BETA-BUTYROLACTONE

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Clear colorless liquid with an acetone-like odor. (NTP, 1992)

• Highly Flammable

Highly flammable. Water soluble

This chemical is combustible. (NTP, 1992)

SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of exposure to this compound include irritation of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract.

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: This compound is harmful by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. It is an irritant of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke, irritating fumes and toxic fumes of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. (NTP, 1992)

BETA-BUTYROLACTONE is incompatible with strong oxidizers and strong bases. It is hydrolyzed by water and aqueous alkali. (NTP, 1992)

• Esters, Sulfate Esters, Phosphate Esters, Thiophosphate Esters, and Borate Esters

No information available.

Excerpt from 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. A water spray may also be used. (NTP, 1992)

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you should spill this chemical, use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material. Seal the absorbent paper, as well as any of your clothing which may be contaminated, in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash any surfaces you may have contaminated 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 refrigerated temperatures, and protect it from moisture. If possible, it would be prudent to store this compound under inert atmosphere. (NTP, 1992)

MINIMUM PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: If Tyvek-type disposable protective clothing is not worn during handling of this chemical, wear disposable Tyvek-type sleeves taped to your gloves.

RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with a combination filter cartridge, i.e. organic vapor/acid gas/HEPA (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas, SO2 and a high efficiency particulate filter). (NTP, 1992)

No information available.

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. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. 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.

OTHER: Since this chemical is a known or suspected carcinogen you should contact a physician for advice regarding the possible long term health effects and potential recommendation for medical monitoring. Recommendations from the physician will depend upon the specific compound, its chemical, physical and toxicity properties, the exposure level, length of exposure, and the route of exposure. (NTP, 1992)

• BETA-BUTYROLACTONE
• (+/-)-BETA-BUTYROLACTONE
• (.+-.)-BETA-BUTYROLACTONE
• BETA-METHYL-BETA-PROPIOLACTONE
• BETA-METHYLPROPIOLACTONE
• (.+-.)-BETA-METHYLPROPIOLACTONE
• BUTANOIC ACID, 3-HYDROXY-, BETA-LACTONE
• BUTYRIC ACID, 3-HYDROXY-, BETA-LACTONE
• DL-3-BUTYROLACTONE
• DL-3-HYDROXYBUTANOIC ACID BETA-LACTONE
• DL-3-HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID BETA-LACTONE
• DL-3-HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID LACTONE
• DL-4-METHYL-2-OXETANONE
• DL-BETA-BUTYROLACTONE
• DL-BETA-METHYL-BETA-PROPIOLACTONE
• DL-BETA-METHYLPROPIOLACTONE
• DL-HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID LACTONE
• 3-HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID LACTONE
• (+/-)-4-METHYL-2-OXETANONE
• 4-METHYL-2-OXETANONE
• 2-OXETANONE, 4-METHYL-, (+/-)
• (RS)-BETA-BUTYROLACTONE