Dodecyltrimethylammonium Bromide Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Identification

Product Name: Dodecyltrimethylammonium Bromide
Synonyms: Lauryl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide, DTAB
CAS Number: 1119-94-4
Recommended Use: Laboratory chemicals, detergents, surfactants, research applications
Manufacturer: Chemical suppliers and distributors of laboratory reagents
Contact Details: Address and emergency phone numbers available from supplier
Emergency Overview: White crystalline powder, may emit toxic fumes under fire conditions, potential irritant; handle with care and follow strict safety protocols.

Hazard Identification

Classification: Irritant to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract under GHS and OSHA standards
Label Elements: Signal word: Warning; Pictograms: Exclamation mark for irritant
Hazard Statements: Causes skin irritation, serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation; harmful if swallowed
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with skin and eyes; avoid breathing dust or fumes; wash hands thoroughly after handling; use personal protective equipment as indicated
Health Hazards: Individuals with pre-existing skin or respiratory conditions could experience aggravated symptoms from exposure
Environmental Hazards: May be toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects due to surfactant nature disrupting biological membranes.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Dodecyltrimethylammonium Bromide
Formula: C15H34BrN
Concentration: 98–100% pure
Impurities: Typically contains minimal traces of related quaternary ammonium compounds
CAS Number: 1119-94-4
EC Number: 214-277-0

First Aid Measures

General Advice: Move exposed individual from contaminated area; remove contaminated clothing and accessories
Skin Contact: Wash area immediately with soap and plenty of water; seek medical attention if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and not adhering to eye; seek immediate medical advice if discomfort persists
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; provide artificial respiration if not breathing; seek medical attention for persistent symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting; call a physician or poison center promptly
Symptoms: Burning sensation, redness, swelling at site of contact; in severe cases, respiratory distress and chest tightness.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, or foam
Fire Hazards: Emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides and hydrogen bromide in fire conditions
Fire-Fighting Instructions: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear; keep personnel away from downwind fire area
Specific Dangers: Avoid inhaling smoke or combustion gases, as exposure increases risk of acute health effects
Unusual Hazards: Dust may form explosive mixture with air under some conditions.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid inhalation of dust and contact with skin or eyes; ventilate area thoroughly; use personal protective clothing and gloves
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further spillage and entry to waterways, drains, or sewers; report environmental release as required by regulation
Spill Cleanup: Sweep up or vacuum material carefully, placing in a suitable container for disposal; clean surface with water after material pickup
Decontamination: Wash impacted area with plenty of water to remove any trace residues
Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local, regional, and national environmental regulations.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use within a fume hood when possible; avoid generating dust or aerosol; do not eat, drink, or smoke when handling
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and exposed skin areas thoroughly before eating or drinking after handling material
Storage Conditions: Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, well-ventilated area; keep away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers and moisture
Incompatibilities: Avoid contact with strong acids, strong bases, and oxidizing materials, which can result in hazardous chemical reactions
Special Requirements: Maintain good labeling and separation from food and drink storage.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or chemical fume hood to minimize exposure
Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits for DTAB; minimize all unnecessary contact
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles, laboratory coat or apron, and suitable dust mask or respirator when necessary
Respiratory Protection: Select NIOSH-approved respirators in environments where dust formation may occur
Environmental Controls: Do not release into the environment or let residues enter water systems.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White, crystalline powder
Odor: Mild, sometimes slightly ammoniacal
Melting Point: 245–250°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Readily soluble in water and alcohol
Density: About 1.2 g/cm3
pH (1% Solution): Slightly alkaline (pH 7–8)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 4.3
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Flammability: Not flammable; may emit flammable gases upon decomposition
Other Properties: Hygroscopic, absorbs moisture from air.

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions and normal temperature and pressure
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong acids, bases, and oxidizers; thermal decomposition yields toxic gases including nitrogen oxides and hydrogen bromide
Incompatible Materials: Avoid mixing with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases
Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization anticipated
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to moisture, extreme temperatures, direct heat, or open flames increases risks of hazardous decomposition.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): approximately 200–350 mg/kg; may cause toxicity through ingestion or inhalation
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes irritation, may result in redness, itching, or rash
Eye Damage/Irritation: Capable of inducing significant eye irritation, redness, watering, and pain
Respiratory Effects: Dust inhalation leads to irritation, coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath
Sensitization: Not classified as a known sensitizer, though prolonged or repeated exposure can heighten risk
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure can damage mucous membranes or lead to dermatitis
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity/Reproductive Toxicity: No data indicating carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxic effects in typical exposures
Other Information: For occupational settings, use good hygiene practices and minimize repeated or prolonged exposure.

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Strong toxicity to aquatic organisms (aquatic invertebrates and algae), likely threatened biological processes in wastewater treatment
Persistence and Degradability: Moderate persistence in the environment; biodegradation may take several weeks under aerobic conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Moderate bioaccumulation possible in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Expected to have low to moderate mobility, binds to organic matter and soil but can leach into surface waters
Other Adverse Effects: Disrupts ecosystem balance in aquatic environments due to surfactant-induced toxicity; restrict or prevent environmental release.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose product and contaminated packaging as hazardous chemical waste by an authorized chemical disposal contractor
Container Disposal: Rinse containers, dismantle if applicable, and use approved waste management services
Disposal of Contaminated Material: Incineration in properly equipped installations or hazardous waste landfill per local regulations
Environmental Precautions: Do not release to surface water, sewer, or soil; avoid dispersal of dust
Additional Information: Consult applicable national, regional, or local regulations before discarding.

Transport Information

UN Number: May not be classified as dangerous goods under many regulations; confirm with regional authorities
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated by US DOT, IATA, or IMDG for road, air, or sea transport under typical quantities
Packing Group: Usually not assigned
Labeling Requirements: Clearly label as laboratory reagent, use chemical name, and maintain integrity of packaging
Special Precautions: Protect from moisture and incompatible materials, transport upright, and secure containers to avoid breakage or spillage
Environmental Hazards: Ship in tightly sealed containers to avoid accidental release.

Regulatory Information

US Regulations: Not listed on US TSCA Inventory as hazardous; SDS required for workplace safety
EU Regulations: REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006: Substance subject to chemical safety assessment and communication through SDS
Labelling According to Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 [CLP]: Pictograms for health hazard; hazard and precautionary statements as indicated
Workplace Controls: OSHA, ACGIH, and NIOSH guidelines recommend appropriate safety measures
SARA Title III: Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance
Canadian Regulations: Included in DSL/NDSL Inventories; subject to WHMIS classification
Other Requirements: Always consult and comply with regional, national, and international safety and environmental laws applicable to workplace and transport.