Material Safety Data Sheet: 1-Propyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate

Identification

Product Name: 1-Propyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate
Synonyms: [C3mim][BF4], Ionic liquid
CAS Number: 655723-69-0
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, solvent for chemical synthesis, electrochemical studies
Supplier Information: Chemical manufacturer or distributor contact details as provided on purchase
Emergency Contact: Refer to local poison center or supplier's emergency hotline for prompt advice

Hazard Identification

Classification: Serious eye irritation (Category 2A), Skin irritation (Category 2), Specific target organ toxicity—single exposure (Category 3), Not classified as a carcinogen or mutagen by current IARC or OSHA standards
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation, may cause skin irritation, may cause respiratory tract irritation, may be harmful if swallowed
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors or mist, wash hands thoroughly after handling, use only outdoors or in well-ventilated area, wear protective gloves, clothing, eye protection

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: 1-Propyl-2,3-Dimethylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate
Concentration: 98–100% pure by analysis
CAS Number: 655723-69-0
Impurities: Trace moisture < 1%, hydrolyzed byproducts (< 0.1%)

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove exposed person to fresh air, provide supportive care, seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area with plenty of soap and water, do not use solvents to clean skin, consult healthcare professional for irritation or rash
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, seek immediate medical advice
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, do not induce vomiting, call poison center or doctor if you feel unwell

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical
Hazardous Combustion Products: Decomposition releases toxic fumes of boron trifluoride, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen fluoride, carbon oxides
Fire Fighting Instructions: Evacuate area, keep upwind, fire fighters should wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Hazards: Electrolyte spills in fire may accelerate combustion if absorbed in organic materials, risk of hydrogen fluoride release in closed spaces

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use chemical splash goggles and nitrile gloves, avoid breathing vapors, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into soil, sewer, waterways
Clean-Up: Absorb spillage with inert dry material (sand, diatomite), collect into containers for disposal, wash spill area with water after cleanup, do not touch spilled material without proper protection

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle in a chemical fume hood using appropriate protective equipment, avoid skin and eye contact, avoid inhaling vapors, keep containers tightly closed
Storage: Store in original container, tightly sealed, in a cool and dry area (<30°C), protected from moisture, segregated from acids, bases, and oxidizing agents, keep away from direct sunlight

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use in fume hood or with local exhaust ventilation, install emergency eyewash and shower stations nearby
Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile), safety goggles, laboratory coat, respiratory protection (NIOSH-approved respirator) if risk of inhaling vapor exists
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limits for this compound, based on best practice with similar ionic liquids
Hygiene: Wash hands before breaks and after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke during use

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless to light yellow liquid
Odor: Mild, neutral, typical of ionic liquids
pH: Not applicable (liquid salt, not water-based solution)
Melting Point: 10–25°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: >120°C (closed cup, estimated)
Solubility: Miscible with water, dissolves many polar and non-polar organics
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: 1.16–1.19 g/cm³ at 20°C
Viscosity: 40–60 cP at 25°C
Partition Coefficient: Not determined
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not self-igniting under normal conditions

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions, sensitive to strong oxidizers and moisture
Reactivity: Avoid contact with acids, alkali, oxidizing materials, or water
Hazardous Reactions: Hydrolysis forms hydrogen fluoride and boron trifluoride
Decomposition: Elevated temperature, contact with water or acids triggers release of corrosive and toxic gases
Incompatible Materials: Inorganic acids, strong bases, oxidizers, water

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) > 2000 mg/kg, limited data on inhalation toxicity
Skin Corrosion / Irritation: May cause irritation and allergic reactions
Eye Damage/Irritation: Eye exposure can result in redness, pain, potential long-term damage
Respiratory Sensitization: Shortness of breath or throat irritation may be observed with high exposures
Chronic Effects: Long-term data limited; effects similar to related imidazolium salts include dermatitis on repeated exposure
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by NTP, OSHA, or IARC
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: Not expected based on current studies, data gaps remain for thorough assessment

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Classified as moderately hazardous to aquatic life with acute and chronic effects (EC50 10–100 mg/L for Daphnia magna)
Persistence and Degradability: Resists rapid biodegradation, persistent in aquatic and soil environments
Bioaccumulation: Low bioaccumulation potential in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Highly mobile in moist soil and sediments due to solubility
Other Ecological Effects: No specific evidence of biomagnification, monitoring recommended in sensitive environments

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Collect and dispose of waste according to federal, state, and local regulations, incinerate under controlled conditions by a licensed facility
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse containers, offer for recycling where available or dispose with proper authority
Considerations: Do not discharge unneutralized material into sewers, waterways, or the environment

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport under UN transport regulations in current form
Proper Shipping Name: Chemical, liquid, NOS (not otherwise specified)
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated under IMDG, IATA, DOT for ground, air, sea, or rail where packed in limited quantities
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions: Protect containers from physical damage, store upright, avoid extreme temperatures and moisture during transit

Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed or exempt from listing as per supplier declaration
REACH Status (Europe): Registered or pre-registered, may require notification dependent on use volume
Right To Know Components: Not listed specifically on state hazardous substance inventories (such as California Proposition 65)
Other Regulatory Information: This product subject to chemical hygiene standards in laboratories, applicable waste disposal rules, workplace safety notification requirements according to OSHA