanides, amines, strong reducing agents
Container Materials: Glass, certain plastics like polyethylene; metal containers can corrode
Engineering Controls: Employ local exhaust or general ventilation to minimize fume/vapor exposures
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved full-face respirator with acid vapor cartridges if exposure risk exists
Eye/Face Protection: Wear splash-proof safety goggles or face shield
Skin Protection: Acid-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile, neoprene), lab coats and impermeable aprons
Workplace Hygiene: Wash hands and face after handling, remove contaminated clothing before leaving area
Appearance: Colorless, viscous liquid
Odor: Faint, acid-like
pH: Strongly acidic (estimated pH <1 at standard concentrations)
Melting Point: -4°C to -2°C
Boiling Point: 165°C to 168°C
Flash Point: Not readily flammable
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, also soluble in ethanol
Vapor Pressure: Very low at room temperature
Density: 1.38 – 1.42 g/cm³ at 20°C
Viscosity: Medium to high viscosity in pure form
Decomposition Products: Sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and carbonate compounds under prolonged heating or combustion
Chemical Stability: Chemically stable under recommended conditions of storage and handling
Reactivity Profile: Reacts vigorously with bases to produce heat, with oxidizing agents to form hazardous byproducts
Hazardous Reactions: May emit toxic or irritating fumes when heated or mixed with incompatible substances
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, moisture, direct sunlight, freezing temperatures
Incompatible Materials: Strong bases, oxidizers, active metals (e.g., sodium, potassium), reducing agents
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Corrosive to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, can cause blistering, severe eye injury or blindness
Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure can damage lungs, digestive tract, and kidneys, may cause delayed healing of skin
LD50 (oral, rat): Data not well established, expected to be low due to high corrosivity
Symptoms: Burns, inflammation, pain, cough, labored breathing, gastric distress upon ingestion
Carcinogenic Status: No recognized carcinogenicity according to IARC, ACGIH, NTP, OSHA
Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms from acidification and sulfonic load, potential for ecosystem disruption
Persistence/Degradability: Expected to be readily degraded in the environment via microbial action, hydrolysis to harmless sulfate and other products
Bioaccumulation Potential: Does not bioaccumulate in animal tissues
Mobility in Soil: High mobility due to water solubility, may contaminate groundwater if spills persist
Additional Impacts: Acidification of water bodies, potential adverse effects for fish, amphibians, and aquatic plants
Methods of Disposal: Neutralize material with alkali (lime, sodium bicarbonate), then flush small diluted quantities to sewer with large volumes of water if regulations allow, or use licensed hazardous waste handler for off-site disposal
Container Disposal: Decontaminate containers by triple-rinsing, puncture or crush for landfill or incineration if permitted
Precautions: Do not allow concentrated acid to enter waterways, storm sewers, or environment during disposal
Regulatory Notes: Subject to hazardous waste regulations (RCRA, local requirements)
UN Number: UN 3265
Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive liquid, acidic, organic, n.o.s. (contains Ethanesulphonic Acid)
Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)
Packing Group: II
Label Requirements: Corrosive pictogram, transport emergency code, hazard identification number
Special Provisions: Protect from impact and temperature extremes, package in suitable corrosion-resistant containers, comply with all transport authority regulations (DOT, IMDG, IATA)
US OSHA: Classified as hazardous chemical, subject to the Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA: Listed
EINECS/ELINCS (EU): Listed
Canada WHMIS: Controlled product, corrosive class D1B, E
REACH Registration Number: Required for quantities above regulation limits, check with local suppliers
Other National/Local Regulations: Subject to chemical storage, disposal, transport, and employee protection laws
SARA 313: Not listed
Right-To-Know (RTK) Listings: State and local listings may apply, consult regional safety agencies
