Safety data for acetaldehyde

General

Synonyms: ethanal, ethyl aldehyde, acetic aldehyde
Molecular formula: C₂H₄O
CAS No: 75-07-0
EC No: 200-836-8
Annex I Index No: 605-003-00-6

Physical data

Appearance: colourless liquid
Melting point: -124 C
Boiling point: 20 C
Specific gravity: 0.78
Vapour pressure: 755 mm Hg at 20 C
Vapour density: 1.52 (air = 1)
Flash point: -39 C
Explosion limits: 4% - 57%
Autoignition temperature: 185 C
Water solubility: miscible in all proportions

Stability

Stable, but air sensitive. Substances to be avoided include strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, reducing agents, alkalies, halogens, halogen oxides. Highly flammable. Vapour/air mixtures explosive over a very wide concentration range. May form peroxides in storage.

Toxicology

Harmful by inhalation, ingestion and through skin absorption. Some experiments with animals suggest that this substance may be anticipated to be a carcinogen. Contact with skin or eyes may cause severe irritation or burns. EC carcinogen category 3. Lachrymator. Note that a workplace exposure limit is in place for this chemical.

Toxicity data
(The meaning of any abbreviations which appear in this section is given here.)
ORL-RAT LD50 661 mg kg^-1
IHL-RAT LC50 13300 ppm/4h.
IHL-MUS LC50 23 g/m3/4h.
SKN-RBT LD50 3540 mg kg^-1

Risk phrases
(The meaning of any risk phrases which appear in this section is given here.)
R12 R20 R21 R22 R36 R37 R40.

Transport information

(The meaning of any UN hazard codes which appear in this section is given here.)
UN No 1089. IMDG class 3.1. Packing group I.

Personal protection

Safety glasses. Effective ventilation.

Safety phrases
(The meaning of any safety phrases which appear in this section is given here.)
S16 S33 S36 S37.