🛡️ Hazard Overview
- GHS Class: GHS06; GHS07
- Signal Word: Danger
- Hazard Statements: H301; H315; H317; H319; H335
🧤 PPE Guidelines
- Gloves: Chemical‑resistant gloves suggested
- Eye Protection: Safety goggles suggested
- Respirator: Dust respirator if dust occurs
❄️ Storage
- Storage Temp: -20°C (-4°F) Keep dry
🚑 Emergency First Aid
- For inhalation, skin, eye or ingestion exposure, please refer to full SDS Section 4.
Product identifier
- Product Name: Dimercaprol
- Catalog Number: S4446
- CAS Number: 59-52-9
- IUPAC Name: 1-Propanol, 2,3-dimercapto-
Relevant identified uses and uses advised against
- Identified uses: For research and development use only; laboratory chemicals; manufacture of substances.
- Uses advised against: Not for pharmaceutical, household, or other unapproved uses.
Details of the supplier
- Company: Selleck Chemicals
- TollFree: +1 877 796-6397
- Tel: +1 832 582-8158
- Fax: +1 832 582-8590
Emergency telephone number
- Emergency phone #: +1 832 582-8158
2.1 GHS classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS):
Acute toxicity (oral): Category 3. H301
Skin irritation: Category 2. H315
Skin sensitization: Category 1. H317
Serious eye irritation: Category 2. H319
Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure): Category 3. H335
2.2 GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Hazard Pictogram(s):
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Signal Word:
Danger
Hazard statement(s):
H301: Toxic if swallowed
H315: Causes skin irritation
H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction
H319: Causes serious eye irritation
H335: May cause respiratory irritation
Precautionary statement(s):
Prevention:
P261: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray.
P264: Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
P264+P265: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
P270: Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
P271: Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P272: Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection.
Response:
P301+P316: IF SWALLOWED: Get emergency medical help immediately.
P302+P352: IF ON SKIN: wash with plenty of water.
P304+P340: IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
P305+P351: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
P319: Get medical help if you feel unwell.
P321: Specific treatment (see information on this label and safety datasheet)).
P330: Rinse mouth.
P332+P317: If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
P333+P317: If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help.
P337+P317: If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
P338: Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P362+P364: Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.
Storage:
P403+P233: Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
P405: Store locked up.
Disposal:
P501: P501 Dispose of contents/ container to an approved waste disposal plant.
2.3 Other hazards
None.
3.1 Substances
Product name: Dimercaprol
CAS Number: 59-52-9
PubChem CID: 3080
Molecular formula: C3H8OS2
Molecular weight: 124.23 g/mol
IUPAC name: 2,3-bis(sulfanyl)propan-1-ol
3.2 Mixtures
Not applicable (pure substance).
4.1 Description of first aid measures
Inhalation: INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to t
Skin contact: SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.
Eye contact: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.
Ingestion: INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport
4.2 Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed
See Section 11 (Toxicological Information).
4.3 Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed
Treat symptomatically. Contact a poison control center or physician for severe exposure.
5.1 Extinguishing media
Suitable: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO2), alcohol-resistant foam.
Unsuitable: None known.
5.2 Specific hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. (NTP, 1992)
5.3 Advice for firefighters
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.
Fight fire from upwind. Cool containers with water spray until fire is extinguished.
Flash point: greater than 235 °F (NTP, 1992)
6.1 Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (see Section 8).
Avoid breathing dust/vapor. Ensure adequate ventilation.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Keep people away from and upwind of spill.
WARNING: Highly toxic — only trained personnel should handle spills.
6.2 Environmental precautions
Prevent product from entering drains, waterways, or soil.
Contain spill with inert absorbent material.
6.3 Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up
Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
SRP: Expired or waste pharmaceuticals shall carefully take into consideration applicable DEA, EPA, and FDA regulations. It is not appropriate to dispose by flushing the pharmaceutical down the toilet or discarding to trash. If possible return the pharmaceutical to the manufacturer for proper disposal being careful to properly label and securely package the material. Alternatively, the waste pharmaceutical shall be labeled, securely packaged and transported by a state licensed medical waste contractor to dispose by burial in a licensed hazardous or toxic waste landfill or incinerator.
SRP: At the time of review, regulatory criteria for small quantity disposal are subject to significant revision, however, household quantities of waste pharmaceuticals may be managed as follows: Mix with wet cat litter or coffee grounds, double bag in plastic, discard in trash.
SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.
7.1 Precautions for safe handling
SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, FIRST REMOVE ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION. Then, use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material. Seal the absorbent paper, as well as any of your clothing which may be contaminated, in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash any surfaces you may have contaminated with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.
STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should store this material in a refrigerator. STORE AWAY FROM SOURCES OF IGNITION. (NTP, 1992)
7.2 Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep container tightly closed.
Store away from incompatible materials (see Section 10).
Protect from light and moisture.
Recommended storage (industry convention for research compounds): -20°C for long-term storage; 2-8°C for short-term use and transport.
[Note: This is a general industry recommendation. Always verify exact storage conditions with the supplier Certificate of Analysis (COA).]
Store in original container. Keep upright to prevent leakage.
8.1 Exposure controls
8.1.1 Occupational exposure limits (OEL)
OSHA PEL: Not established.
ACGIH TLV: Not established.
NIOSH REL: Not established.
No occupational exposure limit values are established for this substance.
Use the lowest feasible exposure level (ALARA principle).
8.1.2 Appropriate engineering controls
Use only in a chemical fume hood or with local exhaust ventilation.
Ensure adequate ventilation to keep airborne concentrations below exposure limits.
8.2 Individual protection measures
8.2.1 Eye/face protection
Wear chemical safety goggles.
