International Chemical Safety Cards

SODIUM METHYLATE

ICSC: 0771

Sodium methoxide
CH₃ONa
Molecular mass: 54.0

ICSC #    0771
CAS #     124-41-4
RTECS # PC3570000
UN #        1431
EC #         603-040-00-2
March 28, 1996 Peer reviewed

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Highly flammable. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with water.	Dry powder. Dry sand. NO hydrous agents. NO water.
EXPLOSION	Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.	Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.	In case of fire: cool drums, etc., by spraying with water but avoid contact of the substance with water.

EXPOSURE		PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT!
•INHALATION	Sore throat. Cough. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN	Redness. Pain. Blisters.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	First rinse with plenty of water, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES	Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.	Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION	Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Shock or collapse.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into clean and dry containers. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents. Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, strong acids, food and feedstuffs . Cool. Dry.

Airtight. Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
F symbol
C symbol
R: 11-14-34
S: 1/2-8-16-26-43-45
UN Hazard Class: 4.2
UN Subsidiary Risks: 8
UN Packing Group: II

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0771

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

SODIUM METHYLATE

ICSC: 0771

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
WHITE , FREE-FLOWING POWDER.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Heating may cause violent combustion or explosion. The substance may spontaneously ignite on contact with air. The substance is a strong reducing agent and reacts violently with oxidants. The substance is a strong base, it reacts violently with acid and is corrosive. Reacts violently with water producing flammable methanol and corrosive sodium hydroxide. Attacks many metals forming flammable/explosive gas (hydrogen - see ICSC 0001).

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established.

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Corrosive. The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of dusts may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Melting point (decomposes): 127°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.45
Solubility in water:
reaction

Auto-ignition temperature: 70-80°C

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S

Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. Rinse contaminated clothes (fire hazard) with plenty of water. Card has been partly updated in October 2004. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-42GSC4-II+III

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0771	SODIUM METHYLATE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.