MSDS for 1-Hexadecyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate

Identification

Product Name: 1-Hexadecyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate
Chemical Formula: C20H39BF4N2
CAS Number: 204402-77-3
Recommended Use: Laboratory chemical, solvent, ionic liquid in research, synthesis intermediary
Supplier: Refer to chemical packaging or accompanying documentation for company details and emergency contact
Synonyms: C16mimBF4, Hexadecylmethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate

Hazard Identification

Hazard Class: Irritant, Environmentally hazardous, May cause acute health effects
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin and eye irritation, may cause respiratory tract irritation, toxic to aquatic organisms, long-term effects in aquatic environments
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, Environment
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves, avoid breathing dust, use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid release to environment, wash hands after handling

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Ingredient: 1-Hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate
Chemical Identity: Approx. 98% purity
Impurities: Trace by-products from synthesis, water (moisture content less than 1%), may contain unreacted imidazole derivatives
Molecular Weight: 394.36 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, monitor for symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath, seek medical attention if discomfort persists
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with plenty of soap and water, seek medical evaluation for irritation or burns
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy, call for medical assessment
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, seek medical advice immediately
Most Important Symptoms and Effects: Redness, burning, dryness of skin, watering eyes, possible respiratory discomfort

Fire-Fighting Measures

Flammability: Not highly flammable, may emit toxic fumes if heated to decomposition
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray (avoid direct stream)
Unsuitable Media: Do not use water jet as this can spread the chemical
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides, hydrogen fluoride, nitrogen oxides, boron oxides, toxic gases
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective suit, chemical-resistant gloves
Firefighting Procedures: Move containers away from fire area, keep cool with water spray, prevent runoff to drains and waterways

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, prevent inhalation of dust or vapors, ventilate area
Protective Equipment: Wear suitable gloves, eye protection, lab coat, use NIOSH-certified respirator when needed
Environmental Precautions: Prevent leakage into drains, soil, or waterways
Cleanup Methods: Collect material with inert absorbent (sand, diatomaceous earth), sweep up, transfer to labeled containers for safe disposal
Further Actions: Wash spill area thoroughly, dispose of contaminated materials according to local regulations

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Minimize dust generation, use under fume hood, avoid direct physical contact, wash hands thoroughly after handling
Hygiene Measures: Keep work area clean, prohibit eating and drinking in storage or handling areas, avoid contact with incompatible materials
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated place, protect from sunlight and moisture, segregate from acids and oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, active metals
Storage Life: Stable under recommended storage conditions, avoid temperatures above 30°C or exposure to strong UV

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use chemical fume hood, keep air circulation in storage area, local exhaust recommended
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile recommended), lab coat, chemical goggles or face shield, dust mask or respirator if powder present
Respiratory Protection: If risk of inhalation, use NIOSH-approved respirator, ensure fit and maintenance
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits, use best laboratory practices to minimize risk
Environmental Controls: Avoid release to natural waters, use retention basins or containment trays during transfer or dispensing

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid or powder
Odor: Faint, characteristic odor, not strong
Melting Point: 50–54°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Soluble in water, some organic solvents
Density: Approximately 1.1 g/cm³ at 25°C
pH: 6–7 (10% aqueous solution)
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): Not determined
Other Properties: Slightly hygroscopic, remains stable at room temperature under dry conditions

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under normal laboratory conditions, may slowly decompose if exposed to light, high temperatures, or moisture
Reactive With: Strong acids, oxidizing agents, reducing agents, strong alkali
Decomposition Products: May release hazardous gases such as hydrogen fluoride, boron trifluoride, imidazole derivatives on heating or reaction with incompatible materials
Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization expected
Conditions to Avoid: Excess heat, contact with water in bulk, prolonged exposure to light or oxidants

Toxicological Information

Likely Exposure Routes: Inhalation of dust, skin or eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Data limited; expected to cause irritation to eyes, skin, respiratory tract, no human data available on ingestion
Chronic Effects: Prolonged contact may cause dermatitis or eczema, risk to liver or kidney considered low at laboratory scale
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Sensitization: No information available, prudent to avoid repeated skin contact
Other Effects: In high doses, fluorinated compounds may irritate mucosa or cause fluoride toxicity

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life, may cause long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments
Persistence and Degradability: Low biodegradability expected, stable ion in the environment
Bioaccumulative Potential: Potential for bioaccumulation based on structure, testing not conclusive
Mobility in Soil: Moderately mobile, soluble in water, risk of migration to groundwater if spilled
Other Harmful Effects: Tetrafluoroborate salts can persist, disrupt local water chemistry
Environmental Precautions: Avoid large releases, notify authorities if contaminating watercourses or drains

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Collect as hazardous waste, use a licensed chemical waste disposal contractor, incineration preferred with flue gas scrubber
Container Disposal: Rinse empty containers thoroughly before disposing according to local, national, and international regulations
Do Not: Flush down drains, dispose in household garbage, or mix with non-hazardous wastes
Additional Notes: Check with local authorities for chemical waste collection sites or hazardous materials handling information

Transport Information

UN Number: Not assigned or not regulated (check based on region or latest transport authority updates)
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous goods according to major regulations, but operator should check current transport laws
Special Precautions for Transport: Keep packaging tightly closed, secure upright during transit, avoid movement with food or feedstuffs
Packaging Group: Use original containers or UN-approved packaging
Labeling: Use correct hazard symbols, record shipment on Safety Data Sheet

Regulatory Information

OSHA Compliance: Handle as hazardous chemical under OSHA Hazard Communication standard, full training required
TSCA Status: Listed or exempt based on import/export status
EU Regulations: REACH Registration status depends on supply chain obligations, may be subject to additional labeling (exclamation mark, environmental hazard)
Canada WHMIS: Controlled product, requires workplace labeling and SDS availability
Other Regulations: Classified under hazardous substances in many jurisdictions, always check with local, regional, and national authorities for handling, reporting, or spill requirements