Chemical Name: Gallic acid
Synonyms: 3,4,5-Trihydroxybenzoic acid
CAS Number: 149-91-7
EC Number: 205-749-9
Molecular Formula: C7H6O5
Molecular Weight: 170.12 g/mol
Recommended Uses: Laboratory reagent, antioxidant, pharmaceutical intermediate, natural dye
Manufacturer/Supplier Contact: Include emergency phone numbers and supplier details relevant for safety queries and incidents
GHS Classification: Not classified as dangerous by GHS criteria
Main Hazards: Irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract on high exposure; may cause allergic skin reactions; dust can aggravate pre-existing respiratory conditions
Signal Word: None required
Pictograms: None required under standard guidelines
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust; wash hands thoroughly after handling; use with adequate ventilation
Symptoms of Overexposure: Redness, itching, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, shortness of breath in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas
Other Hazards: May cause mild environmental harm if released in large quantities into surface water or soil
Substance: Single component
Chemical Identity: Gallic acid, purity >98%
Impurities: Trace water, minimal organic acids; non-hazardous at typical levels
Additives: Product sold as pure powder; no stabilizing agents or significant fillers reported by major suppliers
Inhalation: Remove from exposure, get into open air, seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing, get medical aid for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse with running water for several minutes, keep eyelids apart during washing, consult medical help if discomfort persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention if large quantities swallowed
Most Important Symptoms: Local irritation, shortness of breath, allergic skin reactions in rare cases
Indications for Immediate Medical Attention: Respiratory distress, extensive skin or eye irritation, suspected allergic response
Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or foam
Fire Hazards: Product can burn, giving off toxic fumes including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide; avoid inhaling smoke
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting
Special Procedures: Contain runoff to prevent environmental contamination, cool containers with water if exposed to flames
Explosion Sensitivity: Powdered dust may present minimal combustible dust explosion hazard in air if high enough concentrations occur
Decomposition Products: Hazardous gases include carbon oxides and phenolic compounds
Personal Precautions: Wear dust mask, goggles, gloves, avoid direct contact
Environmental Precautions: Prevent powder from entering water courses, drainage systems, soil
Spill Clean-Up Procedures: Sweep up to avoid dust formation, collect for disposal in suitable containers, ventilate affected area
Disposal of Collected Material: Refer to disposal section, avoid raising airborne particles, use wet methods if required
After Clean-Up: Wash hands, contaminated surfaces, and tools thoroughly
Handling: Always use in well-ventilated areas, minimize dust creation, wear suitable gloves, do not eat or drink during handling
Technical Measures: Implement local exhaust ventilation if powder handling generates airborne particulates; practice good hygiene
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in closed, labeled containers, keep dry and away from moisture, keep away from incompatible oxidizers and reducing agents
Container Requirements: Use corrosion- and shatter-resistant packaging to prevent accidental spillage or contamination
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific regulatory exposure limits assigned; keep airborne concentrations as low as reasonably achievable
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust hood recommended for transfer, weighing, or mixing; maintain good general room ventilation
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile or latex gloves, eye protection (goggles or safety glasses with side shields), dust mask or P2/N95 respirator where airborne dust is possible
Hygiene Measures: Avoid contact with eyes or skin, wash hands before eating or drinking, remove contaminated clothing before leaving work area
Appearance: White to light brown crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 250°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Water soluble (approx. 12 g/L at 20°C), sparingly soluble in ethanol
pH (1% solution): 2-3
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: 1.69 g/cm³
Flammability: Not considered highly flammable; may burn if heated intensely
Stability: Stable under normal laboratory and warehouse conditions, dry and closed packaging
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, prolonged exposure to air, strong direct sunlight, high heat
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers (hydrogen peroxide, nitrogen oxides), strong reducing agents, bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, phenolic vapors upon thermal decomposition or combustion
Hazardous Reactions: None reported under recommended use or storage
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): >5,000 mg/kg; practically non-toxic at likely occupational levels
Chronic Toxicity: No evidence of long-term toxicity in repeated low-dose exposure
Health Hazards: Irritating to eyes, skin, mucous membranes; inhalation of powders can trigger respiratory discomfort
Carcinogenicity: No evidence for carcinogenicity in available studies; not listed by ACGIH, IARC, NTP, OSHA
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: Not considered mutagenic or teratogenic based on current knowledge
Potential Target Organs: Eyes, respiratory system, skin on repeated exposure
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, eye contact
Symptoms: Redness, itching, coughing, minor allergic reactions in susceptible individuals
Aquatic Toxicity: Low acute toxicity to aquatic organisms
Soil Mobility: Likely to degrade in environmental conditions through natural microbial and photolytic activity
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable; does not bioaccumulate
Environmental Fate: Not expected to persist in large quantities outside of massive spills; relatively low environmental risk under routine usage
Other Adverse Effects: Large releases may cause temporary reduction in oxygen demand in watercourses; advise prevention of mass discharge
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations for organic laboratory waste
Product Disposal: Small quantities may go with household chemical waste collection; avoid flushing large amounts to sewer or surface water
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse and discard as chemical waste, follow procedures for hazardous material containment
Special Precautions: Handle and dispose of contaminated gloves and clothing with similar care, prevent dust escape during disposal processes
UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material for most modes of transport
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as dangerous; label as “Gallic acid — Non-hazardous”
Packaging Group: None assigned
Transport Hazard Classes: None required
Special Transport Precautions: Avoid exposure to moisture or mechanical shock during transport, ensure sealed and labeled containers
Marine Pollutant: Not regulated as a marine pollutant
Inventory Status: Listed on TSCA, EINECS/ELINCS, DSL, and other relevant chemical inventories
Labelling Requirements: GHS non-hazardous, some local guidelines may recommend warning for dust
Workplace Safety: General chemical hygiene and dust safety rules apply; follow local occupational health regulations
Specific Restrictions: None specified for food, pharma, or agriculture where high purity confirmed, always check application-specific approvals
Other Information: Product subject to standard workplace risk assessments and chemical registration where required
