Product Name: Mestranol
Chemical Name: 3-Methoxy-19-nor-17α-pregna-1,3,5(10)-trien-20-yn-17-ol
Synonyms: Ethynylestratriene ether, Enovid ingredient
CAS Number: 72-33-3
Molecular Formula: C21H26O2
Recommended Use: Pharmaceutical intermediate, component in oral contraceptives
Manufacturer: Pharmaceutical suppliers and research organizations; specific supplier details should be obtained directly
Emergency Telephone Number: Local poison control or emergency response center
Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous under GHS, but caution is essential
Main Risk: Hormonal effects, potential carcinogenicity with long-term exposure, reproductive hazard
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion
Acute Symptoms: Eye or skin irritation, headache, nausea with accidental ingestion
Chronic Symptoms: Endocrine disruptions, liver toxicity, cancer risk based on hormonal activity
EC Classification: Not officially classified, but safety precautions reflect pharmaceutical potency
Chemical Identity: Mestranol
Purity: 98% or above (as used in pharmaceutical manufacturing)
Impurities: Typically below 2%, details dependent on supplier batch
Other Components: Trace solvent residues may persist from synthesis, typically ethanol or acetonitrile, always below hazardous threshold
Formulation Notes: Pure mestranol used in research; in tablets, mixture includes binding agents and excipients
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes under running water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses, seek medical attention if irritation continues
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water, persistent effects require medical review
Inhalation: Move to clean air. Monitor for respiratory distress or headache. Provide oxygen if breathing is labored, medical assessment recommended
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, drink water to dilute, monitor for hormonal side effects, contact poison control immediately
Note for Physicians: Treat symptomatically, consider possible endocrine effects, monitor liver function if applicable
Flammability: Not highly flammable, but organic powder could support combustion
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use carbon dioxide, dry chemical, foam, or water spray
Hazardous Combustion Products: May release carbon oxides and possibly toxic fumes on decomposition
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus recommended
Firefighting Considerations: Contain contaminated water and prevent discharge into environment; avoid dust generation that could spread flames
Personal Precautions: Use gloves, lab coat, eye protection, and a dust mask or respirator. Wash thoroughly after handling
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release to drains or watercourses. Control spillage at source and limit area of contamination
Spill Response: Sweep up using HEPA-filtered vacuum or damp cloth—avoid generating airborne dust. Dispose in sealed, labeled container
Cleaning: Rinse area with water and mild detergent, ensuring no residues remain
Handling Techniques: Use chemical fume hood, handle using minimum necessary quantity, avoid direct contact with skin or eyes, don’t eat or drink in handling area
Storage Conditions: Store in a tightly sealed container, away from light and humidity. Room temperature storage is usually adequate, but cooler conditions recommended for long-term stability
Segregation Requirements: Keep separate from oxidizing agents and strong acids
Temperature Sensitivity: Prolonged exposure to heat may cause degradation; stability is best maintained below 30°C
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation strongly recommended in workspaces
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits, adopt general prudent practice for pharmaceuticals
Personal Protective Equipment: Lab coat or chemical-resistant gown, nitrile or latex gloves, splash-proof goggles, and an N95 or P100 mask
Hygiene Measures: Always wash hands and exposed skin after handling, avoid contamination of work areas
Special Handling: Use closed systems for manufacturing or formulating bulk quantities to avoid accidental release
Physical State: Crystalline powder
Color: White or off-white, depending on purity
Odor: Odorless
Molecular Weight: 310.4 g/mol
Melting Point: 163–167°C
Solubility: Very slightly soluble in water, soluble in acetone, ethanol, chloroform
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Vapor Density: Not applicable (nonvolatile solid)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Estimated ~4.0, moderately lipophilic
pH: Not applicable to dry solid
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Strong light, moisture, elevated temperatures lead to degradation
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, concentrated acids or bases
Decomposition Products: After degradation or combustion, carbon oxides and unknown potentially toxic compounds
Polymerization: Does not occur
Acute Toxicity: Low acute oral toxicity (rats, LD50 >2000 mg/kg), but not fully studied
Chronic Exposure: Extended contact can disrupt hormonal balance, liver enzyme changes seen in animal studies, increased cancer risk with excessive hormone exposure over years
Carcinogenicity: No established classification, but hormonal drugs may alter cancer risk (human data limited)
Reproductive Toxicity: Possible effects on fertility, menstrual cycle, and fetal development
Irritation: Mild skin or eye irritation possible
Mutagenicity: No strong evidence for mutagenicity in standard tests, but caution due to structure
Sensitization: Not reported, but prolonged skin contact could provoke allergic response in sensitive individuals
Environmental Fate: Persistent in aquatic environments due to low biodegradability
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms at low concentrations, especially fish and amphibians
Bioaccumulation: Moderate potential due to lipophilic nature, can accumulate in animal tissues
Mobility in Soil: Limited movement, binds to sediment but could be taken up by plants
Special Note: Discharge into waterways or sewer systems should be prevented; even small quantities affect hormonal balance in wildlife
Waste Disposal: Collect in sealed, labeled containers. Do not flush to drain or landfill untreated
Disposal Method: Incinerate in a licensed facility with pollution control equipment, chemical residues treated as pharmaceutical waste
Container Disposal: Rinse containers, remove labels, dispose of as hazardous chemical waste
Release Prevention: Ensure no spill residue remains after cleanup; sweep or vacuum waste for secure packaging
UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material for road, rail, air, or sea transport
Transport Category: Handle as pharmaceutical goods requiring well-sealed, tamper-proof packaging
Special Transport Notes: Avoid temperature extremes and humidity during shipment, prevent accidental release
Regulatory Status: No listing under IMDG, IATA, DOT regulations for hazardous chemicals, but state and company policy may require additional controls
Shipping Label: “Pharmaceutical Product – Handle With Care” recommended
OSHA Status: Not listed as hazardous under US OSHA classification for workplace exposure
WHMIS Status: Not controlled in Canada, but subject to general laboratory chemical rules
DOT, IATA, IMDG: No classification as dangerous goods
EU REACH Status: Not registered under REACH as a bulk industrial substance; strict pharmaceutical controls apply
TSCA Status: Not listed
Substance-Specific Regulations: Laws focus on pharmaceutical use and prescription control, not chemical safety; facilities follow local chemical hygiene requirements
Other Relevant Regulations: Environmental release and waste governed by pharmaceutical waste regulations and guidelines in hospitals, laboratories, and industry
