Methanol, Carbon Chemistry – Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Link to Safety Data Sheet (PDF)

Quick Facts

• Product Name: Methanol, Chemically Pure
• Synonyms: Methyl Alcohol
• CAS Number: 67-56-1
• Type: Solvent, Antifreeze
• Supplier: Carbon Chemistry Ltd.
• Address: 34501 E Quincy Ave Bldg 28, Watkins, CO 80137
• Phone: +1 (888) 446-8421
• Emergency Phone: CHEMTREC CCN832309 (800-424-9300, 24-hour)
• GHS Classification:
  • Flammable Liquid – Category 2
  • Acute Toxicity (Oral, Dermal, Inhalation) – Category 3
  • Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single Exposure) – Category 1
• Signal Word: Danger
• NFPA Ratings: Health (2), Flammability (3), Physical Hazard (0)

Hazards & Safety

• Hazard Statements:
  
  • H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
  • H301: Toxic if swallowed.
  • H311: Toxic in contact with skin.
  • H331: Toxic if inhaled.
  • H370: Causes damage to organs.
• Precautionary Statements:
  
  • Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames. No smoking.
  • Keep container tightly closed and grounded.
  • Use explosion-proof electrical and ventilating equipment.
  • Avoid breathing vapors or mist.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
  • Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using this product.
  • Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • Wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye protection.
  • Store locked up in a cool, ventilated area.
  • Dispose of contents and container according to local, state, and federal regulations.
• California Prop 65: WARNING – This product can expose you to methanol, known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm.

First Aid Measures

• Inhalation: Move victim to fresh air. If breathing becomes difficult, provide oxygen and seek medical attention.
• Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse.
• Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
• Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Call a poison center or physician immediately. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
• Note to Physicians: Methanol poisoning may cause acidosis and blindness. Treat symptomatically.

Fire & Explosion Data

• Flash Point: 11 °C (52 °F)
• Boiling Point: 64.7 °C (148.5 °F)
• Extinguishing Media: Dry powder, alcohol-resistant foam, dry sand, or CO₂. Do not use water jet.
• Explosion Sensitivity: Not sensitive to static discharge or mechanical impact.
• Special Hazards: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
• Protective Gear: Firefighters should wear SCBA and full protective equipment.
• Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides.

Handling & Storage

• Ground and bond all equipment and containers during transfer.
• Use non-sparking tools and explosion-proof electrical systems.
• Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat and ignition sources.
• Keep drums upright and sealed.
• Avoid contact with acids, oxidizers, and alkali metals.

Exposure & PPE

• Component: Methanol (CAS 67-56-1)
• Exposure Limits:
  • ACGIH TWA: 200 ppm
  • OSHA PEL: 200 ppm (260 mg/m³)
  • NIOSH REL: 200 ppm TWA | 250 ppm STEL
• Eyes: Safety glasses required.
• Skin: Protective gloves and clothing.
• Respiratory: Use NIOSH-approved respirator if ventilation is inadequate.
• Body: Lab coat or protective overalls.

Physical & Chemical Properties

• Appearance: Colorless liquid
• Odor: Alcohol-like
• Boiling Point: 64.7 °C (148.5 °F)
• Flash Point: 11 °C (52 °F)
• Vapor Pressure: Not available
• Vapor Density: Not available
• Density: 0.81 g/mL @ 20 °C
• Viscosity: 0.545 mPa·s @ 25 °C
• Solubility: Miscible in water
• Flammability: Highly flammable liquid and vapor

Stability & Reactivity

• Stable under normal storage and handling.
• Avoid heat, flames, and sparks.
• Incompatible with acid chlorides, oxidizers, and alkali metals.
• Decomposition produces carbon oxides.

Toxicology & Ecology

• Toxicity Data:
  
  • LD₅₀ (oral, rat): 1,187–2,769 mg/kg
  • LD₅₀ (dermal, rabbit): 17,100 mg/kg
  • LC₅₀ (inhalation, rat, 4h): 128.2 mg/L
• STOT – Single Exposure: Causes organ damage.
• Carcinogenicity: Not listed by OSHA, IARC, or NTP.
• Aquatic Toxicity: LC₅₀ (bluegill, 96h) = 15,400 mg/L | LC₅₀ (daphnia, 48h) >10,000 mg/L
• Persistence: Readily biodegradable (72% in 5 days).
• Bioaccumulation: Low potential (BCF = 1).

Transport & Disposal

• UN Number: 1230
• Proper Shipping Name: Methanol
• Hazard Class: 3 – Flammable Liquid | Subsidiary Risk: 6.1 – Toxic
• Packing Group: II
• Marine Pollutant: Yes
• ERG Number: 131
• Disposal: Burn in a chemical incinerator with afterburner and scrubber. Dispose per local, state, and federal regulations.

Regulatory Status

• TSCA: Listed
• SARA 311/312: Acute Health, Fire Hazard
• SARA 313: Methanol (CAS 67-56-1)
• CERCLA RQ: None
• California Prop 65: WARNING – Contains methanol, known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm.
• NFPA Ratings: Health (2), Flammability (3), Physical Hazard (0)