Glycerol material data safety sheet. Reproduced with kind permission of the Department of Chemistry, Oxford University.
Last updated April 1, 2005
| IMPORTANT
|
| The glycerol produced as a by-product of biodiesel is NOT pure glycerol. The by-product will contain significant amounts of methanol, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, water and contaminants from the feedstock. Therefore biodiesel by-product glycerol should be treated as a mixture of all of the preceding and safety precautions pertaining to all the components should be observed. This MSDS is included in the interests of completeness
|
| Common synonyms |
- 1,2,3-propanetriol
- Glycerine
- Glycerin
- Glycyl alcohol
- Glycerol USP
|
| Formula |
C3H8O3
|
| Properties |
- See note above regarding glycerol as a by-product of biodiesel.
- Form: viscous colourless liquid
- Stability: Stable
- Melting point: 17.8°C
- Boiling point: 290°C
- Specific gravity: 1.26
- Flash point: 160°C
- Critical temperature: 492.2°C
- Critical pressure: 42.5 atm
|
| Principal hazards |
- See note above regarding glycerol as a by-product of biodiesel.
- Glycerol is generally regarded as a safe material for which no special handling precautions are required. However, it is flammable. It also feels oily, so may be a slipping hazard if spilled on the floor.
|
| Safe handling |
- See note above regarding Glycerol as a by-product of Biodiesel.
- Wear safety glasses if required by local rules.
- Clear up spills promptly.
|
| Emergency |
- See note above regarding glycerol as a by-product of biodiesel.
- Eye contact: Immediately flush the eye with water. If irritation persists, call for medical help.
- Skin contact: Wash off with water.
- If swallowed: Call for medical help if the amount swallowed is large.
- Glycerol is widely used in foods, so accidental consumption of a small amount is unlikely to be harmful.
|
| Disposal |
- See note above regarding glycerol as a by-product of biodiesel.
- Small amounts of glycerol may be flushed down the sink unless local rules prohibit this.
- Glycerol is viscous, so unless care is taken to wash all liquid away, some may remain in the sink and pose a fire risk.
|
| Protective equipment |
- See note above regarding glycerol as a by-product of biodiesel.
- Safety glasses if required by local rules.
|
| Further information |
More extensive safety data |
Bio-rich-time-poor 22:01, 25 June 2011 (BST)
