Substance profile
Glyphosate
Glyphosate is white crystals and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Glyphosate is
Glyphosate is white crystals and is odorless. Its molecular formula is C3H8NO5P and its molecular weight is 169.07 g/mol. It melts at 230 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
Other names for Glyphosate
- Accord
- (Carboxymethylamino)Methylphosphonic Acid
- Carboxymethylaminomethanephosphinic Acid
- Folusen
- Forsat
- Glialka
- Glialka 36
- Glifonox
- Glycine, N-(Phosphonomethyl)-
- Glyphodin A
- Glyphosate Ct
- Herbatop
- Roundup active
- Roundup
- glyphosate (ISO)
- N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H318 | Causes serious eye damage. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P273, P280, P305, P310, P338, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Glyphosate properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | 230 °C (446 °F) | dec | HSDB |
| 200 °C (392 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 230 °C (446 °F) | decomposes | CAMEO | |
| Density | 1.74 g/cm³ | CAMEO | |
| 1.7 g/cm³ | ICSC | ||
| 1.705 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | In water, 10.5 g/L in water at pH 1.9 and 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Practically insoluble in common organic solvents, e.g. acetone, ethanol and xylene | HSDB | ||
| Solubility in water (20 °C): 1050 g/L | at 20 °C, Glyphosate trimethylammonium salt | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 9.8e-8 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 1.94e-7 mmHg | at 45 °C | CAMEO | |
| 1e-7 mmHg | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Glyphosate
Storage conditions
Safe Storage of Pesticides. Always store pesticides in their original containers, complete with labels that list ingredients, directions for use, and first aid steps in case of accidental poisoning. Never store pesticides in cabinets with or near food, animal feed, or medical supplies. Do not store pesticides in places where flooding is possible or in places where they might spill or leak into wells, drains, ground water, or surface water.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents, metals, bases.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
GLYPHOSATE may react with galvanized steel or unlined steel (except stainless steel) containers to produce hydrogen gas which may form a highly combustible or explosive gas mixture. It can react with caustic (basic) materials to liberate heat. It is corrosive to iron. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Glyphosate in the storage compatibility matrix →
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