🛡️ Hazard Overview
- GHS Class: GHS07; GHS08
- Signal Word: Danger
- Hazard Statements: H312; H332; H351; H360
🧤 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: Norethindrone
- Catalog Number: S4040
- CAS Number: 68-22-4
- IUPAC Name: 19-Norpregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one, 17-hydroxy-, (17α)-
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 (dermal): Category 4. H312
Acute toxicity (inhalation): Category 4. H332
Carcinogenicity: Category 2. H351
Reproductive toxicity: Category 1. H360
2.2 GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Hazard Pictogram(s):
Signal Word:
Danger
Hazard statement(s):
H312: Harmful in contact with skin
H332: Harmful if inhaled
H351: Suspected of causing cancer
H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child
Precautionary statement(s):
Prevention:
P203: Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
P261: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray.
P271: Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection.
Response:
P302+P352: IF ON SKIN: wash with plenty of water.
P304+P340: IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
P317: Get emergency medical help.
P318: if exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
P321: Specific treatment (see information on this label and safety datasheet)).
P362+P364: Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.
Storage:
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: Norethindrone
CAS Number: 68-22-4
PubChem CID: 6230
Molecular formula: C20H26O2
Molecular weight: 298.4 g/mol
IUPAC name: (8R,9S,10R,13S,14S,17R)-17-ethynyl-17-hydroxy-13-methyl-1,2,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,14,15,16-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one
3.2 Mixtures
Not applicable (pure substance).
4.1 Description of first aid measures
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Skin contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. Seek medical attention if irritation develops.
Eye contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Seek medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Seek medical attention.
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
Combustible. Heating may produce toxic fumes.
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.
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.
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
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.
7.1 Precautions for safe handling
Norethindrone acetate tablets should be stored in well-closed containers at room temperature (approximately 25 °C).
7.2 Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Norethindrone acetate tablets should be stored in well-closed containers at room temperature (approximately 25 °C).
Store away from incompatible materials (see Section 10).
[Note: Specific storage temperature not available in public databases. Refer to supplier Certificate of Analysis (COA) for exact storage conditions.]
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 in a well-ventilated area. Chemical fume hood recommended for powder handling.
8.2 Individual protection measures
8.2.1 Eye/face protection
Wear safety glasses with side shields.
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: Solid
b) Odor: ODORLESS
c) Odor threshold: No data available
d) pH: No data available
e) Melting point/freezing point: 202-208C
f) Initial boiling point and boiling range: No data available
g) Flash point: No data available
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: 3.14x10-7 mmHg
l) Vapor density: No data available
m) Relative density: No data available
n) Water solubility: PRACTICALLY INSOL IN WATER; SOL IN CHLOROFORM, ETHER, DIOXANE; SOL @ 25 °C: 1 IN 12.5 PARTS 95% ETHANOL, 1 IN 4 PARTS ACETONE /ACETATE/
o) Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water: Log P (n-octanol/water): 3
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): 37.3 Ų
Complexity: 594
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.
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).
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:
No data available.
Serious eye damage/eye irritation:
No data available.
Respiratory or skin sensitization:
No data available.
Germ cell mutagenicity:
No data available.
Carcinogenicity:
Suspected of causing cancer (H351).
Reproductive toxicity:
May damage fertility or the unborn child (H360).
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
Carcinogen classification:
2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans. (L135)
Exposure routes:
Norethindrone acetate is completely and rapidly deacetylated to norethindrone (NET) after oral administration, and the disposition of norethindrone acetate is indistinguishable from that of orally administered norethindrone. Norethindrone is rapidly absorbed from norethindrone acetate, in which maximum plasma concentration occur 2 hours post-dose (Tmax). When a single dose is given to healthy women, the Cmax is 26.19 Њ± 6.19 hours. The AUC (0-inf) is 166.90 Њ± 56.28 ng/mL*h. Absolute oral bioava
Data source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) via PubChem.
12.1 Toxicity
LC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea, age <24 hr neonate); Conditions: freshwater, static, 20 °C; Concentration: 6410 ug/L for 48 hr /100% purity/
Norethindrone's production and use in combination with other drugs as a contraceptive may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, an estimated vapor pressure of 3.1X10-7 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates norethindrone will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase norethindrone will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 1.1 hours. Particulate-phase norethindrone will be removed from the atmosphere by wet or dry deposition. Norethindrone contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm, and therefore may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, norethindrone is expected to have moderate mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 220. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 5.8X10-10 atm-cu m/mole. Biodegradation data were not available. If released into water, norethindrone is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. An estimated BCF o
12.2 Persistence and degradability
No data available.
12.3 Bioaccumulative potential
Log P (n-octanol/water): 3
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).
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: Registered (REACH Active)
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
Chronic (long-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:
- California Safe Cosmetics Program (CSCP) Reportable Ingredient: Hazard Traits - Carcinogenicity; Developmental Toxicity Authoritative List - NTP RoC - reasonable; Prop 65 Report - regardless of intended function of ingredient in the product
- FDA Requirements: The Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations identifies currently marketed prescription drug products, including norethindrone, approved on the basis of safety and effectiveness by FDA under sections 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
The Approved Drug Product
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.