NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

beta-Propiolactone

CAS 57-57-8

C3H4O2

RTECS RQ7350000
Synonyms & Trade Names
BPL; Hydroacrylic acid, beta-lactone; 3-Hydroxy-beta-lactone; 3-Hydroxy-propionic acid; beta-Lactone; 2-Oxetanone; 3-Propiolactone
DOT ID & Guide

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: Ca See Appendix A
OSHA PEL: [1910.1013] See Appendix B
IDLH Ca [N.D] See: IDLH INDEX Conversion
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a slightly sweet odor.
MW: 72.1
BP: 323°F (Decomposes)
FRZ: -28°F
Sol: 37%
VP(77°F): 3 mmHg
IP: ?

Sp.Gr: 1.15
Fl.P: 165°F
UEL: ?
LEL: 2.9%

Class IIIA Combustible Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 140°F and below 200°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Acetates, halogens, thiocyanates, thiosulfates [Note: May polymerize upon storage.]
Measurement Methods
None available
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation (See protection)
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: When contaminated/Daily
Remove: When wet or contaminated
Change: Daily
Provide: Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid (See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Soap wash immediately
Breathing: Respiratory support
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Important additional information about respirator selection
Respirator Recommendations (See Appendix E) NIOSH
At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Skin irritation, blistering, burns; corneal opacity; frequent urination; dysuria; hematuria (blood in the urine); [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs Kidneys, skin, lungs, eyes

Cancer Site [in animals: tumors of the liver, skin & stomach]
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0555   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0197