Substance Name: Estragole
Chemical Formula: C10H12O
CAS Number: 140-67-0
Synonyms: Methyl chavicol, 1-allyl-4-methoxybenzene
Physical State: Liquid
Odor: Sweet, anise-like aroma
Intended Use: Flavoring agent, fragrance in cosmetics, research chemical, sometimes seen in herbal remedies
Supplier Details: Producer and distributor contact information listed on shipment documents and product labeling; direct inquiry recommended for any emergency
Hazard Classification: Flammable liquid, harmful if swallowed, suspected carcinogen
Signal Word: Warning
Primary Hazards: Irritates eyes and skin; can be harmful to liver with chronic exposure; ingestion of substantial amounts may cause headache, dizziness, nausea
GHS Pictograms: Flame, Health Hazard, Exclamation Mark
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, dermal, eye contact
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation brings risk of respiratory tract irritation, contact leads to itching or redness, long-term exposure studied for possible link to cancer in rodents; humans urged to use caution
Chemical Name: Estragole
EC Number: 205-427-8
Concentration: >99% pure in most shipments
Impurities: Trace amounts of other phenylpropenes or isomers, usually less than 1% as byproducts from extraction or synthesis
Additives: None typically, bulk estragole sold neat
Inhalation: Move affected person to clean air, support breathing as needed, seek medical evaluation for persistent effects like cough or headache
Skin Contact: Wash exposed area with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, remove contaminated clothing, monitor for delayed irritation; get medical attention if irritation or rash develops
Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently with large amounts of water, keep eyelids open, continue for at least 15 minutes, seek urgent attention if pain, redness, or vision changes occur
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water briefly (if conscious), avoid inducing vomiting, consult physician promptly, bring MSDS for reference if possible
General Advice: People handling this material should always have access to eyewash stations and emergency showers within the work area
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide preferred due to low water solubility
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet may spread burning material
Fire Hazards: Highly flammable, vapor may travel to ignition sources and flash back, combustion produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possible formaldehyde
Personal Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective suit; avoid inhaling combustion fumes
Advice for Firefighters: Cool containers with water spray, keep safe distance, prevent spillage from reaching drains, fight fire from upwind if possible
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area if risk of fire, ventilate enclosed spaces, avoid breathing vapor, remove all ignition sources, restrict access to trained personnel
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering waterways, soil, drains; inform authorities if contamination occurs
Spill Clean-up Methods: Absorb with sand, earth, or non-combustible material, collect in sealable container, clean affected area thoroughly, dispose of contents appropriately
Protective Equipment: Gloves, goggles, lab coat, in case of heavy spill, use chemical boots and respirator
Decontamination Procedures: Wash all equipment and surfaces with soapy water, ventilate location after cleanup
Safe Handling Advice: Use in a well-ventilated space, keep away from open flames and heat, avoid inhalation and direct contact, never eat, drink, or smoke during use, decant only with proper PPE
Storage Conditions: Store in tight containers, keep cool (under 25°C preferred), place in dry, ventilated area, segregate from oxidizers and incompatible chemicals
Special Considerations: Label clearly, keep out of reach of non-professionals, periodic inspection for leaks or container corrosion essential
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established TLV; minimize exposure under general guidance for aromatic ethers
Engineering Controls: Use fume hoods, local exhaust, explosion-proof ventilation if available
Personal Protection: Chemical splash goggles, nitrile gloves, long sleeves, lab coat or chemical resistant apron; in poorly ventilated conditions, use organic vapor respirator
Environmental Controls: Containment and regular monitoring to prevent environmental leaks, keep emergency spill kit available
Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Distinctly sweet and anise-like
Boiling Point: 216-218°C (420-424°F)
Melting Point: -3°C (27°F)
Flash Point: 65°C (closed cup)
Autoignition Temperature: 410°C
Vapor Pressure: 0.18 mm Hg at 25°C
Density: 0.97 g/cm³ at 20°C
Water Solubility: Slight, less than 1 g/L at 20°C
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 3.13
Explosive Properties: Vapors form explosive mixtures with air, especially near sources of heat
Chemical Stability: Stable under standard conditions if stored properly
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, bases
Conditions to Avoid: Open flames, static discharge, prolonged exposure to light or moisture
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Under fire or extreme heat, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, low amounts of formaldehyde can form
Reactivity: Can react violently if mixed with oxidizers, risk increases if already heated
Acute Toxicity (LD50 Oral, Rat): 1170 mg/kg
Routes of Exposure: Oral, skin contact, inhalation
Irritation/Sensitization: Mucous membrane irritation, some reports of allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, repeated exposure increases risk
Chronic Effects: Shows carcinogenic activity in animal studies, mainly at high, repeated doses; liver toxicity observed in high chronic exposure
Symptoms: Nausea, headache, dizziness, skin redness, eye irritation
Medical Observation: Exposed people should check liver function periodically, seek medical attention for any persistent symptoms
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms at moderate concentrations, not expected to bioaccumulate much in animal tissues, moderate persistence
Environmental Mobility: Volatile and not highly water soluble, adsorbs to soil, can evaporate into air
Degradation: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions; persistent in anaerobic environments, slow to break down in poorly ventilated soil
Aquatic Toxicity: May adversely affect algae, invertebrates, and fish when released in significant quantities
Waste Treatment Methods: Burn in chemical incinerator equipped with afterburner and scrubber, follow local hazardous waste regulations
Disposal of Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse and dispose as hazardous chemical container, never reuse for food or drink
Environmental Disposal: Do not pour down drains or into surface water, coordinate with licensed disposal contractors
UN Number: 1993
UN Proper Shipping Name: Flammable Liquid, N.O.S. (contains Estragole)
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquids)
Packing Group: III
Special Transport Precautions: Protect from physical damage, keep away from sources of ignition, label correctly, upright position, securely closed
Transport Labeling: Flammable liquid mark; carrier paperwork must match all regulatory codes
EU Regulation: Subject to CLP/GHS labeling, classified as hazardous according to Regulation (EC) 1272/2008
US OSHA: Flammable and hazardous, check for state-specific regulations
California Proposition 65: Listed as chemical known to cause cancer
Other Regulations: Restrictions in food additive applications differ by country; strictly controlled as a fragrance, and laws continue to change as new toxicology data appears
National Inventory Status: Included in TSCA, EINECS, AICS inventories
