Urethane SDS/MSDS (Safety Data Sheet)

3.1 Substances
Product name: Urethane
CAS Number: 51-79-6
PubChem CID: 5641
Molecular formula: C3H7NO2
Molecular weight: 89.09 g/mol
IUPAC name: ethyl carbamate

3.2 Mixtures
Not applicable (pure substance).

4.1 Description of first aid measures
Inhalation: Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
Skin contact: Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
Eye contact: Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible).
Ingestion: Rinse mouth.

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. A water spray may also be used. (NTP, 1992)
Use powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.

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: 198 °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.

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
Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U238, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": There is no universal method of disposal that has been proved satisfactory for all carcinogenic compounds & specific methods of chem destruction ... published have not been tested on all kinds of carcinogen-containing waste. ... Summary of avail methods & recommendations ... /given/ must be treated as guide only. /Chemical Carcinogens/
PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... Incineration may be only feasible method for disposal of contaminated laboratory waste from biological expt. However, not all incinerators are suitable for this purpose. The most efficient type ... is probably the gas-fired type, in which a first-stage combustion with a less than stoichiometric air:fuel ratio is followed by a second stage with excess air. Some ... are designed to accept ... aqueous & organic-solvent solutions, otherwise it is necessary ... to absorb soln onto suitable combustible material, such as sawdust. Alternatively, chem destruction may be used, esp when small quantities ... are to be destroyed in laboratory. /Chemical Carcinogens/
PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arrestor) filters ... can be disposed of by incineration. For spent charcoal filters, the adsorbed material can be stripped off at high temp & carcinogenic wastes generated by this treatment conducted to & burned in an incinerator. ... LIQUID WASTE: ... Disposal should be carried out by incineration at temp that ... ensure complete combustion. SOLID WASTE: Carcasses of lab animals, cage litter & misc solid wastes ... should be disposed of by incineration at temp high enough to ensure destruction of chem carcinogens or their metabolites. /Chemical Carcinogens/
For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for ETHYL CARBAMATE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.
PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Smoking, drinking, eating, storage of food or of food & beverage containers or utensils, & the application of cosmetics should be prohibited in any laboratory. All personnel should remove gloves, if worn, after completion of procedures in which carcinogens have been used. They should ... wash ... hands, preferably using dispensers of liq detergent, & rinse ... thoroughly. Consideration should be given to appropriate methods for cleaning the skin, depending on nature of the contaminant. No standard procedure can be recommended, but the use of organic solvents should be avoided. Safety pipettes should be used for all pipetting. /Chemical Carcinogens/
PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": In animal laboratory, personnel should remove their outdoor clothes & wear protective suits (preferably disposable, one-piece & close-fitting at ankles & wrists), gloves, hair covering & overshoes. ... clothing should be changed daily but ... discarded immediately if obvious contamination occurs ... /also,/ workers should shower immediately. In chemical laboratory, gloves & gowns should always be worn ... however, gloves should not be assumed to provide full protection. Carefully fitted masks or respirators may be necessary when working with particulates or gases, & disposable plastic aprons might provide addnl protection. If gowns are of distinctive color, this is a reminder that they should not be worn outside of lab. /Chemical Carcinogens/
PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... Operations connected with synth & purification ... should be carried out under well-ventilated hood. Analytical procedures ... should be carried out with care & vapors evolved during ... procedures should be removed. ... Expert advice should be obtained before existing fume cupboards are used ... & when new fume cupboards are installed. It is desirable that there be means for decreasing the rate of air extraction, so that carcinogenic powders can be handled without ... powder being blown around the hood. Glove boxes should be kept under negative air pressure. Air changes should be adequate, so that concn of vapors of volatile carcinogens will not occur. /Chemical Carcinogens/
PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Vertical laminar-flow biological safety cabinets may be used for containment of in vitro procedures ... provided that the exhaust air flow is sufficient to provide an inward air flow at the face opening of the cabinet, & contaminated air plenums that are under positive pressure are leak-tight. Horizontal laminar-flow hoods or safety cabinets, where filtered air is blown across the working area towards the operator, should never be used ... Each cabinet or fume cupboard to be used ... should be tested before work is begun (eg, with fume bomb) & label fixed to it, giving date of test & avg air-flow measured. This test should be repeated periodically & after any structural changes. /Chemical Carcinogens/
For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for ETHYL CARBAMATE (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

7.1 Precautions for safe handling
SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, you should dampen the solid spill material with water, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with water to pick up any remaining material. Seal your contaminated clothing and the absorbent paper in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash all contaminated surfaces 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 under ambient temperatures. (NTP, 1992)
See Chemical Dangers. Well closed.
... Should be stored in cool, well ventilated place, out of direct rays of sun, away from areas of high fire hazard, & should be periodically inspected & monitored. Incompatible materials should be isolated from each other.
PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Storage site should be as close as practicable to lab in which carcinogens are to be used, so that only small quantities required for ... expt need to be carried. Carcinogens should be kept in only one section of cupboard, an explosion-proof refrigerator or freezer (depending on chemicophysical properties ...) that bears appropriate label. An inventory ... should be kept, showing quantity of carcinogen & date it was acquired ... Facilities for dispensing ... should be contiguous to storage area. /Chemical Carcinogens/

