Material Safety Data Sheet for Propylene

Identification

Product Name: Propylene
Chemical Formula: C3H6
CAS Number: 115-07-1
Synonyms: Propene, 1-Propene
Recommended Use: Used in the production of polypropylene, chemicals, and as a fuel gas
Manufacturer: Large scale chemical producers, often distributed through industrial gas suppliers
Emergency Contact: Refer to local emergency numbers, company-specific details on shipping documents

Hazard Identification

Classification: Flammable gas, Category 1; Gases under pressure, liquified gas
Label Elements: Flame symbol, gas cylinder symbol
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Extremely flammable gas; Contains gas under pressure, may explode if heated
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces; No smoking around cylinders; Avoid releasing to environment; Wear protective gloves and eye protection; Only use outdoors or in well-ventilated areas
Hazards Not Otherwise Classified: Asphyxiation risk if released in confined areas; May cause frostbite on direct contact with liquid

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Propylene
Concentration: Greater than 95%
Impurities: Minor traces of propane, ethylene, methane, and inert gases; exact content depends on production source

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air immediately; provide oxygen or artificial respiration if breathing stops; seek medical attention quickly
Skin Contact: In cases of frostbite from liquid, do not rub; immerse in lukewarm water; cover with dry, sterile dressing; seek emergency medical care
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with lukewarm water if irritation or cold burns occur; keep eyelid open; get prompt medical advice
Ingestion: Unlikely by typical routes, consult a hospital if symptoms appear
Other Recommendations: Never attempt mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on an exposed person—risk of oxygen deprivation to the rescuer

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam, depending on surroundings
Unsuitable Media: Do not use a direct water stream on leaking gas
Fire Hazards: Vapors may travel considerable distance and ignite via flashback; heavier than air, collecting in low-lying areas
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear; keep cylinders cool by spraying with water from a safe distance
Special Actions: Shut off gas flow if safe; evacuate area; do not move cylinders exposed to heat

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel; isolate the source; ensure proper ventilation; eliminate all ignition sources
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical-resistant gloves, and safety goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into sewers, basements, or confined spaces; propylene can promote fire or asphyxiation
Methods for Cleaning Up: Let the gas disperse naturally if safe to do so; ventilate area thoroughly; check levels before re-entry
Reference to Other Sections: Always refer to local emergency procedures; inform authorities if substantial release occurs

Handling and Storage

Handling: Keep away from sparks, open flames, and static discharge; ground/bond containers for transfer; do not vent in confined areas; avoid inhaling vapors or direct contact with liquid
Storage: Store cylinders upright in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space, far from heat sources; secure containers to prevent falling; keep storage away from oxidizers and incompatible substances; ensure corrosion-proof piping
Other Practices: Regularly check cylinder integrity and labeling; provide leak detectors in areas where gas is stored

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: None established; ACGIH TLV: Asphyxiant—a general recommendation to keep concentrations below levels that could cause oxygen deprivation
Engineering Controls: Use explosion-proof ventilation systems; install monitors for oxygen deficiency
Personal Protective Equipment: Fire-rated gloves, chemical splash goggles, face shield for liquid operations, flame-resistant clothing when handling bulk containers
Respiratory Protection: In emergency or high-exposure situations, use full-face supplied air or self-contained breathing apparatus
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling; remove clothing that may be contaminated by liquid contact

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless gas; may be shipped as a liquefied gas
Odor: Slightly sweet, faint odor
Boiling Point: −47.7°C (−53.9°F)
Melting Point: −185°C (−301°F)
Vapor Pressure: 8,407 mmHg @ 21°C (69.8°F)
Vapor Density: 1.5 (air = 1)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water
Density: Gas: 1.808 kg/m³ @0°C
Flammability: Extremely flammable
Explosion Limits: Lower: 2% by volume, Upper: 11.1% by volume in air
Autoignition Temperature: 455°C (851°F)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions with proper storage
Reactivity: Highly reactive in presence of oxidizing agents
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, chlorine, halogens, dinitrogen tetroxide; may undergo violent reaction
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: May form explosive mixtures with air
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to heat, flame, sparks, or static electricity; confined/poorly ventilated areas
Hazardous Decomposition: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide upon combustion

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation (primary), skin and eye contact with liquid
Symptoms: High concentrations can cause dizziness, headaches, narcosis, or asphyxiation; liquid exposure may cause severe frostbite; no known chronic toxicity or carcinogenicity
Acute Toxicity: LC50 (rat, inh): Not available—propylene acts mainly by simple asphyxiation
Chronic Effects: Unlikely to cause chronic health implications under typical industrial exposure
Additional Notes: Not classified as a mutagen, carcinogen, or reproductive toxin per IARC, NTP, OSHA

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Low solubility limits direct impact on aquatic life; releases disperse into atmosphere
Mobility in Soil: Due to gaseous nature, significant migration through soil unlikely
Persistence and Degradability: Readily degrades in air by reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals; half-life in atmosphere ~6 hours
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low, does not build up in organisms
Other Environmental Effects: Does not destroy ozone or produce significant greenhouse effect compared to other industrial gases

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Do not discharge into environment; let residual gas vent safely in a well-ventilated outdoor area, away from ignition sources; for cylinders, ensure they are returned to the supplier; never puncture or incinerate unused containers
Contaminated Packaging: Follow regional and national regulations for container disposal; return pressurized containers for reuse or recycling

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 1077
Proper Shipping Name: Propylene, compressed
Hazard Class: 2.1 (Flammable gas)
Packing Group: Not applicable
Label Requirements: Flammable gas label
Special Precautions for Transport: Secure cylinders upright; label clearly; shield from mechanical damage and thermal stress; restrict access to trained handlers
Transport in Bulk: Regulated according to IMDG Code, ADR/RID; standard rules for compressed flammable gases apply

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Listed as hazardous in the United States, subject to Hazard Communication Standard requirements
TSCA Inventory: Listed
SARA Title III: Propylene qualifies as an extremely hazardous substance under certain sections; facilities may have reporting obligations based on thresholds
Canadian WHMIS: Class A (Compressed Gas) and Class B1 (Flammable Gas)
EU Regulation: CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008—Flammable gas, hazard pictograms required; REACH registration completed
Other National Regulations: Transport, disposal, and workplace use governed under country-specific chemical control and environmental safety acts