# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
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-Propiolacetone | DOT ID & Guide
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: Ca See Appendix A
OSHA PEL: [1910.1013] See Appendix B
IDLH Ca [N.D] | 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
Personal Protection & Sanitation 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 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
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