Product Name: TLC Silica Gel
Chemical Formula: SiO2
CAS Number: 7631-86-9
Recommended Use: Adsorbent for thin-layer chromatography
Manufacturer: Supplier information provided on packaging
Emergency Contact: Refer to institutional or supplier emergency protocols
Synonyms: Amorphous silica, Silicic acid, Precipitated silica, Silica powder
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS for laboratory or industrial use
Physical Hazards: Dust may irritate respiratory system
Health Risks: Inhalation can cause coughing, dryness, minor irritation to eyes and skin
Other Warnings: Prolonged inhalation may lead to chronic effects in sensitive individuals
Environmental Risks: Not considered dangerous to water or soil at standard concentrations
Main Ingredient: Silica Gel (SiO2) content >99%
Impurities: Trace sodium sulfate, calcium sulfate (less than 1%)
Additional Components: May contain indicator dye (if colored sheet)
Molecular Weight: 60.08 g/mol
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek advice if discomfort continues
Further Medical Actions: Symptomatic treatment; show this sheet to doctor on arrival
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Product itself is not combustible, use any suitable extinguishing agent for packaging fire
Specific Hazards: Product yields no toxic or irritating fumes of its own
Protective Equipment: Use standard firefighting gear and respiratory protection for surrounding fire
Decomposition Products: Not applicable; material remains stable under fire conditions
Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust, ventilate area
Protective Measures: Wear gloves, goggles, lab coat, and dust mask
Spill Containment: Sweep, avoid raising dust, place in suitable container for proper disposal
Environmental Precautions: Avoid release to drains, minimize spread using damp cloths
Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas, minimize dust generation
Precautions: Avoid eye and skin contact, use personal protection in large-scale operations
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry place, keep container tightly closed
Incompatible Materials: Hydrofluoric acid reacts with silica to form toxic gases
Separation: Keep away from food and drinking water
Shelf Life: Stable under recommended conditions, maintain sealed packaging
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL (TWA) for amorphous silica: 20 mppcf; ACGIH TLV: 10 mg/m3 (inhalable), 3 mg/m3 (respirable)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or process enclosure
Eye Protection: Safety glasses or chemical goggles
Hand Protection: Nitrile or latex gloves
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved dust mask or respirator
Skin Protection: Lab coat, closed shoes
General Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat or drink while working
Appearance: White to off-white fine powder or plate
Odor: Odorless
pH: 6.0–7.0 (as aqueous slurry)
Melting Point: >1700°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes without boiling
Flash Point: Not applicable
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Solubility: Insoluble in water and organic solvents
Bulk Density: 0.5–0.8 g/cm3
Particle Size: 10–40 μm (typical)
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal ambient conditions
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions with common substances under normal use
Conditions to Avoid: Strong acids, especially hydrofluoric acid
Decomposition: No hazardous decomposition products under normal conditions
Polymerization: Will not occur
Acute Toxicity: Oral and dermal exposure unlikely to cause harm in small quantities
Chronic Toxicity: Long-term inhalation of crystalline or amorphous silica dust can affect lungs; product is synthetic amorphous, but minimize exposure
Carcinogenicity: Amorphous (non-crystalline) silica is not classified as carcinogen by IARC
Skin Irritation: May cause dryness, mild irritation with prolonged contact
Eye Irritation: Dust may cause physical irritation
Inhalation Risk: Short exposures produce reversible effects; dust masks reduce risk
Aquatic Toxicity: Not toxic to aquatic life in practiced concentrations
Mobility: Insoluble in water, sediment remains in soil or water bed
Persistence: Non-degradable, inert mineral
Bioaccumulation: Does not accumulate in living organisms
Ecological Impact: Use with good laboratory practice to keep waste from entering watercourses
Waste Disposal: Standard landfill procedures apply for non-contaminated product
Contaminated Materials: Dispose of via licensed chemical waste contractor based on substances present
Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to municipal, state, and national regulations for solid waste
Incineration: Not recommended due to inert nature
Reuse/Recycle: Not practical; used media should not be reused for analysis
UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material
Proper Shipping Name: Not applicable
Hazard Class: Not classified
Packaging Requirements: Standard dust-proof, moisture-resistant packaging
Environmental Hazards: None applicable during transport
Special Precautions: Avoid compression or impact to prevent spillage
OSHA Status: Not considered hazardous under OSHA standards
TSCA Inventory: Listed
REACH Registration: Exempt, naturally occurring substance
Labeling: No specific hazard pictograms or signal words required
Other Regulations: No SARA, CERCLA, or California Proposition 65 listings for pure silica gel
Workplace Regulations: Follow institutional and national guidelines for chemical safety