Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Selenoneine

Identification

Product Name: Selenoneine
Chemical Name: 2-Selenyl-N,N,N-trimethyl-ethanaminium
Synonyms: Selenoneine, selenium-containing ergothioneine
Molecular Formula: C9H15N3O2Se
Molecular Weight: 292.20 g/mol
CAS Number: 1249466-74-2
Recommended Use: Reference compound, research material
Supplier: [Supplier contact information provided on request]
Emergency Contact: [Emergency phone number provided on request]

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not listed as hazardous under OSHA HCS; toxicity research ongoing
GHS Label Elements: No pictogram required at known concentration
Acute Health Hazards: Possible mild irritation to skin, eyes, respiratory tract
Chronic Health Hazards: Selenium compounds may present accumulation risks leading to selenosis
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, dermal, ocular
Symptoms of Exposure: Metallic taste, headache, nausea, potential for skin irritation; selenium toxicity includes hair loss, neurological disturbances in chronic cases
Other Hazards: May form hazardous decomposition products under fire conditions

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Selenoneine
Purity: ≥98% (dependent on lot certification)
Impurities: Trace inorganic selenium, possible organic solvents from synthesis
Other Components: No additional intentional ingredients

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move exposed individual to fresh air; keep at rest and monitor breathing; seek medical advice for symptoms
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin thoroughly with soap and water; obtain medical attention if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes; remove contacts if present and easy; consult medical professional if effects remain
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting without medical direction; medical observation recommended due to selenium absorption
Most Important Symptoms: Nausea, metallic taste, mild irritation; chronic or large exposures may lead to selenium toxicity and require specialist attention
Indication of Immediate Medical Attention & Special Treatment Needed: Health care providers may need to monitor selenium status and kidney/liver function if significant exposure suspected

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO₂, alcohol-resistant foam, or water spray depending on size/location of fire
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid full water jet if possible due to risk of spread
Fire Hazards: Compound may decompose in fire to release toxic fumes including selenium oxides or nitrogen oxides
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Specific Firefighting Procedures: Contain runoff, avoid inhaling combustion products; control at safe distance
Explosion Data: No explosive properties observed in laboratory-scale quantities

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Restrict area; ventilate site; avoid dust formation; use protective equipment such as gloves, lab coats, safety goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry of spilled material into soil, water, or drains due to selenium’s bioaccumulative potential
Cleanup Methods: Collect spilled material mechanically; sweep up using non-sparking tools; place in sealed label containers for proper disposal
Decontamination: Wash surfaces with water and detergent after material removal

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated area; minimize dust generation; avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; no eating or drinking in handling areas
Storage Conditions: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from incompatible substances (especially oxidizers and strong acids)
Storage Temperature: 2–8°C recommended for stability
Packaging Materials: Store in inert glass or chemical-resistant plastic vials with proper labeling
Incompatible Materials: Avoid oxidizing agents, strong acids, and reducing agents

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limit set for selenoneine; ACGIH/OSHA limits for selenium compounds: 0.2 mg/m³ (as Se)
Engineering Controls: Use fume hood/local exhaust where possible; keep work area clean and uncluttered
Personal Protection: Wear nitrile or latex gloves, chemical-resistant goggles, face shield as needed; lab coat recommended
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH/MSHA-approved respirator if risk of inhalable dust or inadequate ventilation
Hygiene Controls: Wash hands thoroughly after handling

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: None or faintly characteristic
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: Not available in water solution
Melting Point: Estimated 124–130°C (decomposition possible)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not applicable (solid material)
Flammability: Not flammable under normal conditions
Vapor Pressure: Not established
Solubility: Soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol, methanol
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Not available
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not determined
Decomposition Temperature: Above 130°C with risk of selenium oxide release
Viscosity: Not applicable to solid
Density: Approx. 1.5 g/cm³ (estimate)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable for extended periods at recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Not reactive under normal conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Exothermic reaction possible with strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Selenium oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide/dioxide when heated or combusted
Polymerization: Will not occur
Conditions to Avoid: High heat, contact with oxidizing agents and acids

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, inhalation, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Limited acute toxicity data; structurally similar selenium compounds show oral LD50 (rat) around 7–40 mg/kg
Local Effects: May cause mild irritation to skin/mucous membranes
Chronic Effects: Bioaccumulation of selenium can lead to selenosis which presents with fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, hair/nail loss, and neurological symptoms
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity/Genotoxicity: No specific data available; related selenium compounds at high doses show genotoxic effects
Reproductive/Developmental Toxicity: No data for selenoneine; other selenium compounds have caused reproductive effects in lab animals at high exposure
Target Organs: Liver, kidneys, nervous system at excessive doses

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Selenium compounds can bioaccumulate and are toxic to aquatic life; low concentrations may affect fish and invertebrates
Environmental Fate: Selenium is prone to accumulate in soil and sediments; persistent in environment
Mobility in Soil: Low to moderate mobility; risk for groundwater if released in quantity
PBT/vPvB Assessment: Not determined for selenoneine; selenium itself is not considered PBT but can pose risk in aquatic environments
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid direct release to environment; monitor lab-scale discharge and follow waste protocols

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of as hazardous chemical waste per local, regional, and national guidelines
Product Disposal: Seal in labeled containers for hazardous waste transporter
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse container thoroughly; dispose as hazardous material
Special Precautions: Do not release into drains, groundwater, or surface water; incineration preferred if permitted

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous for transport in laboratory amounts
Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated unless shipping large volumes
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: Avoid accidental release; packaging must prevent environmental exposure
Special Precautions: Inner packaging required to prevent spillage; paperwork should identify material clearly for transporters

Regulatory Information

International Inventories: Not listed in TSCA, EINECS/ELINCS, DSL/NDSL at research-use volume
OSHA Regulations: Not specifically regulated; falls under general duty to provide safe work environment
EPA: Subject to Clean Water Act if released in significant quantities
REACH/CLP (EU): Not classified; handle with care as for selenium compounds
Other Regulations: Waste handling governed under RCRA, state/province dangerous substance laws
Workplace Labeling: Proper chemical name, hazard notice, safety instructions, date of preparation and expiry, storage instructions
Training Requirements: Personnel handling compound should receive chemical safety training specific to selenium research handling