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

Identification

Product Name: 1-Vinyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate
Synonyms: [VMIM][BF4], Ionic Liquid
Recommended Uses: Laboratory solvent, electrochemistry, synthesis
Supplier: Chemical manufacturer or distributor information
Emergency Contact: Local poison control, workplace emergency response

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not considered highly hazardous, but may cause respiratory and skin irritation
GHS Label Elements: Warning symbol (Exclamation mark)
Hazard Statements: May irritate eyes, skin, or respiratory system with prolonged exposure
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation, avoid contact with skin and eyes, wear gloves and goggles
Other Hazards: May release toxic gases when decomposed by heat or fire

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: 1-Vinyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate
Molecular Formula: C6H9BF4N2
CAS Number: 174501-65-6
EC Number: 639-445-3
Concentration: Pure substance

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, monitor breathing, seek medical attention if symptoms develop
Skin Contact: Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with clean water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, seek immediate medical assistance, do not induce vomiting

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, chemical foam, dry chemical powder
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear chemical-resistant gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Hazards From Combustion: Potential release of fluoride compounds and nitrogen oxides on burning
Advice for Firefighters: Use water spray to cool containers, avoid direct water stream on liquid, evacuate downwind area if necessary

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Respiratory protection, chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, lab coat
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers or waterways, contain spillage
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with inert material like sand, gather in chemical waste container, ventilate area thoroughly

Handling and Storage

Handling Precautions: Use with local exhaust ventilation, wear appropriate PPE, wash hands thoroughly before eating or drinking
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers, away from moisture, strong acids, and bases, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
Incompatible Materials: Reactive with strong oxidizers, moisture-sensitive substances
Specific End Use Recommendations: Limit unnecessary handling, label storage containers clearly

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established national exposure limit values
Engineering Controls: Fume hood or local ventilation, spill containment systems
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves (nitrile, neoprene), protective goggles, lab coat, respiratory protection if airborne concentration increases
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat or drink near the substance, wash hands before breaks and after handling

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear to light yellow liquid
Odor: Mild chemical
Melting Point / Freezing Point: -10°C to 10°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Solubility: Soluble in water and polar organic solvents
Density: Approximately 1.2 g/cm³
pH: Neutral to slightly acidic aqueous solutions
Flash Point: >100°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, heat, open flames, incompatibles
Materials to Avoid: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, alkalis
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Tetrafluoroborate anion can release toxic fluorine compounds on breakdown, imidazolium ring may produce nitrogen oxides

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Low acute toxicity by standard lab exposure, but irritation can occur
Skin Irritation: Possible redness and itching with prolonged contact
Eye Irritation: May cause mild to moderate discomfort, tearing, redness
Respiratory Effects: Vapors or mist can irritate mucous membranes
Chronic Exposure: No long-term human data, animal studies suggest potential for mild organ effects at high doses

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms at high concentrations, risk of bioaccumulation in sensitive species
Persistence and Degradability: Not rapidly biodegradable, ionic liquids often show slow breakdown in the environment
Mobility in Soil: High mobility due to solubility, possible groundwater contamination risk if large spills occur
Other Adverse Effects: Potential to disrupt microbial populations in wastewater systems

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Deliver to licensed chemical waste disposal facility, avoid release into drains
Contaminated Packaging: Decontaminate with suitable solvent or dispose as hazardous waste
Special Precautions: Use sealed, robust containers for transport, label in accordance with hazardous substance regulations
Local Regulations: Observe all local, regional, and national hazardous waste guidelines

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous goods by most transport regulations
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: Care needed to prevent spills during loading and unloading
Special Precautions: Use secondary containment for liquid transport, transport upright and securely sealed

Regulatory Information

EU Regulation: Classified as marketed chemical substance, subject to REACH obligations
US TSCA: Listed or exempt
Other International Regulation: Compliance with local chemical safety legislation required in country of use
Hazard Symbols: GHS-07 (Warning, Irritant)
Other Labelling Requirements: Supplier safety label, batch and manufacture date, hazard codes on all containers