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OXALIC ACID DIHYDRATE ICSC: 0707
December 1990
Ethanedioic acid dihydrate
Dicarbolic acid dihydrate

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CAS # 6153-56-6 C 2H 2O 4.H 2O/HOOCCOOH. 2H 2O
RTECS # RO2450000 Molecular mass: 126.1
EC # 607-006-00-8 (anhydrous)

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE
ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID /    FIRE FIGHTING   
FIRE Combustible.
NO open flames.
Water spray, powder.
EXPLOSION


EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE!

Inhalation Cough. Shortness of breath. Sore throat.
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.
Skin MAY BE ABSORBED! Dry skin. Redness. Skin burns. Pain. Blisters.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
Eyes Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.
Face shield.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion Abdominal cramps. Sore throat. Vomiting. Weakness. Convulsions.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Sweep spilled substance into containers. Wash away remainder with plenty of water (extra personal protection: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles).
Xn Symbol
R: 21/22
S: 2-24/25


EMERGENCY RESPONSE STORAGE

Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases.

IMPORTANT DATA
PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS CRYSTALS.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on rapid heating above about 150°C producing toxic gas. The solution in water is a medium strong acid which reacts violently with strong bases. Reacts violently with oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard. Reacts with silver, forming explosive products.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: ppm; 1 mg/m 3 (ACGIH 1989). PDK not established.
ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin, and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air will not or will only very slowly be reached on evaporation of this substance at 20°C, on dispersing however much faster. Heating may lead to harmful concentration.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the varpour may cause lung oedema (see Notes). Exposure at high concentration could cause shock and convulsions. In these cases kidney damage may occur. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may have effects on the kidneys , resulting in kidney stones.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Sublimation point: see Notes
Melting point: 102°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.7
Solubility in water, g/100 ml: 10
Vapour pressure, Pa at 30°C: see Notes
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.1
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.43/-0.81

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA


NOTES
The apparent melting point caused by loss of crystal water is given. The water-free substance anhydrous oxalic acid has a sublimation point of 157°C, while melting takes place at 187°C (under decomposition) after rapid heating. The vapour pressure of anhydrous oxalic acid amounts 0.04 Pa at 30°C. 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 spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. The recommendations on this Card also apply to anhydrous oxalic acid.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety
Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission

© IPCS 1999
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information.


Updated by AS. Approved by EC. Last update: 10.10.2000.