Material Safety Data Sheet: Benzyltriethylammonium Chloride

1. Identification

Product Name: Benzyltriethylammonium Chloride
Chemical Formula: C13H22ClN
CAS Number: 56-37-1
Recommended Use: Phase-transfer catalyst, research, chemical synthesis
Manufacturer Information: Indicate supplier’s full address and emergency contact phone number for hazardous goods queries and spill response inquiries
Synonyms: TEBA, Benzyltriethylammonium chloride

2. Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Irritant to skin, eyes, respiratory tract; acute toxicity category 4 for oral exposure
Label Elements: Signal word 'Warning', hazard pictograms with exclamation mark
Hazard Statements: Causes skin and eye irritation, possible harm through inhalation and ingestion, may induce respiratory symptoms
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wash skin thoroughly after handling, wear protective gloves and safety goggles, use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
Emergency Overview: White crystalline solid with low odor; contact may aggravate pre-existing conditions

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Benzyltriethylammonium chloride
CAS Number: 56-37-1
Concentration: Not less than 98% by weight
Impurities: May contain trace related quaternary ammonium compounds below 2%
Molecular Weight: 243.77 g/mol

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms persist like coughing, chest tightness or breathing difficulty
Skin Contact: Wash area with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes; remove contaminated clothing; obtain medical advice if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Immediately rinse eyes gently with water for at least 15 minutes while keeping eyelids open; request medical attention urgently if discomfort continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; seek medical help immediately
Most Important Symptoms: Irritation, redness, pain, possible burns or systemic effects if large quantities inhaled or swallowed

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam, or water spray
Hazards from Combustion: Emits hydrogen chloride, carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides if involved in a fire
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus
Specific Methods: Cool exposed containers with water spray, prevent runoff from contaminating waterways

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, sealed goggles, lab coat; avoid generating dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, or waterways; report spillage per local regulations
Clean-up Methods: Pick up solid using shovel or absorbent material, sweep up and place in a suitable, sealed waste container; ventilate area as needed; wash spill site thoroughly after material pickup

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Work in well-ventilated space or under local exhaust, eliminate sources of ignition nearby, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing
Storage: Store in tightly closed container, keep away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers and acids, secure in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and exposed areas after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke near work site

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits for Benzyltriethylammonium chloride
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust or general ventilation; operate in fume hood if available
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses or face shield, protective clothing, suitable respiratory protection if exposure risk exists
Environmental Exposure: Take measures to prevent contamination of soil and water systems

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Faint ammonium or aromatic odor
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH (aqueous solution): 6–8 at 1% w/v
Melting Point/Freezing Point: 239–243°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Data not available
Solubility: Readily soluble in water and ethanol, lesser in acetone and chloroform
Density: Approximately 1.055 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient: Not determined
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Other Properties: Hygroscopic, absorb moisture from air over time

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under ordinary conditions, but may decompose on heating or prolonged exposure to light and air
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with strong oxidizers may cause violent reactions
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, sources of ignition, direct sunlight, moisture, incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Powerful oxidizing agents, strong acids
Decomposition Products: May release toxic fumes of hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, benzyl compounds

11. Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, dermal, ocular
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (Oral, rat): approximately 400 mg/kg
Potential Health Effects: Contact leads to irritation, possible chemical burns, coughing, dizziness, gastrointestinal distress; large exposures pose risk of systemic toxicity
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis; no strong evidence for carcinogenicity or reproductive effects, but long-term effects not fully investigated
Sensitization: Not anticipated to be a sensitizer, but prolonged skin exposure not recommended

12. Ecological Information

Eco-Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms; large spills may contribute to environmental damage
Mobility: Dissolves easily in water, low volatility
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, may persist in the environment
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low to moderate potential based on structure, but data limited
Other Effects: Avoid release to natural waterways; harmful to fish and invertebrates

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of as hazardous waste according to local, regional, and national regulations; do not flush into drains un-treated
Container Disposal: Rinse empty containers thoroughly before discarding, deliver to approved chemical waste facility
Precautions: Obtain advice from licensed waste hauler regarding requirements for incineration or landfill

14. Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous goods under current transport regulations
Transport Hazard Class: None assigned
Packing Group: None
Shipping Name: Benzyltriethylammonium chloride
Transport Precautions: Protect from damage, leakage, excessive heat; ensure packaging is secure to prevent spillage

15. Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed in the United States Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
EINECS: Listed (200-268-0)
REACH registration: May require registration or notification if above threshold quantity
OSHA Classification: Hazardous substance; observe routine industrial safety and reporting standards
SARA/Title III: Not identified as extremely hazardous, but subject to reporting for workplace safety
Other Regulations: Observe worker safety and labeling standards in your jurisdiction; updates to chemical regulations may affect storage and handling