Material Safety Data Sheet for Sorbitol

Identification

Product Name: Sorbitol
Chemical Formula: C6H14O6
CAS Number: 50-70-4
Synonyms: D-Glucitol, Sorbogem, Sorbo
Recommended Uses: Humectant, sweetener, excipient in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care products, and food industry
Supplier Information: Contact the distributor or manufacturer for specific details
Emergency Contact: Refer to local emergency services or the supplier’s emergency hotline

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Physical Hazards: Not flammable or explosive in typical use, but powdered form can generate dust and may pose a minor dust explosion risk
Health Hazards: Low toxicity; inhalation of dust may cause respiratory irritation, ingestion of large amounts may cause gastrointestinal discomfort
Environmental Hazards: Not considered hazardous to the environment under normal handling
Signal Word: None
Pictogram: None required
Precautionary Statements: Avoid creating or breathing dust, wash hands thoroughly after handling, use adequate ventilation if handling dusty forms

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Substance: D-Sorbitol
Concentration: 98–100% (may vary depending on source)
Impurities/Admixtures: Trace amounts of related polyols such as mannitol possible, water content may exist in syrup forms
Other Ingredients: None expected in pure product

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical advice for irritation or lasting symptoms
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, seek medical attention if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water if conscious, do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel, consult a physician for discomfort or large ingestions
Most Important Symptoms: Mild respiratory, eye, or gastrointestinal irritation possible

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam, depending on surroundings
Special Hazards: High concentrations of dust in air can form explosive mixtures, thermal decomposition can release irritating fumes such as carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide
Advice for Firefighters: Wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus, contain and collect water used to fight fire to prevent contamination
Flash Point: Not highly flammable; not readily ignitable under standard conditions

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid inhalation of dust, use appropriate personal protective equipment such as protective gloves, goggles, and a dust mask
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spills from entering drains, sewers, or water sources
Containment and Clean-Up: Sweep up and collect spilled material for reuse or disposal, wash area with water if necessary, avoid creating dust clouds during clean-up, ventilate area

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Handle in a well-ventilated area, minimize dust generation, avoid direct contact with eyes and skin, wear suitable protective equipment
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place, keep away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizing agents
Special Considerations: Keep containers closed when not in use, protect from moisture to maintain product quality, keep away from sources of ignition if packaging contains fine powder

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits for sorbitol
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or general room ventilation to minimize airborne dust
Personal Protective Equipment: Use safety glasses or goggles, protective gloves, and a dust mask or respirator during prolonged handling or spill clean-up
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing, do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling

Physical and Chemical Properties

Form: White crystalline powder or clear, viscous liquid (syrup)
Odor: Odorless
Flavor: Sweet
Molecular Weight: 182.17 g/mol
Melting Point: About 95–100°C (crystalline)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol, insoluble in ether
Density: Approximately 1.49 g/cm³ (crystalline)
pH (10% solution): About 5.0–7.0
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Non-reactive under normal use
Conditions to Avoid: Excess heat, sources of ignition, strong oxidizing agents, moisture if stored as powder
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Thermal decomposition may release irritating gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Hazardous Reactions: No known hazardous polymerization

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity; LD50 (oral, rat) > 15,000 mg/kg
Skin Irritation: Non-irritating under normal conditions
Eye Irritation: Possible mild irritation if dust contacts eyes
Inhalation: May cause transient upper respiratory irritation
Ingestion: Large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea
Sensitization: Not a known sensitizer
Chronic Effects: No data indicating carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive effects in humans
Other Data: Widely used as a food additive and pharmaceutical excipient with a long history of safe use in humans

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not expected to be harmful to aquatic or terrestrial organisms; readily biodegradable
Persistence: Organic compound that breaks down rapidly in soil and aquatic environments
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely due to high water solubility and rapid biodegradation
Mobility in Soil: High solubility leads to easy dispersion in water, low risk of soil accumulation
Other Adverse Effects: No specific adverse environmental effects known

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Can be disposed as non-hazardous waste, use landfill or incinerate in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations
Container Disposal: Rinse containers thoroughly before recycling or disposal, handle empty containers as if contaminated
Special Precautions: Follow community, regional, and national regulations for disposal, avoid release to natural waterways or sewer systems

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated
UN Proper Shipping Name: Sorbitol
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: None
Special Precautions for Users: Prevent spillage and dust formation during transportation
Bulk Transport: No restrictions or special controls under IMDG, IATA, DOT regulations

Regulatory Information

International Inventories: Listed on TSCA, EINECS/ELINCS, Canada DSL, Australia AICS, Japan ENCS, China IECSC
OSHA Status: Not regulated as a hazardous chemical
SARA 311/312 Hazards: Not subject to reporting requirements
FDA Status: Approved for use in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics
WHMIS Classification: Not controlled
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Local Regulations: Follow national, state, and local legislation for handling and safety