Material Safety Data Sheet: 1-Heptyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate

Identification

Product Name: 1-Heptyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate
Chemical Formula: C11H21BF4N2
CAS Number: 205570-24-5
Synonyms: Heptylmethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate, [HMIM][BF4]
Recommended Use: Laboratory research, electrochemistry, solvent applications
Manufacturer/Supplier: Contact details provided on shipment documentation
Emergency Phone: As listed on shipping documents, available 24/7 for chemical emergencies

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Irritant to skin and mucous membranes, slight aquatic hazard
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes mild to moderate skin irritation, can provoke eye irritation, may cause respiratory discomfort upon inhalation, potentially toxic to aquatic organisms with long-term effects
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, Environment
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or fumes, wear gloves and eye protection, keep away from waterways, seek ventilation in storage areas
Potential Health Effects: Skin reddening, itching, reversible eye effects, aggravated allergies in sensitive individuals, no known carcinogenicity by current IARC or OSHA information

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: 1-Heptyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate
Concentration: ≥98%
Common Impurities: Trace 1-methylimidazole, possible residual organic solvents
Main Components: Cation: 1-Heptyl-3-methylimidazolium, Anion: Tetrafluoroborate
EINECS Number: Not available, typically registered as a research chemical
TSCA (US Inventory): Subject to laboratory research exemption

First Aid Measures

Skin Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap, consult medical attention for lingering discomfort
Eye Contact: Flush cautiously under tepid running water for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids periodically, seek medical care for persistent pain or vision effects
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, monitor for difficulty breathing or coughing, medical attention if symptoms persist
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, avoid forced vomiting, offer water if conscious, immediate medical support recommended
Medical Notes: No specific antidote, treat symptoms, carry identification of chemical for healthcare providers

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, water spray in mist form
Specific Hazards: Thermal decomposition can release hazardous gases including hydrogen fluoride, boron trifluoride, carbon oxides
Protection for Firefighters: Full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus, avoid inhalation of fumes
Combustion Products: Toxic vapors of fluoride, borates, carbon monoxide
Special Hazards: Spillage can cause slipperiness, runoff may contaminate ground or water supplies

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use gloves, eye/face protection, restrict contact with skin, avoid breathing vapors
Environmental Precautions: Dike spillage, prevent entry to drains, sewers or natural waterways, report to local authorities if contamination risk exists
Methods for Cleaning Up: Use absorbent inert material like sand, transfer residues to suitable chemical waste container, ventilate area, wash spill site thoroughly after material pickup

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle in well-ventilated conditions, minimize dust formation, keep away from heat sources or open flames, avoid direct contact with skin or eyes, avoid ingesting or inhaling vapors
Storage: Keep containers tightly sealed, store in cool, dry, well-ventilated space with secondary containment, clearly label all storage containers, keep away from acids, bases, moisture and strong oxidizers
Incompatibilities: Moisture, strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation preferred, chemical fume hood recommended for transfers and dispensing, avoid open handling in confined spaces
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), splash proof goggles or face shield, lab coat or impervious apron
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirator if airborne concentrations exceed recommended limits or if vapors/dust may form
General Hygiene: Do not eat or drink in work area, wash hands thoroughly after use, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits; follow general lab safety practices

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Nearly odorless to faintly sweet
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling under atmospheric pressure
Melting Point: Typically below -5°C
Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohols, some organic solvents
Density: Approximately 1.07–1.15 g/cm³ at 25°C
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Flash Point: Estimated above 150°C (closed cup)
pH (aqueous solution): Slightly acidic to neutral
Partition Coefficient: Data limited, generally hydrophilic
Viscosity: Moderate to high, sensitive to water content and temperature

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended conditions, sensitive to strong acids or bases
Incompatible Materials: Water (hydrolysis risk over time), strong oxidizers, reactive metals, halogenating agents
Hazardous Decomposition: Yields hydrogen fluoride, boron trifluoride, carbon oxides under fire/thermal stress
Polymerization: Does not readily polymerize under normal laboratory conditions
Other Risks: Prolonged contact with light or air can slowly degrade purity

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Not fully assessed for all exposure routes in humans, animal models show low to moderate oral and dermal toxicity
Skin Contact: Prolonged or repeated exposure can produce dermatitis or irritation
Eye Contact: Transient redness, discomfort, tearing
Inhalation: Fine mist or aerosols may irritate upper respiratory tract; pre-existing conditions could worsen on exposure
Ingestion: May cause gastrointestinal distress, nausea, abdominal pain
Chronic Effects: No known evidence of mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity or carcinogenic risk based on available information
Sensitization: Cases of skin sensitization are rare but possible
Medical Symptoms: Redness, itching, coughing, mild headache, upset stomach after exposure

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Mild to moderate hazard, can impact fish and aquatic invertebrates at higher concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Degrades slowly through hydrolysis and biodegradation, bioaccumulation potential considered low
Mobility: Highly soluble, may migrate in soil with water movement
Bioaccumulation: Limited evidence for significant bioconcentration in aquatic organisms
Other Effects: Runoff entering waterbodies could disturb local ecosystems; avoid uncontrolled discharges into environment
Regulatory Actions: Local environmental agencies may require reporting of large releases

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Must follow regulations for hazardous chemical waste, collection by licensed chemical disposal contractors
Containers: Rinse empty containers with water or solvent compatible with chemical, mark for hazardous waste collection
Waste Codes: Assign proper national/EU waste codes, often falls under organic chemical waste
Precautions: Avoid landfills, incineration permitted under controlled conditions only, never dispose via municipal sewage
Local Laws: Consult municipal, regional, national guidelines before offsite shipment or treatment

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material under most transport codes, review for local exceptions
Class: Non-hazardous for air, road, sea under IATA, ADR, IMDG unless mixed with hazardous additives
Packing Group: Not assigned
Label Requirements: Standard chemical labeling, indicate toxic to aquatic life if informed by local laws
Special Provisions: Prevent leaks, secondary containment for bulk shipments, avoid heat and moisture during transport
Transportation Precautions: Inspect container integrity before shipment, ensure accurate contents labeling

Regulatory Information

Inventory Listings: Chemical may appear on research exemptions or limited use lists such as TSCA (USA), REACH (EU), subject to specific reporting
Hazard Symbols: Irritant (Xi), Harmful to aquatic life (N), reclassified under GHS
Risk Phrases: R36/38: Irritating to eyes and skin, R52/53: Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects
Safety Phrases: S24: Avoid contact with skin, S26: In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately
Worker Safety: Comply with OSHA, NIOSH, ACGIH recommendations
Community Right to Know: Adhere to SARA Title III, local chemical inventory reporting
Other Regulations: Chemical does not fall under CWC or PIC conventions, check for research/import/export restrictions in certain countries