Chemical data sheet for:

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Clear colorless liquid. (NTP, 1992)

none

Insoluble in water.

This chemical is combustible. (NTP, 1992)

SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of exposure to this compound may include gastrointestinal disturbances, hair loss, psychosis, altered bleeding time, altered liver enzymes and fatal hepatic failure. Other symptoms may include central nervous system depression, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, constipation, anorexia with weight loss, increased appetite with weight gain, tremor, ataxia, headache, nystagmus, diplopia, asterixis, spots before the eyes, dysarthria, dizziness, incoordination, coma, skin rash, erythema multiforme, generalized pruritus, emotional upset, depression, hyperactivity, behavioral deterioration, weakness, thrombocytopenia, petechiae, bruising, hematoma formation, frank hemorrhage, relative lymphocytosis, hypofibrinogenemia, leukopenia, eosinophilia, anemia, bone marrow suppression, irregular menses, secondary amenorrhea and breast enlargement. Changes in exocrine pancreas and sleep disturbances may also occur. It may also cause somnolence.

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: When heated to decomposition this compound may emit toxic fumes of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. (NTP, 1992)

VALPROIC ACID is a carboxylic acid. Carboxylic acids donate hydrogen ions if a base is present to accept them. They react in this way with all bases, both organic (for example, the amines) and inorganic. Their reactions with bases, called "neutralizations", are accompanied by the evolution of substantial amounts of heat. Neutralization between an acid and a base produces water plus a salt. Carboxylic acids with six or fewer carbon atoms are freely or moderately soluble in water; those with more than six carbons are slightly soluble in water. Soluble carboxylic acid dissociate to an extent in water to yield hydrogen ions. The pH of solutions of carboxylic acids is therefore less than 7.0. Many insoluble carboxylic acids react rapidly with aqueous solutions containing a chemical base and dissolve as the neutralization generates a soluble salt. Carboxylic acids in aqueous solution and liquid or molten carboxylic acids can react with active metals to form gaseous hydrogen and a metal salt. Such reactions occur in principle for solid carboxylic acids as well, but are slow if the solid acid remains dry. Even "insoluble" carboxylic acids may absorb enough water from the air and dissolve sufficiently in it to corrode or dissolve iron, steel, and aluminum parts and containers. Carboxylic acids, like other acids, react with cyanide salts to generate gaseous hydrogen cyanide. The reaction is slower for dry, solid carboxylic acids. Insoluble carboxylic acids react with solutions of cyanides to cause the release of gaseous hydrogen cyanide. Flammable and/or toxic gases and heat are generated by the reaction of carboxylic acids with diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, and sulfides. Carboxylic acids, especially in aqueous solution, also react with sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates (to give H2S and SO3), dithionites (SO2), to generate flammable and/or toxic gases and heat. Their reaction with carbonates and bicarbonates generates a harmless gas (carbon dioxide) but still heat. Like other organic compounds, carboxylic acids can be oxidized by strong oxidizing agents and reduced by strong reducing agents. These reactions generate heat. A wide variety of products is possible. Like other acids, carboxylic acids may initiate polymerization reactions; like other acids, they often catalyze (increase the rate of) chemical reactions. This chemical is incompatible with bases, oxidizing agents and reducing agents. It is corrosive. [NTP, 1992]. (NOAA REACTIVITY, 2007)

• Carboxylic Acids

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. (NTP, 1992)

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, FIRST REMOVE ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION. Then, use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material. Your contaminated clothing and absorbent paper should be sealed in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with 60-70% ethanol followed by washing with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should store this chemical under ambient temperatures, and keep it away from oxidizing materials. (NTP, 1992)

RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter.

RECOMMENDED GLOVE MATERIALS: The GlovES+ expert system was used to extrapolate permeation test information from compounds in the same chemical class. The GlovES+ system uses permeation data from literature sources; therefore, extra safety margins should be used with the estimated protection time(s). If this chemical makes direct contact with your gloves, or if a tear, puncture or hole develops, replace them at once.

Glove Type Model Number Thickness Bkthru Time
Neoprene Edmont 29-840 0.38 mm 240 min
Nitrile Comasec Comatril 0.60 mm 480 min
Super
PVC Vinyl Produktor 0.53 mm 240 min
PVC
Natural rubber Ansell Conform 0.13 mm 240 min
4205 (NTP, 1992)

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

No information available.

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