MSDS: β-Pinene

Identification

Product Name: β-Pinene
Chemical Formula: C10H16
CAS Number: 127-91-3
Synonyms: β-pinene, 6,6-dimethyl-2-methylene bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane
Recommended Use: Flavoring agent, fragrance, intermediate for synthesis
Manufacturer Contact: Supplier’s safety and compliance office
Emergency Contact: Refer to local phone or CHEMTREC for chemical emergencies

Hazard Identification

Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 3), Acute Toxicity (oral, Category 4), Skin Irritation (Category 2), Eye Irritation (Category 2A), Aquatic Acute (Category 1), Aquatic Chronic (Category 1)
GHS Label Elements: Flame, Exclamation Mark, Environment
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor. Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin and eye irritation. Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat or sparks. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection. Avoid release to the environment. Wash hands after handling.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: β-Pinene
Concentration: ≥96%
Impurities: Minor amounts of other terpenes
Molecular Weight: 136.24 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist. If breathing stops, provide artificial respiration.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin with plenty of soap and water. See a healthcare provider for persistent irritation.
Eye Contact: Immediately rinse with water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open. Do not rub eyes. Obtain medical treatment for redness, pain, or visual disturbance.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical professional. Call poison control or a doctor; monitor for nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
Most Important Symptoms: Burning sensation, headache, drowsiness, nausea, skin redness, allergic reactions in sensitive individuals

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, water spray (avoid direct water stream on burning liquid)
Hazards from Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, irritating fumes, and smoke
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Procedures: Evacuate area, fight fire from upwind, contain runoff to prevent environmental contamination. Cool containers near fire with water spray.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area of unprotected personnel. Avoid breathing vapors. Use proper ventilation, wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection.
Containment: Stop leak if safe. Dike and absorb with inert material such as sand or earth. Prevent entry to waterways or sewer.
Cleanup: Use explosion-proof tools. Transfer collected material to labeled containers for disposal. Decontaminate spill area with detergent and water.
Environmental Precautions: Avoid discharge to the environment. Notify authorities if a large spill enters any waterway.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Wear personal protective equipment. Avoid sources of ignition. Provide local exhaust or general ventilation. Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Storage: Keep tightly closed in original container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances like strong oxidizers. Store away from sparks, heat, or open flames. Ground all equipment to avoid static ignition.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, strong oxidizers
Special Considerations: Store out of direct sunlight and segregate from food or animal feed.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA, ACGIH, or NIOSH limits for β-pinene; recommended workplace air controls based on similar terpenes
Engineering Controls: Use with local exhaust, positive flow ventilation. Enclosed transfer systems reduce vapor exposure.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles, flame-retardant lab coat, closed shoes
Respiratory Protection: Use an approved organic vapor respirator if ventilation is insufficient
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating or drinking, remove contaminated clothing, and clean before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless liquid with characteristic pine-like odor
Odor Threshold: 0.04–0.6 ppm (estimated)
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: -62°C
Boiling Point: 163–166°C
Flash Point: 33°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Higher than water
Flammability: Flammable liquid
Vapor Pressure: 4 mmHg at 25°C
Vapor Density: 4.7 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 0.868 at 25°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water; miscible with most organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 4.23
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 245°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not determined
Viscosity: Low (mobile liquid)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with oxidizing agents. Exothermic polymerization is possible under acid catalysis.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flames, static discharge, direct sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, and bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, soot, irritating smoke

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 4700 mg/kg. Inhalation and dermal toxicity data limited; similar terpenes display low acute hazard.
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes skin irritation; prolonged contact may lead to dermatitis
Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes moderate to severe eye irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: Vapors may cause headache, dizziness, and respiratory discomfort in sensitive people
Skin Sensitization: May cause allergic reactions on repeated skin contact
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure can defat skin or aggravate pre-existing respiratory or skin disorders
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC or other major agencies
Reproductive Toxicity: No data pointing to specific reproductive hazard
Target Organs: Skin, eyes, respiratory system

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Very toxic to aquatic life (LC50 <1mg/L for fish and aquatic invertebrates)
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent in environment, partial biodegradation by soil and water microorganisms
Bioaccumulative Potential: Likely to bioaccumulate due to high log Kow
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility due to low water solubility; volatile in air
Other Adverse Effects: Runoff or improper disposal threatens local aquatic ecosystems and can disrupt breeding habitats

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Manage in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations. Major spills go to licensed chemical disposal facility. Do not pour into drains or waterways.
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers must be triple-rinsed or managed under hazardous waste protocols. Recycle or incinerate in approved, equipped centers.
Special Precautions: Never mix with other wastes or combustible materials before approval from trained waste contractor

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 2319
UN Proper Shipping Name: Terpene hydrocarbons, n.o.s. (including β-pinene)
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Transport Precautions: Use appropriate labels. Ground transport in flammable liquid containers, marine and air shipment by certified carriers with emergency response plans in place

Regulatory Information

TSCA Inventory: Listed
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
EINECS/ELINCS (EU): 204-872-5
OSHA Hazardous Chemical: Yes
SARA Title III, Sections 311/312: Fire Hazard, Acute Health Hazard, Chronic Health Hazard
REACH Registration: Required for annual tonnage in EU
California Prop 65: Not listed
Other Info: Regional regulations for flammable storage, air emissions, wastewater discharge, and emergency planning may apply according to jurisdiction