Product Name: 1-Hexyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate
Chemical Formula: C10H19BF4N2
CAS Number: 155371-19-0
Synonyms: HMIM BF4
Uses: Solvent, electrolyte in electrochemistry, ionic liquid applications
Supplier: Details available from chemical distributor or manufacturer
Emergency Contact: National chemical safety authority or local emergency services
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under current global GHS guidelines. May cause skin and eye irritation based on structure and related compounds.
Pictograms: None required by law, though laboratory guidance shows possible exclamation mark for irritant.
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes moderate irritation to eyes and skin; ingestion or inhalation can affect respiratory or gastrointestinal function. Fire can produce toxic hydrogen fluoride and boron trifluoride gases.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Do not breathe vapors, dust or spray mist. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Other Hazards: May react with strong oxidizers or in contact with acids and bases. Environmental release may threaten aquatic life.
Chemical Identity: 1-Hexyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate
CAS Number: 155371-19-0
Concentration: 98–100%
Impurities: Minimal; technical grades could include trace amounts of related imidazolium salts or residual solvents
Inhalation: Remove affected person to fresh air; keep comfortable and reassured; seek medical attention if symptoms appear.
Skin Contact: Wash exposed area with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, consult physician if irritation persists.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids; medical examination recommended as soon as possible.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, drink water if conscious. Immediate medical advice needed for large or symptomatic accidental intake.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry powder, foam, or water mist.
Unsuitable Media: Direct high-pressure water jet, since may scatter material.
Specific Hazards: Upon burning releases hydrogen fluoride, boron trifluoride, and organic vapors.
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus are recommended for significant fires.
Advice for Firefighters: Move containers from fire zone if feasible; prevent firefighting water from contaminating local ecology.
Personal Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and lab coat; avoid unprotected contact.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large spills from entering drains, waterways, or soil; alert local authorities for significant release.
Containment Methods: Absorb with inert dry material such as sand or vermiculite; remove to chemical waste container.
Cleaning Methods: Carefully sweep or scoop up; ventilate area; minimize airborne dust.
Disposal: Follow licensed chemical waste disposal protocols. Rinse residue with plenty of water.
Handling: Wear protective gear; work under fume hood where feasible; keep chemical away from ignition sources and incompatible substances.
Hygiene: Wash hands after handling; avoid eating, drinking or smoking in areas where chemical exposure could occur.
Storage: Store in original sealed containers at room temperature; keep away from light, humidity, acids and strong oxidizers.
Incompatibilities: Contact with strong acids, oxidizers or moisture can trigger decomposition.
Other Information: Clearly label storage vessels with full chemical identification and hazard symbols.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No set government exposure limits for this material, but minimize exposure to airborne dust or vapor as with other ionic liquids.
Engineering Controls: Proper ventilation, fume hood, spill tray.
Eye Protection: Splash-proof safety goggles or face shield.
Skin Protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, lab coat, chemical-resistant apron for large volumes.
Respiratory Protection: Not needed in ventilated spaces; use NIOSH-approved respirator if risk of vapor/mist exists.
Environmental Protection: Secondary containment for bulk handling, wastewater management for rinses.
Appearance: Clear, colorless or faintly yellow, viscous liquid
Odor: Faint, sweetish
pH: Neutral to slightly acidic in water
Melting Point: -70°C
Boiling Point: >250°C (decomposes before boiling)
Flash Point: 170°C (closed cup, approximate)
Solubility: Miscible with water and many organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient conditions
Density: Around 1.08–1.11 g/cm³ at 20°C
Viscosity: Moderate; remains pourable at room temperature
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Estimated low
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; exposure to moisture or light accelerates degradation.
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong acids and oxidizers; can release toxic fumes under severe fire conditions.
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen fluoride, boron trifluoride, and nitrogen-containing organics.
Polymerization: Does not self-polymerize.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents, moist air.
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 not completely established; estimated moderate toxicity based on peer data.
Skin and Eye Irritation: Prolonged exposure causes notable irritation; rapid removal mitigates symptoms.
Sensitization: No direct evidence to date.
Chronic Effects: No confirmed chronic health issues in humans; repeated large exposure could affect organ function.
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by NTP, IARC, OSHA.
Additional Effects: Can aggravate eczema or pre-existing dermatitis.
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life even at low concentrations. Laboratory data on similar salts highlight reduced microbial activity.
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent, slow to degrade in standard wastewater.
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low due to ionic nature.
Mobility in Soil: High; likely to leach if spilled on ground.
Additional Notes: Avoid bulk release. Long-term environmental profile not fully understood, so maintain minimal discharge.
Waste Treatment Methods: Do not pour down the drain, incinerate in chemical waste facility.
Disposal of Packaging: Rinse empty containers thoroughly, dispose as chemical waste.
Relevant Regulations: Comply with local and national environmental agencies and chemical disposal laws.
Waste Code: Assign according to professional chemical waste guidelines at point of disposal.
UN Number: Not classified as dangerous for transport.
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated as hazardous material under ADR, IATA, IMDG.
Packing Group: Not assigned.
Labeling: Mark with molecular identity, avoid ambiguous symbols.
Special Precautions: Use strong leak-proof containers, safeguard from damp environments during transport.
Labelling and Classification: Not controlled under most global chemical inventories, still warranting care as with all specialty chemicals.
Workplace Requirements: OSHA Lab Standard, Chemical Hygiene Plan applies.
Chemical Inventory Status: Listed under EU REACH, TSCA (USA), DSL (Canada) for research and commercial use.
Community Right-to-Know: Not subject to strict reporting, but safety data sheet distribution required in workplaces.
Restrictions: Follow national, state, and local regulation for use, storage, and waste.
