GLUCOSE (D-GLUCOSE)

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Basic information

  • Chemical formula(s): \({\rm C_6H_{12}O_6}\)
  • Other names: D-glucose, dextrose, grape sugar, blood sugar, corn sugar
  • CAS number: 50-99-7
  • EC number: 200-075-1
  • Molecular weight: 180.2 g/mol
  • International Chemical Safety Card (ICSC): ICSC 0865
  • Flammability: yes (combustible)
  • Description: White crystalline powder with sweet taste. Highly soluble in water. Natural sugar found in fruits, honey, and blood. Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) food ingredient.

NFPA 704 (fire diamond)

  • Health (blue): 0 - poses no health hazard.
  • Flammability (red): 1 - must be pre-heated before ignition can occur under typical fire conditions.
  • Instability–reactivity (yellow): 0 - normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water.
  • Special notice (white): -

Hazard statements

Glucose is not classified as hazardous under GHS regulations. However, as a combustible organic powder, certain precautions apply:

Code Phrase
- No hazard statements assigned (not classified as hazardous)

Precautionary statements

Despite not being classified as hazardous, the following precautionary measures apply for combustible powders:

Code Phrase
P280 wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection
P370+P378 in case of fire: use water spray, foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide for extinction
P420 store separately from incompatible materials

Protective measures

Gloves

For routine handling of glucose powder:

  • Any standard laboratory gloves: very good - glucose is non-toxic and non-irritating.
  • Nitrile: very good - prevents contamination and provides grip.
  • Natural latex or rubber: very good - adequate for normal handling.
  • Vinyl: very good - suitable for food-grade handling.

Safety goggles

  • Standard safety glasses recommended when handling large quantities to prevent eye irritation from dust.
  • Not required for small quantities but good laboratory practice.
  • Corrective glasses are not considered safety goggles.

Clothing

  • Standard laboratory clothing is sufficient.
  • Long sleeves recommended when handling large quantities to minimize skin contact with dust.
  • Closed-toe shoes required as standard laboratory safety.
  • No special protective clothing required.

Respiratory protection

  • Dust mask recommended when handling large quantities or in poorly ventilated areas.
  • Minimize dust generation during handling.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent dust accumulation.
  • Dust explosion hazard: Prevent accumulation of airborne dust in confined spaces.

Spill management

  • Sweep up material carefully to minimize dust generation.
  • Use non-sparking tools and avoid creating dust clouds.
  • Fire prevention: Eliminate ignition sources during cleanup.
  • Collect in appropriate container - can be disposed as non-hazardous waste.
  • Clean area with damp cloth to remove residual dust.
  • Ensure good ventilation during cleanup.
  • No special disposal requirements - food-grade material.

Special warnings

  • Combustible powder - finely dispersed particles can form explosive mixtures in air.
  • Dust explosion hazard - prevent accumulation of dust in confined spaces.
  • Reacts violently with strong oxidants - store separately from oxidizing agents.
  • Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) - approved food ingredient with very low toxicity.
  • Diabetic considerations - large ingestion will raise blood glucose levels.
  • Store in cool, dry place in tightly closed containers.
  • Hygroscopic - absorbs moisture from air, may cake if stored improperly.
  • Keep away from heat sources and ignition sources.
  • Use closed systems and dust explosion-proof electrical equipment when handling large quantities.
  • No open flames during handling of powder.