8.2.2 Skin protection
Wear protective gloves. Recommended material: Nitrile rubber.
Wear suitable protective clothing (lab coat).
8.2.3 Respiratory protection
Use NIOSH-approved dust/mist respirator (N95 or higher) if ventilation is inadequate.
8.2.4 Thermal hazards
Not applicable.
9.1 Information on basic physical and chemical properties
a) Appearance: 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanol is a clear colorless viscous liquid with a pungent offensive odor of mercaptans. Used as a medicine and an antidote to the chemical warfare agent LEWISITE.
b) Odor: Pungent offensive odor of mercaptans
c) Odor threshold: No data available
d) pH: No data available
e) Melting point/freezing point: < 25 °C
f) Initial boiling point and boiling range: 248 °F at 15 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
g) Flash point: greater than 235 °F (NTP, 1992)
h) Evaporation rate: No data available
i) Flammability (solid, gas): No data available
j) Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits: No data available
k) Vapor pressure: 4.92 mmHg at 77 °F (NTP, 1992)
l) Vapor density: No data available
m) Relative density: 1.2463 at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
n) Water solubility: 10 to 50 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
o) Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water: Log P (n-octanol/water): 0.2
p) Auto-ignition temperature: No data available
q) Decomposition temperature: No data available
r) Viscosity: No data available
s) Explosive properties: No data available
t) Oxidizing properties: No data available
9.2 Other information
Topological Polar Surface Area (TPSA): 22.2 Ų
Complexity: 32
10.1 Reactivity
No specific reactivity hazards identified under normal handling conditions.
10.2 Chemical stability
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
10.3 Possibility of hazardous reactions
No hazardous reactions under normal conditions.
10.4 Conditions to avoid
Avoid heat, sparks, open flames, direct sunlight, and moisture.
Avoid strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and strong bases.
10.5 Incompatible materials
Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases.
10.6 Hazardous decomposition products
Thermal decomposition may produce: Carbon monoxide (CO), Carbon dioxide (CO₂), Sulfur oxides (SOx).
See also Section 5 (Fire-fighting measures) for combustion products.
11.1 Information on toxicological effects
Acute toxicity:
No acute toxicity data available.
Skin corrosion/irritation:
Causes skin irritation (H315).
Serious eye damage/eye irritation:
Causes serious eye irritation (H319).
Respiratory or skin sensitization:
May cause an allergic skin reaction (H317).
Germ cell mutagenicity:
No data available.
Carcinogenicity:
No data available.
Reproductive toxicity:
No data available.
Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure):
No data available.
Specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure):
No data available.
Aspiration hazard:
No data available.
11.2 Additional information
No additional toxicological information available.
12.1 Toxicity
NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 1,112 workers (572 of these were female) were potentially exposed to dimercaprol in the US(1).
12.2 Persistence and degradability
No data available.
12.3 Bioaccumulative potential
Log P (n-octanol/water): 0.2
Low potential for bioaccumulation (Log P < 3).
12.4 Mobility in soil
No data available.
12.5 Results of PBT and vPvB assessment
PBT/vPvB assessment not available.
12.6 Other adverse effects
No other adverse ecological effects identified.
13.1 Waste treatment methods
Waste Treatment Methods: Waste material must be disposed of in accordance with national and local regulations. Leave chemicals in original containers and do not mix with other waste. Handle uncleaned containers in the same manner as the product itself.
14.1 UN number
Not regulated as dangerous goods (research quantities typically exempt).
14.2 UN proper shipping name
Not subject to transport regulations (small quantities for research use).
14.3 Transport hazard class(es)
Not classified as dangerous goods for transport (research quantities).
DOT label: Poison
14.4 Packing group
Not applicable (not regulated as dangerous goods in typical research quantities).
14.5 Environmental hazards
Marine pollutant: No (not classified as environmentally hazardous per GHS).
14.6 Special precautions for user
Transport in original packaging. Ensure containers are tightly sealed.
For bulk or commercial quantities, consult applicable transport regulations (DOT, IATA, IMDG).
14.7 Transport in bulk according to Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 and the IBC Code
Not applicable.
15.1 Safety, health and environmental regulations/legislation specific for the substance or mixture
US EPA / TSCA: Subject to EPA TSCA regulations
EU ECHA / REACH: Not available in public databases.
SARA 302 Components:
No chemicals in this material are subject to the reporting requirements of SARA Title III, Section 302.
SARA 313 Components:
This material does not contain any chemical components with known CAS numbers that exceed the threshold (De Minimis) reporting levels established by SARA Title III, Section 313.
SARA 311/312 Hazards:
Acute (short-term) health hazard
Massachusetts Right To Know Components:
This material contains components subject to the Massachusetts Right to Know Act. See Section 2 for hazard classification.
Pennsylvania Right To Know Components:
This material contains components subject to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Act. See Section 2 for hazard classification.
New Jersey Right To Know Components:
This material contains components subject to the New Jersey Right to Know Act. See Section 2 for hazard classification.
California Prop. 65 Components:
This product does not contain any chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or any other reproductive harm.
Other regulatory listings:
- The Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals: Chemical: 1-Propanol, 2,3-dimercapto-
- FDA Requirements: The Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations List identifies currently marketed prescription drug products, including dimercaprol, approved on the basis of safety and effectiveness by FDA under sections 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
15.2 Chemical safety assessment
A chemical safety assessment has not been carried out for this substance.
For research-use-only compounds, no CSA is required under REACH Annex I.
Revision Date: 2026/09/09
Further Information: The information provided is believed to be correct but is not exhaustive and should be used only as a guideline based on current knowledge. It does not represent a guarantee of the properties of the product. Selleck Chemicals Corporation and its Affiliates shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or contact with the product.