Material Safety Data Sheet for Benzethonium Chloride

Identification

Product Name: Benzethonium Chloride
Synonyms: Hyamine 1622, BTC 50, Phemithyn, Quatrachlor
Chemical Formula: C27H42ClNO2
CAS Number: 121-54-0
Recommended Use: Antimicrobial agent, disinfectant, preservative
Manufacturer Contact: Contact individual manufacturer for up-to-date emergency numbers and information
Emergency Contact: National Poison Control Center or local emergency numbers

Hazard Identification

Hazard Class: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Category 3), Skin Corrosion/Irritation (Category 1B), Eye Damage/Irritation (Category 1)
GHS Label Elements: Danger
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed; Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, Corrosion
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, eye contact
Symptoms: Irritation and burning of eyes, nose, throat, stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, headache, vomiting, skin burns

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Benzethonium Chloride
Concentration: 98–100%
CAS Number: 121-54-0
Impurities: Trace manufacturing byproducts may be present, not typically considered hazardous at detected levels

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, keep comfortable for breathing. Seek immediate medical care if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, get medical attention.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses, continue rinsing, seek medical help immediately.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, sip water if conscious, get medical attention immediately.
General Advice: Show this safety sheet to the doctor or emergency responders.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam
Specific Hazards During Fire: Releases toxic fumes including hydrogen chloride, carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides
Protective Equipment: Firefighters wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Hazardous Combustion Products: Hydrogen chloride gas, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides
Special Firefighting Procedures: Move containers away from fire if safe, keep surroundings cool with water spray, avoid inhaling fumes

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use protective gloves, goggles, appropriate clothing, avoid breathing dust or vapors
Environmental Precautions: Keep out of drains, watercourses, and soil
Methods for Cleanup: Collect spillage with absorbent material (sand, earth, inert material), place in appropriate waste container
Spill Response: Ventilate area, clean contaminated surface thoroughly after removal, do not allow product to enter environment uncontrolled

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, wash thoroughly after handling
Storage Conditions: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, protect from light and moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids or bases, reducing agents
Guidance for Safe Storage: Store in original container, ensure label is visible, protect from physical damage, keep out of reach of children

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limits established by OSHA, ACGIH, NIOSH
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation to control airborne contaminants
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical goggles, gloves resistant to chemicals, protective clothing, face shield for splashing risk
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH/MSHA-approved respirator if handling dusty material or if ventilation is insufficient
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after use, remove contaminated clothing, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in work areas

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Mild aromatic
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH: 5–7 (1% aqueous solution)
Melting Point: 163–166°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Not classified as flammable
Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Relative Density: 1.0–1.2 g/cm3
Partition Coefficient: log Kow 2.4–2.8
Decomposition Temperature: Above 200°C
Viscosity: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Does not react rapidly under ambient conditions
Hazardous Reactions: No dangerous reactions known under normal use
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to heat, moisture, incompatible substances
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids and bases, reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 250–400 mg/kg
Inhalation Toxicity: Not well established
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Severe skin burns in contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: Severe eye damage possible
Skin Sensitization: Not known to be a sensitizer
Chronic Toxicity: No evidence of carcinogenicity or mutagenicity in available studies
Other Effects: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain with high dose oral exposure, potential for respiratory tract irritation
Target Organs: Eyes, skin, gastrointestinal system

Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Harmful to aquatic organisms, possible long-term adverse effects
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable
Bioaccumulation Potential: Potential to bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms (log Kow >2)
Mobility in Soil: Moderately mobile, risk of groundwater contamination
Other Adverse Effects: Toxic to fish and invertebrates at low concentrations, avoid environmental release

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose according to local, regional, national, and international regulations
Waste Treatment: Incinerate or use hazardous waste landfill as permitted
Contaminated Packaging: Remove product residue, dispose of as hazardous waste
Precautions: Avoid disposing into environment, comply with all relevant waste regulations

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 2811
Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, organic, n.o.s. (contains Benzethonium Chloride)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Regulated as marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Shippers ensure labeling and documentation match regulatory requirements

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Considered hazardous, regulated for workplace use
US EPA: Regulated as a pesticide active ingredient and antimicrobial product
TSCA: Listed substance
DOT: Regulated for transport as a toxic solid
EU Classification: Xn (Harmful), Xi (Irritant), N (Dangerous for the environment), GHS hazard pictograms required
Other Regulations: Check national and local regulations for additional restrictions and handling guidelines
Worker Safety: Safety training and PPE requirements addressed under occupational regulations