MSDS for 1-Hydroxyethyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate

Identification

Product Name: 1-Hydroxyethyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate
Chemical Family: Imidazolium salts
Synonyms: Hydroxyethyl-dimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate
Recommended Use: Industrial solvent, electrolyte, research
Product Code: HEDMI-BF4
Manufacturer Information: Company address, emergency phone number, web contact
Relevant Identified Uses: Laboratory chemicals, manufacturing, chemical synthesis
Restrictions: Only for industrial and laboratory use

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified under GHS as acutely toxic, but may present irritation risks for eyes, skin, and respiratory tract
Potential Health Effects: May cause skin or eye irritation with direct contact; inhalation of dust/mists can irritate respiratory system; prolonged or repeated exposure might enhance health concerns
Label Elements: Caution hazard pictogram, exclamation mark
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Irritant, may cause discomfort to eyes and skin; may aggravate pre-existing conditions in sensitive individuals
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation or contact with skin and eyes; use personal protective gear

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: 1-Hydroxyethyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate
CAS Number: 68443-24-1 (example only)
EC Number: Not registered
Concentration: >98%
Impurities: Trace water, residual solvents from synthesis

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep at rest, and monitor for breathing difficulty
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, seek medical advice if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, do not induce vomiting, consult a physician immediately
Medical Attention: Symptomatic treatment, no specific antidote known

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam; water spray for larger fires
Special Protective Equipment: Full protective gear, positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus
Hazardous Combustion Products: Emits toxic fumes including HF, BF3, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides under fire conditions
Advice for Firefighters: Approach from upwind, prevent runoff from entering drains or watercourses

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ventilate, avoid dust, use protective equipment
Environmental Precautions: Prevent leakage or spills from contaminating soil and water
Methods for Cleanup: Collect spilled material mechanically, use inert absorbent, place in closed container; wash area with copious water
Disposal: Package waste for transfer to licensed hazardous waste facility

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Wear protective gloves, goggles, ensure good ventilation; avoid creating dust/aerosol
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat or drink near material; use eye-wash stations if available
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, dry, cool, and well-ventilated place; separate from incompatible materials
Protection Against Fire and Explosion: Keep away from strong oxidizers, acids; minimize dust generation

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation; maintain eyewash station and safety shower
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits for this compound
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, lab coat, safety goggles, NIOSH-approved respirator if dust present
Special Protection: Avoid skin contact, ensure all protective measures during transfers or large-handling

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless or slight chemical aroma
pH: Slightly acidic (in water)
Melting Point: 80–110°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: >150°C
Solubility: Soluble in water and polar organic solvents
Density: Approximately 1.2–1.3 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not significant at room temperature
Viscosity: Moderate to high when dissolved
Partition Coefficient: Not available
Decomposition Temperature: 180°C (decomposes to toxic gases)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at recommended storage temperature
Thermal Decomposition: Decomposes on strong heating to toxic substances including HF and BF3
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, moisture
Hazardous Polymerization: Not expected under normal conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, contact with water during storage, strong bases or acids

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Not acutely toxic by oral, inhalation, or dermal exposure at low doses
Irritation: Can cause mild to moderate irritation to eyes, respiratory tract, and skin on contact
Chronic Effects: No long-term data, repeated contact may increase sensitivity
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as a carcinogen
Mutagenicity: No data available
Reproductive Toxicity: No data available
Symptoms of Overexposure: Skin or eye redness, coughing, sneezing with dust, abdominal discomfort on ingestion

Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Life: May be toxic to aquatic organisms at high concentrations; risk of long-term adverse effects in the environment
Persistence and Degradability: Slow biodegradation rate; may remain in watercourses if not managed
Bioaccumulative Potential: Potential for bioaccumulation is low due to water solubility
Mobility in Soil: Mobile in aqueous solutions; partitions to soil water, low volatility
Other Adverse Effects: Releases of tetrafluoroborate salts to aquatic systems can disturb ionic balance and water quality

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Incinerate in a chemical incinerator with afterburner and scrubber, or deliver to licensed chemical waste disposal company
Container Handling: Rinse containers before disposal, do not allow to drain into sewers or waterways
Legal Requirements: Comply with local environmental regulations and hazardous waste guidelines; avoid uncontrolled landfill disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: Not assigned for this compound
Proper Shipping Name: Chemical, n.o.s. (contains imidazolium salt)
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated under most transport rules; treat as non-dangerous under UN, IMDG, IATA, unless shipped in bulk
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions: Prevent packaging from breaking during transit, keep separate from oxidizers or food items
Environmental Hazards: Avoid release to environment during loading, transport, or storage

Regulatory Information

Inventory Lists: May not appear on TSCA, EINECS, or DSL due to specialty status
Labeling: Requires appropriate chemical hazard labeling at workplace
SARA Status: Not listed as a reportable substance under SARA Title III in the United States
WHMIS Classification: Not classified by Canadian WHMIS
Other Regulations: Subject to workplace hazard communication standards; laboratory and site-specific SOPs should address handling