Material Safety Data Sheet: Sodium Stearate

Identification

Product Name: Sodium Stearate
Chemical Formula: C18H35NaO2
Synonyms: Stearic acid sodium salt, Octadecanoic acid sodium salt
CAS Number: 822-16-2
Recommended Use: Used in soaps, detergents, cosmetics, and as an emulsifier
Manufacturer’s Contact Information: Supplier details must include address, phone number, and emergency contact line
Emergency Phone Number: Chemtrec or local poison control center

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Eye irritation Category 2A, Skin irritation Category 2
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: May cause eye irritation; may cause mild skin irritation
Precautionary Statements: Avoid eye contact, use protective gloves, wash hands after handling
Pictograms: Exclamation mark for skin and eye irritation
Other Hazards: Dust from large spills can cause respiratory discomfort

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Sodium Stearate
Concentration: More than 95% by weight
Impurities: May contain traces of stearic acid and other fatty acid salts
Molecular Weight: 306.48 g/mol
Hazardous Components: No significant hazardous impurities under normal handling

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if persistent symptoms occur
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting; seek medical advice
Notes for Physician: Symptomatic and supportive treatment

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: May emit fumes of sodium oxide and carbon oxides on combustion
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Firefighting Procedures: Use water spray to cool unopened containers; prevent runoff into drains

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation; use personal protective gear
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, or soil
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up without creating dust, place in suitable containers for disposal; ventilate the area

Handling and Storage

Handling: Minimize dust generation; handle with suitable PPE
Storage: Keep in tightly closed container; store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, strong oxidizers
Hygiene Practices: Do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling; wash thoroughly after use

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No ACGIH or OSHA exposure limits established
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to control dust
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses, gloves, dust mask
Respiratory Protection: Approved particulate respirator in areas with dust formation
Eye/Face Protection: Chemical splash goggles
Skin Protection: Protective gloves made of nitrile or rubber

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white powder or flakes
Odor: Faint fatty odor
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: 9.5-10.5 (1% solution in water)
Melting Point: 210 °C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water
Vapor Pressure: Not available
Density: 1.03 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient: Not determined
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not available

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Not reactive under normal use
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, open flames, high heat
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Sodium oxides, carbon oxides on thermal decomposition
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Will not polymerize under normal conditions

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity by oral, dermal, and inhalation routes
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause mild and transient irritation with prolonged contact
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes mild to moderate eye irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: Inhalation of dust can cause mild respiratory irritation
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by NTP, IARC, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: No data suggest mutagenic effects
Reproductive Toxicity: No data available; no known reproductive hazards
Other Health Effects: Large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset if swallowed

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Not expected to produce significant adverse effects in aquatic life
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low potential for bioaccumulation
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility; will bind to soil particles
Other Adverse Effects: None known

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of according to federal, state, and local environmental regulations
Product Disposal: Use a licensed chemical waste disposal facility
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose of as unused product
Special Precautions: Avoid discharge into drains or the environment

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous goods
Proper Shipping Name: Sodium stearate
Transport Hazard Class: Not hazardous
Packing Group: None
Environmental Hazards: Non-hazardous to environment during shipment
Special Precautions: Avoid container damage and spillage during transit

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Not hazardous as defined by OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
SARA Title III: Not listed as a hazardous substance
California Prop 65: Not listed
TSCA Status: Listed in TSCA Inventory
EU Regulations: EINECS number 212-490-5; not classified as hazardous
Other Regulations: No additional regulatory restrictions for normal use