NIOSH Publication No. 2005-151:

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

September 2005

beta-Propiolactone

CAS
57-57-8

C3H4O2

RTECS
RQ7350000
Synonyms & Trade Names

BPL; Hydroacrylic acid, beta-lactone; 3-Hydroxy-beta-lactone; 3-Hydroxy-propionic acid; beta-Lactone; 2-Oxetanone; 3-Propiolactone
DOT ID & Guide

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: Ca See Appendix A
OSHA PEL: [1910.1013] See Appendix B
IDLH
Ca [N.D] See: IDLH INDEX
Conversion
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a slightly sweet odor.
MW: 72.1
BP: 323°F (Decomposes)
FRZ: -28°F
Sol: 37%
VP(77°F): 3 mmHg
IP: ?

Sp.Gr: 1.15
Fl.P: 165°F
UEL: ?
LEL: 2.9%

Class IIIA Combustible Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 140°F and below 200°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Acetates, halogens, thiocyanates, thiosulfates [Note: May polymerize upon storage.]
Measurement Methods
None available
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation
(See protection)
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: When contaminated/Daily
Remove: When wet or contaminated
Change: Daily
Provide: Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Soap wash immediately
Breathing: Respiratory support
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
(See Appendix E) NIOSH
At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Important additional information about respirator selection
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Skin irritation, blistering, burns; corneal opacity; frequent urination; dysuria; hematuria (blood in the urine); [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs
Kidneys, skin, lungs, eyes

Cancer Site
[in animals: tumors of the liver, skin & stomach]
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0555   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0197