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

Identification

Product Name: 1-Methoxyethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate
Chemical Name: 1-Methoxyethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate
CAS Number: 63555-12-6
Recommended Use: Laboratory chemicals, industrial applications
Manufacturer/Supplier: Chemical supply companies, specialty chemical providers
Contact Details: Emergency phone numbers for fire and poison control, local authorities, company contact for safety data queries

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Eye irritation, Skin irritation, Specific target organ toxicity
Label Elements: Signal word: Warning, Hazard pictograms: exclamation mark, Hazard statements: Causes mild to moderate skin and eye irritation
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation: Coughing, respiratory irritation – direct exposure can cause discomfort; Skin contact: Redness, dryness; Eye contact: Irritation, watering, stinging; Ingestion: Possible gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors or mist, wash thoroughly after handling, wear protective gloves and eyewear, keep away from food and drink sources

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: 1-Methoxyethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate
Synonyms: [no commonly used synonyms beyond IUPAC]
Formula: C7H13BF4N2O
Molecular Weight: 228.99 g/mol
Purity: Typically >98%
Impurities: Minor amounts of analogous imidazolium salts, residual solvents depending on production
Other Components: Product is typically sold as a single constituent substance; stabilizing additives are not incorporated

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move exposed individual to fresh air, monitor for difficulty breathing, consult a physician if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, flush affected area with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes, mild soap may be used, medical attention required if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes under gentle running water for at least 15 minutes, keep eyelids apart, immediate medical attention recommended
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with water, do not induce vomiting, consult a healthcare professional right away
Advice to Physician: Treat symptomatically, observe for delayed effects, potential exposure to fluorine compounds may require monitoring for electrolyte disturbances

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, water spray in case of surrounding fire
Unsuitable Media: High pressure water jet may spread chemical
Specific Hazards: Can emit toxic vapors such as hydrogen fluoride, boron oxides, and organic decomposition products if involved in fire
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Procedures: Approach fire from upwind, use water spray to disperse vapors, cool exposed containers to prevent bursting

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use protective gloves, chemical splash goggles, lab coat, prevent skin and eye contact
Evacuation: Ventilate area, evacuate unnecessary personnel
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release to drains, sewers, and soil; avoid contamination of surface and ground water
Containment and Clean-up Methods: Absorb small spills with inert absorbent such as vermiculite or sand, sweep up and dispose of according to local regulations; flush with water following collection of material; use antistatic tools and containers

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, avoid generating dust or aerosols, handle away from incompatible substances (strong oxidizers, strong acids)
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from moisture and direct light
Incompatibles: Avoid contact with strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents; moisture can degrade the product
Special Requirements: May require secondary containment depending on quantity stored, segregate from incompatible chemicals, label appropriately

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established regulatory exposure limits for this substance, general chemical hygiene applies
Engineering Controls: Work in fume hood or with local exhaust ventilation
Personal Protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, splash-proof goggles, laboratory coat, use of respiratory protection if airborne concentrations rise above nuisance levels
General Hygiene: Avoid eating or drinking in work area, wash hands thoroughly after handling, launder contaminated clothing before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Melting Point / Freezing Point: -10°C to +10°C (depends slightly on batch and purity)
Boiling Point / Range: Decomposes before boiling (typically above 200°C)
Flash Point: >100°C (closed cup)
Flammability: Not considered flammable in normal use
Vapor Pressure: Very low at ambient temperature
Solubility: Miscible with water, soluble in polar organic solvents
Density: Approximately 1.2–1.3 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (Octanol/Water): Not determined
Viscosity: Moderate to high, typical of ionic liquids

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Does not undergo hazardous polymerization
Hazardous Decomposition: On heating, may release toxic gases including hydrogen fluoride, boron trifluoride, carbon oxides
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to strong oxidizing agents, excess heat, open flame, moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizers, water (prolonged exposure)
Special Sensitivities: Prolonged contact with moisture may degrade product

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low oral and dermal toxicity in animal studies;
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mild to moderate irritant in direct contact;
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause moderate irritation;
Respiratory Sensitization: No known effects from typical laboratory use;
Chronic Effects: Not well studied, no evidence currently available for mutagenicity, teratogenicity, or carcinogenicity;
Routes of Exposure: Skin, eyes, inhalation, ingestion;
Symptoms: Redness, irritation at site of contact, cough or throat discomfort if inhaled;
Other Data: Ionic liquids are relatively new, so long-term effects require more research.

Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Data limited; ionic liquids may cause adverse effects to aquatic organisms, handle carefully to avoid waterway contamination
Persistence and Degradability: Not highly biodegradable; tends to persist in environmental systems; limited breakdown by standard wastewater treatment
Bioaccumulative Potential: Potential not thoroughly assessed, may have moderate accumulation in aquatic species
Mobility in Soil: High water solubility suggests migration through soil is possible, take precautions to prevent spills
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid release into the environment, recycle or dispose through appropriate chemical waste channels.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Dispose as hazardous laboratory chemical waste, do not discharge into drains, watercourses, or soil
Recycling/Reuse Recommendations: Consider recovery and recycling through solvent recovery services where feasible
Container Disposal: Rinse containers with water or compatible solvent, dispose as hazardous material according to local regulations
Regulatory Requirements: Coordinate with local environmental protection and hazardous waste authorities to confirm disposal method meets all relevant rules

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport by most international agencies (consult shipping provider for latest updates)
Proper Shipping Name: Not a dangerous good under most transport regulations
Transport Hazard Class: None assigned
Packing Group: Not classified
Environmental Hazards: Non-marine pollutant, though care still required
Special Precautions for Transport: Keep container sealed and upright, segregate from incompatible materials, prevent tipping or leakage.
Labeling: Ensure product and container labeled according to workplace safety requirements

Regulatory Information

International Inventories: Not routinely listed on major chemical inventories, use subject to laboratory and research exemptions in many jurisdictions
OSHA Status: Not specifically regulated, general chemical safety workplace regulations apply
SARA Title III: Not categorized as an extremely hazardous substance
REACH Status: For research and development use, registration not typically required below one ton per year; consult supplier for restrictions
TSCA Status: Not listed on the US Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
Other Regulations: Always consult local, state, or national regulations; ensure workplace chemical hazards assessed and communicated according to Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
Workplace Practice: Annual safety training, chemical hygiene program, proper labeling, risk assessment documentation.