Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – L-Carnitine Hydrochloride

Identification

Product Name: L-Carnitine Hydrochloride
Synonyms: 3-hydroxy-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoic acid hydrochloride
Chemical Formula: C7H16NO3Cl
CAS Number: 6645-46-1
Recommended Use: Nutritional supplement ingredient, pharmaceutical intermediate
Manufacturer Details: Supplier name, address, and emergency contact numbers included on product label
Emergency Telephone: Local poison control center or dial 911 for urgent cases

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous by GHS guidelines
Main Hazards: Dust may cause irritation to respiratory system, skin, and eyes in direct contact; ingestion of large amounts can upset digestive system
Signal Word: None required
Pictograms: None
Precautionary Statements: Avoid creating dust, use with adequate ventilation, rinse thoroughly after handling, avoid direct skin and eye contact
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation may irritate nasal passages; contact may lead to redness or mild discomfort; large quantities may cause gastrointestinal discomfort

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: L-Carnitine Hydrochloride
Concentration: 98–100% by weight
Impurities: Negligible for intended use
Ingredient Relevance: L-Carnitine hydrochloride forms the only active ingredient required for most applications, minimizes risks connected with unknown impurities

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move individual to fresh air, encourage deep breathing, seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, contact physician if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for 15 minutes while keeping eyelids apart, seek prompt medical advice for persistent irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, give water to dilute what was swallowed, do not induce vomiting unless directed, consult health professional
Most Important Symptoms: Dust exposure can make eyes water, skin itch, or trigger mild coughing; accidental large dose mainly causes minor nausea or diarrhea
Immediate Medical Attention: Required when symptoms are intense, allergic response suspected, or ingestion/eye exposure is significant

Fire-Fighting Measures

Flammability: Not highly flammable but may generate hazardous fumes on decomposition
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO₂, foam, or water spray, do not use direct water jets as powder may scatter
Special Hazards from Combustion: Releases oxides of carbon and nitrogen, hydrochloric acid fumes possible
Protective Equipment: Firefighters wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent skin and respiratory contact
Advice for Firefighters: Approach fire from upwind, stay out of smoke, minimize run-off

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use personal protective equipment, avoid breathing dust, ventilate area, restrict unnecessary personnel
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into drains, sewers, or natural waterways
Methods for Cleaning Up: Sweep up spilled product using non-sparking tools or vacuum, minimizing dust generation; collect in appropriate container for disposal; wash affected area with water
Considerations: Wear dust mask, gloves, goggles during cleanup; contaminated area should be ventilated

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work in well-ventilated space, minimize dust production, do not eat or drink while handling, wash hands after use
Storage: Store tightly closed in original packaging, away from moisture, direct sunlight, heat sources, and incompatible chemicals like strong oxidizers
Special Storage Conditions: Stable at room temperature, refrigeration not essential, desiccant packs may be used to keep powder dry and free-flowing
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits established
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation where dust may be generated; standard building ventilation typically sufficient for low-volume handling
Personal Protective Equipment: NIOSH-approved dust mask or particulate respirator, chemical splash goggles, nitrile or latex gloves, protective lab coat
General Hygiene: Change contaminated clothing, wash hands before breaks and after work, keep product away from food and beverages

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Faint, fish-like
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: 3.0–4.5 (10% aqueous solution)
Melting Point: 197–212°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Flash Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, sparingly soluble in ethanol
Vapor Pressure: Not established
Density: 1.2–1.3 g/cm³ at 20°C
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Auto-Ignition Temperature: No data
Decomposition Temperature: Above 197°C
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperature and dry conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Does not react vigorously with common substances
Incompatibility: Strong oxidizers, acids, and bases may decompose product
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen chloride
Conditions to Avoid: High moisture, elevated temperatures, and contact with reactive chemicals accelerate decomposition

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, dermal, ocular
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD₅₀ (rat) estimated above 4,000 mg/kg; not considered acutely toxic
Chronic Effects: Prolonged overexposure may cause mild, reversible irritation; no major organ toxicity documented
Symptoms: Short-term exposure causes throat or eye discomfort, skin redness; high doses can upset stomach
Sensitization: No evidence for skin or respiratory sensitization
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Reproductive Effects: No reproductive toxicity observed in animal studies at intended levels

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Low acute toxicity in aquatic environments at typical exposure concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in both soil and water; rapid breakdown by microorganisms
Bioaccumulative Potential: No tendency for bioaccumulation in aquatic species
Mobility in Soil: High water solubility increases mobility, but low predicted environmental build-up
Other Adverse Effects: Environmentally benign at standard release levels; local spillage should be cleaned to reduce nutrient loading

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Collect waste material in sealed, properly labeled containers for disposal in accordance with local, state, and national regulations; do not release to waterways
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse empty packaging with water before recycling or landfill disposal as allowed by jurisdiction
Special Precautions: Avoid mixing with incompatible substances during disposal; consult environmental officials if large-scale disposal required

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous goods
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not restricted
Transport Hazard Class: None
Packing Group: None
Marine Pollutant: Not classified
Transport Precautions: Secure containers to prevent spillage, avoid exposure to moisture during transit, keep away from reactive chemicals
Labeling Requirements: Standard product labeling only; no additional hazard symbols required for road, rail, sea, or air freight

Regulatory Information

Global Inventory Status: Listed in chemical inventories for US (TSCA), EU (EINECS/REACH), Canada (DSL), and other key jurisdictions
US Regulations: Not subject to specific reporting under SARA, CERCLA, or Clean Air Act
EU Classification: Not classified as dangerous under 1272/2008/EC (CLP/GHS)
Workplace Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limits established by OSHA or ACGIH
Labeling: No special hazard labeling required; must display chemical name, batch number, and manufacturer info for traceability
Other Regulatory Notes: Observance of national, state, and local regulations regarding handling, labeling, and transport ensures both compliance and workplace safety