Sorbitol MSDS – Shandong Tianli Pharmaceutical

Identification

Product Name: Sorbitol
Manufacturer: Shandong Tianli Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Chemical Formula: C6H14O6
CAS Number: 50-70-4
Recommended Use: Pharmaceutical applications, food industry humectant, sweetener, cosmetics ingredient, oral care formulations.
Emergency Contact: Local emergency response or company safety officer.

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not considered hazardous under standard GHS.
Physical State: Solid or aqueous solution.
Routes of Exposure: Inhaled dust, ingestion, skin and eye contact.
Potential Health Effects: Mild gastrointestinal effects if consumed in large amounts; may cause minor irritation to eyes or mucous membranes.
Label Elements: Not required for non-hazardous classifications; basic caution symbol advised for bulk handling.
Symptoms: Excess consumption can cause diarrhea and flatulence.
Target Organs: Digestive tract.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: D-Glucitol (Sorbitol)
Chemical Family: Sugar alcohols
Purity: 98-100% depending on grade
Impurities: Trace glucose, water in solution
Other Ingredients: None significant by hazard

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, support breathing, seek medical attention for respiratory irritation.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and possible, continue rinsing if irritation develops, consult a doctor.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute, seek medical advice if large quantities cause distress.
Special Advice for Doctors: Symptomatic treatment; no specific antidote.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide.
Special Hazards: Powdered sorbitol can form dust clouds that pose explosion risks in rare industrial-scale incidents.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing.
Thermal Decomposition: Generates carbon oxides under excessive heat.
Firefighting Procedures: Cool containers with water spray, avoid breathing fumes.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation, use recommended personal protective equipment.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent significant spills from reaching waterways; small amounts are biodegradable.
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or vacuum up solid product; for liquid spills, use inert absorbent. Wash area with water after removal.
Advice for Emergency Responders: Wear gloves, safety glasses, ensure ventilation in enclosed areas.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use proper hygiene practices, minimize dust generation, ventilate work area. Handle with dry, clean hands or gloves.
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated conditions. Seal containers tightly when not in use. Protect from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep away from incompatible substances, like strong oxidizers.
Storage Life: Stable for at least two years under standard warehouse conditions.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific values set by OSHA, NIOSH, or ACGIH.
Ventilation: Use local exhaust or general room ventilation for large-scale handling to reduce dust.
Personal Protection: Gloves provide a barrier for sensitive skin, safety goggles protect eyes from splashes. Dust masks may help in enclosed, dusty environments.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and exposed skin after handling, before eating or drinking.
Environmental Controls: Prevent bulk quantities from entering wastewater streams.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder or clear, colorless syrup.
Odor: Odorless
Molecular Weight: 182.17 g/mol
Melting Point: 95–100°C (crystalline form)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature.
pH: 5–7 (50% solution)
Density: 1.49 g/cm³ (crystalline); about 1.29 g/cm³ (70% solution)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions.
Conditions to Avoid: Strong heat, incompatible substances, excessive moisture.
Hazardous Reactions: Not known for any dangerous reactivity under normal industrial use.
Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide if completely combusted.
Polymerization: Does not occur.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 in rats exceeds 15,000 mg/kg, indicating very low acute toxicity.
Chronic Effects: No known carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxicity has been identified for sorbitol.
Routes of Exposure: Ingestion, inhalation, dermal or eye contact.
Symptoms of Overexposure: Large oral doses can trigger laxative effect, abdominal cramps, bloating.
Sensitization: Not expected in normal handling; rare cases of skin irritation reported.
IARC/OSHA/NTP Status: Not listed as a carcinogen by major regulatory agencies.

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Minimal to aquatic organisms, fully biodegradable through microbial activity in soil and water.
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely due to rapid breakdown.
Mobility in Soil: High solubility, expected to move easily with rainwater.
Persistence: Not persistent in the environment.
Impact on Wastewater Treatment: Readily biodegradable, not expected to disrupt treatment processes in reasonable concentrations.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose as non-hazardous waste, follow local municipal or industrial waste regulations.
Incineration: Suitable for energy recovery with proper emissions controls.
Reuse/Recycling: Possible for uncontaminated product.
Packaging Disposal: Clean containers can be recycled or discarded per local guidance.

Transport Information

UN Number: Not assigned.
Proper Shipping Name: Sorbitol.
Transport Hazard Class: None regulated.
Packing Group: Not required.
Special Precautions for Transport: Protect large shipments from moisture, keep tightly sealed.
IMDG/IATA/ADR: Not classified as dangerous goods by international or domestic transport regulations.

Regulatory Information

Labelling: Not subject to hazardous labeling in most jurisdictions.
Regulatory Listings: Recognized as food additive by FDA (21 CFR 184.1835), listed as E420 under Codex Alimentarius.
Risk and Safety Phrases: Not classified as hazardous.
TSCA Status: Listed on US TSCA inventory.
REACH: Registered, European regulations permit use in food, pharma, and cosmetic applications.
Worker Safety Rules: Employers are responsible for employee training on product handling, hygiene, and PPE.