MSDS: 1-Ethyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate

Identification

Product Name: 1-Ethyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate
Synonyms: [EMMIM][BF4], 1-ethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate
Chemical Formula: C7H13BF4N2
CAS Number: 325581-15-9
Recommended Use: Research, industrial process media, solvent, electrolytes for batteries and supercapacitors
Manufacturer/Supplier: Contact your chemical supplier for details
Emergency Contact Number: Refer to your national chemical emergency hotline

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Single Exposure (Category 3), Acute Toxicity – Oral (Category 4), Skin Irritation (Category 2), Eye Irritation (Category 2A)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin and serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation, harmful if swallowed
Pictograms: Exclamation Mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, mist or vapors; wash exposed skin thoroughly; wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye/face protection; store in well-ventilated area
Other Hazards: Release of hydrofluoric acid upon hydrolysis with moisture; can be corrosive to certain metals

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: 1-Ethyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate
Chemical Family: Ionic Liquid
Content: >98%
Impurities: Water (<1%), possible chloride & organic contaminants (<0.5%)
EC No.: Not assigned

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, support breathing as needed, seek medical attention for persistent symptoms
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with plenty of water for 15 minutes, seek medical advice if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids apart; remove contact lenses, seek immediate medical help
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting without medical advice, seek medical attention promptly
Notes for Physicians: Treat symptomatically, monitor for signs of respiratory distress or tissue damage, consider possible delayed hydrofluoric acid effects

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, foam; avoid water stream since hydrolysis may release corrosive byproducts
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Water jets
Special Hazards: Thermal decomposition can release toxic fumes including hydrogen fluoride and boron trifluoride
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective suit
Additional Information: Cool tanks and containers with water spray from a safe distance to prevent pressure build-up and potential explosion

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area, wear chemical splash goggles, gloves, lab coat, and suitable respirators
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, surface waters, and soil; inform authorities where significant spills enter the environment
Clean-Up Methods: Contain spill with inert absorbent (vermiculite, sand), collect in sealable containers for disposal, wash area down with plenty of water after removal
Disposal: Place contaminated absorbents into suitable waste containers, handle according to local, regional, and national waste regulations

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Avoid breathing vapors, dust, or mists; use only inside well-ventilated areas with suitable local exhaust; wear suitable chemical-resistant gloves and goggles; use tools and equipment that prevent sparking
Storage: Store in corrosion-resistant containers, keep tightly sealed in cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from moisture, strong acids, and bases
Incompatible Materials: Water, strong oxidizers, strong bases, reactive metals
Precautions: Keep away from sources of ignition, static electricity, and incompatible chemicals

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Work in fume hood or with adequate local exhaust ventilation; use explosion-proof equipment in case of large-scale storage
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific limits set for this material; follow common industrial hygiene practices
Personal Protective Equipment:

  • Eyes: Chemical splash goggles or face shield
  • Skin: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), lab coat, and closed footwear
  • Respiratory: Use NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator in cases of insufficient ventilation
  • Hygiene: Avoid contact with skin and eyes, wash hands thoroughly after handling, launder contaminated clothing before reuse
Environmental Protection: Avoid release into environment, use proper containment methods

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Mild, faintly sweet chemical odor
Boiling Point: >200°C (dec.)
Melting Point: -20 to -10°C
Flash Point: >100°C
Density: 1.19-1.23 g/cm3 (25°C)
Solubility: Miscible with water, polar organic solvents
Viscosity: 30-60 cP at 25°C
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature
pH: Neutral to slightly acidic (<6.5, 20°C, 10% solution)
Decomposition Temperature: >200°C
Other Properties: Conductivity (20-25°C): 7-14 mS/cm; hygroscopic

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at recommended storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, moisture, open flames, incompatible chemicals
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, water, bases, strong acids, reactive metals
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen fluoride, boron trifluoride, imidazole derivatives, carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides
Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization expected

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Harmful if swallowed; can cause oral mucosa and gastric irritation
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Can cause moderate to severe skin irritation upon contact
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Risk of severe irritation, redness, blurred vision, possible corneal damage
Respiratory Effects: Inhalation may result in coughing, throat irritation, or distress
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure may aggravate existing lung, skin, or eye conditions
Carcinogenicity: No reliable animal data available; not listed by IARC, NTP, ACGIH
Mutagenicity: No data available; structurally related compounds have no widespread evidence of mutagenicity
Reproductive Toxicity: No data available from published studies
Other Health Hazards: Hydrolytic breakdown may release hydrogen fluoride, which can penetrate skin and cause systemic toxicity

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Limited data; ionic liquids can be toxic to aquatic life depending on concentration and local conditions
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable; long-term persistence possible in soil and water
Bioaccumulation: Potential for bioaccumulation low due to ionic nature and water solubility, but cation or anion may persist
Mobility in Soil: Likely to leach through soil into groundwater due to high solubility in water
Other Adverse Effects: Release of hydrolysis products may increase toxicity; avoid discharge to environment

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Treat as hazardous chemical waste, collect and incinerate in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse empty containers with plenty of water; dispose according to official regulations; containers not to be reused
Special Precautions: Avoid mixing with incompatible wastes; label all containers clearly and store in secure area before disposal
Local/Regional Guidance: Consult local, state, or national hazardous waste authorities for proper classification and handling

Transport Information

UN Number: Not officially classified under UN Transport Regulations
Shipping Name: Chemicals not otherwise specified (1-Ethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate solution)
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated under ADR, IMDG, IATA for most concentrations, verify with carrier
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as a marine pollutant; avoid bulk spills
Special Transport Precautions: Secure containers upright, avoid impact and leakage, clearly label all shipments
Transport in Bulk: Follow national or international regulations for transport of liquid chemicals

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Not specifically regulated under OSHA standards; handle as hazardous
TSCA Status: Listed or exempt
SARA/EPCRA Status: Not listed as a reportable substance
REACH (EU): May require registration for import or manufacture above 1 tonne/year
Other International Regulations: Not subject to the Montreal Protocol, Stockholm Convention, or Rotterdam Convention
Guidance for Workers: Training on hazards and safe use recommended; SDS available in workplace as part of Chemical Hygiene Plan
Label Requirements: GHS-compliant hazard and precautionary statements required on all containers