1. Product Identification
Synonyms: Octadecanoic acid; 1-heptadecanecarboxylic acid
CAS No.: 57-11-4
Molecular Weight: 284.48
Chemical Formula: CH3(CH2)16COOH

2. Composition/Information on Ingredients

Ingredient CAS No Percent Hazardous
--------------------------------------- ------------ ------- ---------

Stearic Acid 57-11-4 90 - 100% Yes

3. Hazards Identification
Emergency Overview
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CAUTION! MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES, AND RESPIRATORY TRACT.

J.T. Baker SAF-T-DATA(tm) Ratings (Provided here for your convenience)
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Health Rating: 1 - Slight
Flammability Rating: 1 - Slight
Reactivity Rating: 1 - Slight
Contact Rating: 1 - Slight
Lab Protective Equip: GOGGLES; LAB COAT
Storage Color Code: Orange (General Storage)
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Potential Health Effects
----------------------------------

Inhalation:
May cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include coughing, sore throat, labored breathing, and chest pain.
Ingestion:
Large oral doses may cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. Ingestion may cause intestinal obstruction.
Skin Contact:
May cause irritation with redness and pain.
Eye Contact:
May cause irritation, redness and pain.
Chronic Exposure:
No adverse health effects expected.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
No information found.

4. First Aid Measures
Inhalation:
Remove to fresh air. Get medical attention for any breathing difficulty.
Ingestion:
Give large amounts of water to drink. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical attention.
Skin Contact:
Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention if irritation develops.
Eye Contact:
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids occasionally. Get medical attention if irritation persists.

5. Fire Fighting Measures
Fire:
As with most organic solids, fire is possible at elevated temperatures or by contact with an ignition source. Melted fatty acid can give "grease" type fire.
Explosion:
Fine dust dispersed in air in sufficient concentrations, and in the presence of an ignition source is a potential dust explosion hazard.
Fire Extinguishing Media:
Dry chemical, foam or carbon dioxide. Pressure from the extinguishing media may cause severe dusting. Do not use heavy streams of water, molten material will float on water.
Special Information:
In the event of a fire, wear full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.

6. Accidental Release Measures
Remove all sources of ignition. Ventilate area of leak or spill. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as specified in Section 8. Spills: Clean up spills in a manner that does not disperse dust into the air. Use non-sparking tools and equipment. Reduce airborne dust and prevent scattering by moistening with water. Pick up spill for recovery or disposal and place in a closed container.

7. Handling and Storage
Keep in a tightly closed container, stored in a cool, dry, ventilated area. Protect against physical damage. Containers of this material may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (dust, solids); observe all warnings and precautions listed for the product.

8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Airborne Exposure Limits:
- OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL):
15 mg/m3 total dust, 5 mg/m3 respirable fraction for nuisance dusts.
- ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV):
10 mg/m3 total dust containing no asbestos and < 1% crystalline silica for Particulates Not Otherwise Classified (PNOC).
Ventilation System:
A system of local and/or general exhaust is recommended to keep employee exposures below the Airborne Exposure Limits. Local exhaust ventilation is generally preferred because it can control the emissions of the contaminant at its source, preventing dispersion of it into the general work area. Please refer to the ACGIH document, Industrial Ventilation, A Manual of Recommended Practices, most recent edition, for details.
Personal Respirators (NIOSH Approved):
For conditions of use where exposure to the dust or mist is apparent, a half-face dust/mist respirator may be worn. For emergencies or instances where the exposure levels are not known, use a full-face positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator. WARNING: Air-purifying respirators do not protect workers in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Skin Protection:
Wear protective gloves and clean body-covering clothing.
Eye Protection:
Use chemical safety goggles. Maintain eye wash fountain and quick-drench facilities in work area.

9. Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance:
White or yellowish-white powder.
Odor:
Odor resembles fats and oils.
Solubility:
Insoluble in water.
Specific Gravity:
0.94 @ 20C/4C
pH:
No information found.
% Volatiles by volume @ 21C (70F):
0
Boiling Point:
383C (721F)
Melting Point:
69 - 70C (156 - 158F)
Vapor Density (Air=1):
9.8
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg):
1 @ 173.7C (345F)
Evaporation Rate (BuAc=1):
No information found.

10. Stability and Reactivity
Stability:
Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide may form when heated to decomposition.
Hazardous Polymerization:
Will not occur.
Incompatibilities:
Strong oxidizers, strong bases.
Conditions to Avoid:
Heat, flame, ignition sources, dusting and incompatibles.

11. Toxicological Information

Skin rabbit LD50: > 5000 mg/kg; Standard Draize, human skin, 75 mg/3D-I, mild; Standard Draize, rabbit skin, 500 mg/24-hr, moderate; investigated as a tumorigen and mutagen.
--------\Cancer Lists\------------------------------------------------------
---NTP Carcinogen---
Ingredient Known Anticipated IARC Category
------------------------------------ ----- ----------- -------------
Stearic Acid (57-11-4) No No None

12. Ecological Information
Environmental Fate:
When released into the soil, this material is expected to readily biodegrade. When released into water, this material is expected to readily biodegrade.
Environmental Toxicity:
No information found.

13. Disposal Considerations
Whatever cannot be saved for recovery or recycling should be managed in an appropriate and approved waste disposal facility. Processing, use or contamination of this product may change the waste management options. State and local disposal regulations may differ from federal disposal regulations. Dispose of container and unused contents in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.

14. Transport Information
Not regulated.

15. Regulatory Information
--------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 1\---------------------------------
Ingredient TSCA EC Japan Australia
----------------------------------------------- ---- --- ----- ---------
Stearic Acid (57-11-4) Yes Yes Yes Yes

--------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 2\---------------------------------
--Canada--
Ingredient Korea DSL NDSL Phil.
----------------------------------------------- ----- --- ---- -----
Stearic Acid (57-11-4) Yes Yes No Yes

--------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 1\----------------
-SARA 302- ------SARA 313------
Ingredient RQ TPQ List Chemical Catg.
----------------------------------------- --- ----- ---- --------------
Stearic Acid (57-11-4) No No No No

--------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 2\----------------
-RCRA- -TSCA-
Ingredient CERCLA 261.33 8(d)
----------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------
Stearic Acid (57-11-4) No No No

Chemical Weapons Convention: No TSCA 12(b): No CDTA: No
SARA 311/312: Acute: Yes Chronic: No Fire: Yes Pressure: No
Reactivity: No (Pure / Solid)

Australian Hazchem Code: No information found.
Poison Schedule: No information found.
WHMIS:
This MSDS has been prepared according to the hazard criteria of the Controlled Products Regulations (CPR) and the MSDS contains all of the information required by the CPR.

16. Other Information
NFPA Ratings: Health: 1 Flammability: 1 Reactivity: 0
Label Hazard Warning:
CAUTION! MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES, AND RESPIRATORY TRACT.
Label Precautions:
Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing.
Wash thoroughly after handling.
Avoid breathing dust.
Keep container closed.
Use with adequate ventilation.
Label First Aid:
In case of contact, immediately flush eyes or skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation develops or persists. If inhaled, remove to fresh air. Get medical attention for any breathing difficulty.
Product Use:
Laboratory Reagent.
Revision Information:
No Information Found.

Prepared by: Strategic Services Division
Phone Number: (314) 539-1600 (U.S.A.)