MSDS - Glycerol

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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)