7.2 Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
See Chemical Dangers. Well closed.
... Should be stored in cool, well ventilated place, out of direct rays of sun, away from areas of high fire hazard, & should be periodically inspected & monitored. Incompatible materials should be isolated from each other.
PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Storage site should be as close as practicable to lab in which carcinogens are to be used, so that only small quantities required for ... expt need to be carried. Carcinogens should be kept in only one section of cupboard, an explosion-proof refrigerator or freezer (depending on chemicophysical properties ...) that bears appropriate label. An inventory ... should be kept, showing quantity of carcinogen & date it was acquired ... Facilities for dispensing ... should be contiguous to storage area. /Chemical Carcinogens/
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.]

9.1 Information on basic physical and chemical properties
a) Appearance: Urethane appears as odorless colorless crystals or white powder. Sublimes readily at 217 °F and 54 mmHg. Cooling saline taste.
b) Odor: Almost odorless
c) Odor threshold: No data available
d) pH: Aqueous solution is neutral
e) Melting point/freezing point: 118 to 122 °F (NTP, 1992)
f) Initial boiling point and boiling range: 360 to 363 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
g) Flash point: 198 °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: 5 mmHg at 150.4 °F ; 10 mmHg at 172.0 °F; 20 mmHg at 195.8 °F (NTP, 1992)
l) Vapor density: No data available
m) Relative density: 0.9862 at 70 °F (NTP, 1992) - Less dense than water; will float
n) Water solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72 °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): 52.3 Ų
Complexity: 52

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:
May cause genetic defects (H340).
Carcinogenicity:
May cause cancer (H350).
Reproductive toxicity:
Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child (H361).
Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure):
H373
Specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure):
No data available.
Aspiration hazard:
No data available.

11.2 Additional information
Carcinogen classification:
Ethyl carbamate (Urethane)
Group 2A: Probably carcinogenic to humans
Volume 7: (1974) Some Anti-thyroid and Related Substances, Nitrofurans and Industrial Chemicals
Volume Sup 7: Overall Evaluations of Carcinogenicity: An Updating of IARC Monographs Volumes 1 to 42, 1987; 440 pages; ISBN 92-832-1411-0 (out of print)
Volume 96: (2010) Alcohol Consumption and Ethyl Carbamate
2010
2007
Urethane
TR-510: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Urethane + Ethanol (CASRNs 51-79-6 & 64-17-5) in F344/N
Exposure routes:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by ingestion.
Ingestion; Inhalation; Injection
Signs and symptoms of exposure:
Acute exposure to eyes causes redness, watering, and itching.
Data source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) via PubChem.

12.1 Toxicity
LC50 Xenopus laevis 5,580 mg/L /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/
LC50 Oryzias latipes (Medaka) 1 g/L/24, 48 hr; static
LC50 Pimephales promelas (Fathead minnow, mean length 17.8 mm, mean weight 0.073 g) 5.24 g/L/96 hr (95% confidence interval: 4.96-5.54 g/L); flow-through, 25.1 °C, dissolved oxygen 7.2 mg/L, hardness 45.9 mg/L CaCO3, alkalinity 40.0 mg/L CaCO3, pH 7.8
EC50 Pimephales promelas (Fathead minnow, mean length 17.8 mm, mean weight 0.073 g; affected fish lost schooling behavior, were hypoactive and underreactive to external stimuli and were darkly colored) 3.77 g/L/96 hr (95% confidence interval: 3.57-3.99 g/L); flow-through, 25.1 °C, dissolved oxygen 7.2 mg/L, hardness 45.9 mg/L CaCO3, alkalinity 40.0 mg/L CaCO3, pH 7.8
1.20e-01
2.30e+00
3.50e-03
4.20e-02
2.50e-02
3.00e+01
5.6e-06
1.00e+00
2.90e-04
Volatile
Mutagen
1
0.1
1.20e+01
2.30e+02
3.50e-01
4.20e+00
2.50e+00
3.00e+01
1.00e+00
2.90e-04
Volatile
Mutagen
1
0.1
Ethyl carbamate's production and use as a solvent for various organic materials, intermediate in organic synthesis, in the preparation and modification of amino resins, as a solubilizer and co-solvent for pesticides and fumigants, as an intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals, as an antineoplastic agent, and as a reagent in biochemical research may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, an extrapolated vapor pressure of 0.262 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates ethyl carbamate wil

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).

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
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:
- The Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals: Chemical: Carbamic acid, ethyl ester
- California Safe Cosmetics Program (CSCP) Reportable Ingredient: Hazard Traits - Carcinogenicity; Developmental Toxicity; Hepatotoxicity and Digestive System Toxicity; Nephrotoxicity and Other Toxicity to the Urinary System; Neurotoxicity; Respiratory Toxicity Auth
- EFSA Legal Basis: Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 (amended)
- New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act: The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)
- Atmospheric Standards: Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in spec

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.