Skip directly to local search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to navigation Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options
CDC Home

Enter search terms separated by spaces.

beta-Propiolactone

Synonyms & Trade Names
BPL; Hydroacrylic acid, β-lactone; 3-Hydroxy-β-lactone; 3-Hydroxy-propionic acid; β-Lactone; 2-Oxetanone; 3-Propiolactone
CAS No.
57-57-8
RTECS No.
RQ7350000
DOT ID & Guide
Formula
C3H4O2
Conversion
IDLH
Ca [N.D]
See: IDLH INDEX
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
: Ca See Appendix A
OSHA PEL
: [1910.1013] See Appendix B
Measurement Methods

None available
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
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.]
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]
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
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
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

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0555   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0197
 

Order NIOSH Publications

Contact Us:
USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web PortalDepartment of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348 - Contact CDC–INFO