Chemical name: 1-Pentyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate
Other names: [BMIM][BF4], 1-n-pentyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate
Recommended use: Solvent, ionic liquid, and possible electrolyte component in specialty applications
Supplier information: Company name, street address, city, state, zip code, emergency phone number, email address
CAS Number: 174501-65-6
Emergency contact: Chemtrec or relevant regional response unit
UN Number: Reviewed by shipping regulations; check specifics
GHS classification: Eye Irritation (Category 2A), Skin Irritation (Category 2), Acute Toxicity Oral (Category 4)
Signal word: Warning
Hazard statements: Causes moderate skin irritation, eye irritation, may be harmful if swallowed
Pictogram: Exclamation Mark (GHS07)
Precautionary statements: Avoid breathing dust or fumes, wash skin thoroughly after handling, wear eye protection and gloves
Potential health effects: Inhalation and ingestion may cause irritation to mucous membranes, skin absorption may result in local and systemic toxicity. Prolonged exposure may exacerbate effects.
Environmental effects: Possible aquatic toxicity, caution if released to waterways
Chemical identity: 1-Pentyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate
Concentration: Greater than 98%
CAS Number: 174501-65-6
Impurities contributing to hazard: Trace imidazole derivatives, potential tetrafluoroborate hydrolysis byproducts
Molecular formula: C9H17BF4N2
Molecular weight: 240.05 g/mol
Eye contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Seek medical attention.
Skin contact: Wash with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical help if irritation develops and persists.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Keep individual warm and at rest. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. Seek medical advice if symptoms continue.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with water. Give small amounts of water to drink if conscious. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Seek immediate medical attention.
Most important symptoms/effects: Redness, swelling, burning sensation, nausea, respiratory irritant
Advice for rescuers: Use protective equipment, avoid direct contact
Extinguishing media: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or alcohol-resistant foam. Avoid use of high-pressure water streams, as these may spread the material.
Hazards from combustion: Toxic vapors such as hydrogen fluoride, boron oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, and imidazole derivatives may evolve.
Special protective equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear. Prevent runoff to sewers and waterways.
Specific hazards: Decomposition at high temperature releases hazardous gases; product is not itself highly flammable but may enhance combustion under certain conditions.
Personal precautions: Use protective gloves, goggles, and protective clothing to prevent skin and eye contact. Ensure adequate ventilation.
Environmental precautions: Prevent leakage or spillage from entering drains, water courses, or soil.
Spill clean-up methods: Absorb with inert material (e.g., dry sand, vermiculite), collect in suitable, sealable containers for disposal. Wash contaminated area with water and detergent.
Special measures: Consult local environmental authorities if significant quantity is released
Handling precautions: Minimize generation of dust, avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing, do not breathe dust or vapors. Use in well-ventilated areas. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Storage conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use. Protect from moisture, incompatible materials (e.g., strong oxidizers, acids).
Incompatible products: Strong bases, strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, moisture
Packaging materials: Use chemically resistant containers, label clearly
Exposure limits: No occupational exposure limits established for this compound by OSHA, ACGIH, NIOSH
Engineering controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, process enclosure, or other engineering controls to keep airborne concentrations below recommended limits.
Personal protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles or face shield, lab coat or apron, and appropriate respiratory protection where dust, vapor, or mist forms.
Hygiene measures: Wash hands, forearms, and face thoroughly after handling chemicals; remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse.
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Mild, characteristic, sometimes slightly sweet
Odor threshold: Data not available
pH: Near neutral (typically 6–8 in solution)
Melting point: -70°C to -60°C
Boiling point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash point: Over 120°C
Evaporation rate: Not volatile under ambient conditions
Flammability: Not classified as flammable
Upper/lower explosive limits: Not determined
Vapor pressure: Very low at 20°C
Vapor density: Not determined
Relative density: 1.1–1.2 g/cm³
Solubility: Miscible with water, soluble in common polar organic solvents
Partition coefficient n-octanol/water: Data not available
Auto-ignition temperature: Not determined
Decomposition temperature: Above 200°C
Viscosity: 75–150 cP at 25°C (variable by batch)
Chemical stability: Stable under normal handling and storage conditions.
Possibility of hazardous reactions: Reacts with strong acids, strong oxidizers, moisture (slow hydrolysis)
Conditions to avoid: Exposure to heat, open flames, moisture, incompatible substances
Incompatible materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents, sources of ignition
Hazardous decomposition products: Tetrafluoroboric acid, hydrogen fluoride, boron trifluoride, carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, imidazole fragments
Acute toxicity: Possible oral LD50 in rats estimated between 300–2000 mg/kg. Data for this compound and related ionic liquids suggest mild to moderate acute toxicity.
Skin corrosion/irritation: Causes moderate irritation on prolonged or repeated contact; redness and discomfort reported in animal studies.
Serious eye damage/irritation: May cause reddening, watering, and discomfort. Prolonged exposure may cause injury.
Respiratory sensitization: May cause irritation of the respiratory tract if dust or mist is inhaled.
Germ cell mutagenicity: No data available for this compound; related ionic liquids not listed as mutagenic.
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA.
Reproductive toxicity: No data available; precaution still warranted.
STOT-single/repeated exposure: May cause drowsiness, headache, gastrointestinal symptoms if significant exposure occurs.
Target organs: Data limited, but skin, eyes, and respiratory system may be affected.
Aquatic toxicity: Studies on related imidazolium salts show moderate toxicity in aquatic environments, especially to invertebrates and fish at high concentrations. Reduce risk of contamination to local waterways.
Persistence and degradability: Ionic liquids are generally persistent in the environment; biodegradability remains low to moderate depending on conditions.
Bioaccumulative potential: Potential for low bioaccumulation—studies suggest organic cations rarely bioaccumulate significantly, but caution in chronic exposure.
Mobility in soil: Compound shows moderate mobility due to water solubility. Risk of contamination if large spills occur.
Other adverse effects: Avoid release to the environment even in small quantities.
Waste treatment methods: Collect and dispose of waste in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations. Use a licensed chemical waste disposal contractor.
Contaminated packaging: Rinse containers with water and dispose of as hazardous waste. Do not reuse empty containers for other purposes.
Special precautions: Avoid disposal into sewer systems or natural environments. Solutions and clean-up materials containing this compound should be treated as hazardous.
UN Number: Consult shipping agency since classification can vary with packaging and purity
Proper shipping name: Ionic liquid or related designation - check local transport regulations
Transport hazard class: Not classified as dangerous under many transportation regulations, but check ground, air, and sea protocols
Packing group: Not assigned for this product, but use robust, leak-proof containers for all shipments
Marine pollutant: Not specifically listed but caution warranted
Special transport precautions: Ensure product is securely sealed, clearly labeled, and shipped with reference to relevant safety documents and emergency instructions
TSCA Inventory: Review for status and proper imports in the United States
REACH registration: Notified or pre-registered for use in Europe—verify status
Labelling requirements: Compliance with GHS, OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, WHMIS (Canada), and country-specific requirements
SARA Title III, Section 302/304, 311/312, 313: Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance, no specific reporting thresholds
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Other regulations: Observe occupational health, chemical safety, and environmental protection guidelines as set out by relevant local and national authorities, including air emission controls and water release limits
