acetoin

acet·o·in  

n :  a colorless liquid hydroxy ketone C₄H₈O₂ formed from various carbohydrates by fermentation - called also acetylmethylcarbinol  .
 
Similar sounding terms:  ac·e·tin  ac·e·tone -- Fast Health

Physical Hazards
Fire: Combustible
Explosion: Above 47 °C: explosive vapor-air mixtures may be formed in case of strong heat danger of spontaneous polymerization.

Human Health Hazards
Acetoin is irritating to eyes and skin.

First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Fresh air, rest, and call a doctor, if necessary.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothes, rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
Eye Contact: First rinse with plenty of water (remove lensen if possible) and call a doctor.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth and call a doctor, if necessary.

Fire-Fighting Media
Extinguishing Media: Suitable alcohol-resistant foam, a lot of water, powder, carbon dioxide.
Special Hazards: In case of fire toxic gases are formed (carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide).
Personel Protection: Self-contained breathing apparatus.
Other Procedures in Case of Fire: Keep containers (tanks/drums) cool by spraying with water.

Personal Precautions
Ventilation.
Breathing protection.
Gloves, boots, eye goggles.

Handling
Use only in well-ventilated areas.
Above 47 °C: closed system, ventilation, explosion protected electrical equipment and lighting.
No open flames, no smoking.

Stability and Reactivity
Stability: At high temperatures danger of spontaneous polymerization; forms a solid dimer C8H16O4 on standing; the dimer is easily converted back to the monomer by melting, distilling of dissolving.
Reactivity: Dangerous reactions with oxidants and strong alkalies.
Preventive Measures:
    Stability: Avoid contact with hot surfaces and open flames.
    Reactivity: Avoid contact with oxidants and strong alkalies.

Toxicological Information
Acetoin may be absorbed into the body by inhalation and ingestion.
The substance affects the nervous system.
The substance is irritating to eyes and skin.
Acute symptoms:
    Inhalation: Somnolence, dizzines.
    Skin: Redness.
    Eyes: Redness, pain.
    Ingestion: Sore throat, nausea.

The above information is from a safety sheet.

<chemical> 3-hydroxy-2-butanone. A product of fermentation. It is a component of the butanediol cycle in microorganisms. In mammals it is oxidized to carbon dioxide.