🦺 Like other acid anhydrides, propionic anhydride (CAS 123-62-6) demands careful handling. Its two defining safety properties - corrosivity and reactivity with water - drive every precaution below. Whether you are receiving a drum, dosing it into a reactor, or storing inventory, this propionic anhydride safety guide covers the essentials.

For background chemistry, see structure and chemical properties, or the complete guide.

🏷️ GHS Classification & Transport

🩺 Health Hazards

• 👁️ Eyes: vapor and liquid cause severe irritation and burns; risk of permanent damage.
• ✋ Skin: contact causes corrosive burns.
• 🫁 Inhalation: vapors irritate the nose, throat, and respiratory tract.
• ⚠️ Ingestion: causes burns to the mouth, throat, and stomach.

💥 Reactivity & Incompatibilities

Propionic anhydride reacts exothermically with water to form propionic acid; the reaction can become violent if heat builds up locally. Keep it away from:

• 💧 Water and moisture (including humid air)
• 🔥 Strong oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, halogens)
• 🧪 Strong acids and strong bases
• 🍷 Alcohols and amines
• ⚙️ Reactive metals

🧤 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• 🥽 Eye protection: chemical splash goggles plus a face shield for transfers.
• 🧤 Gloves: chemical-resistant gloves (verify compatibility for your task).
• 🥼 Body: chemical-resistant apron or suit; long sleeves.
• 😷 Respiratory: use local exhaust ventilation; a suitable respirator where vapor exposure is possible.

📦 Safe Storage & Handling

• 🌡️ Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
• 🚱 Protect from moisture - water ingress degrades product and generates heat and acid.
• ↔️ Keep segregated from oxidizers, acids, bases, alcohols, amines, and metals.
• 🔥 Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flame; vapors are heavier than air and collect in low areas.
• 🧯 Have suitable fire media available (dry chemical, CO₂, alcohol-resistant foam); avoid water jets directly on the chemical.

🚨 Spill Response & First Aid

📄 Need the official SDS? Download the current Safety Data Sheet and Certificate of Analysis from our propionic anhydride product page. This guide is a summary and does not replace the SDS or professional safety advice.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🔹 Is propionic anhydride dangerous?
Yes. It is corrosive (GHS H314), causes severe burns, and reacts with water. It must be handled with full PPE and proper ventilation.

🔹 What is the UN number and hazard class?
UN 2496, Hazard Class 8 (corrosive material).

🔹 Why can't I use water on a propionic anhydride spill?
It reacts exothermically with water, releasing heat and propionic acid, which can worsen the situation. Use an inert dry absorbent instead.

🔹 How should propionic anhydride be stored?
In tightly closed containers, cool and dry, well-ventilated, away from water, oxidizers, acids, bases, alcohols, amines, and metals.

🔹 Where can I get the SDS?
From the supplier - Sinolook provides the current SDS and COA on the product page for every grade.

🔗 Continue Reading

📚 Authoritative references: NJ DOH Right-to-Know Fact Sheet · PubChem CID 31263.