Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Methyl Trioctyl Ammonium Tetrafluoroborate

Identification

Product Name: Methyl Trioctyl Ammonium Tetrafluoroborate
Chemical Formula: C25H54BF4N
Synonyms: MTOTA-BF4, N,N,N-Trioctylmethylammonium Tetrafluoroborate
Recommended Use: Phase transfer catalysis, ionic liquid component, electrolytes in batteries or organic synthesis
Supplier Details: See shipment documentation or purchase records for the latest source and manufacturer contact data
Emergency Contacts: Call your local poison control center, emergency services, or the manufacturer's emergency telephone listed on the packaging

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Hazardous to aquatic life (chronic), Skin irritant, Eye irritant, Acute toxicity (oral and dermal—depends on exposure level)
Hazard Statements: Causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, may be harmful if swallowed, toxic to aquatic organisms with long-lasting effects
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, Aquatic environment
Signal Word: Warning
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or vapor, wear protective gloves and eye protection, wash hands thoroughly after handling, avoid release to environment, seek medical attention for exposure symptoms

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Methyl Trioctyl Ammonium Tetrafluoroborate
CAS Number: 35617-34-0
Concentration: ≥99% by weight
Impurities: Trace residual solvents (status and nature may vary by supplier), water (<0.5%)
Other Identifiers: EINECS Number 252-630-8
Molecular Weight: 451.51 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep in a comfortable position for breathing, consult medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin for 15 minutes using soap and water, seek help if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses, keep rinsing, get medical examination for any redness or pain
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting unless told by medical professionals, call poison control or doctor immediately
Most Important Symptoms: Redness, itching, burning sensation in skin and eyes, respiratory tract irritation, nausea
Note to Physicians: Treat symptomatically and monitor for delayed effects, especially with large-scale or repeated exposures

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, CO2; avoid strong water jets due to dispersion risk
Hazards from Combustion: May emit toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides, hydrogen fluoride, boron trifluoride, and carbon compounds
Special Precautions: Wear full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus, withdraw from fire area if conditions deteriorate
Advice for Firefighters: Use water spray to cool containers near fire, prevent runoff from entering water bodies or drains
Explosion Data: Not known to form explosive dust-air mixtures under normal conditions, monitor for pressurized container rupture

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear chemical resistant gloves, goggles, lab coat, and, if necessary, a respirator to prevent inhalation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent chemical entry into drains, surface water, or soil; notify responsible authorities if environmental contamination is expected
Cleanup Methods: Cover spill with inert absorbent (vermiculite, sand), shovel into secure waste container, clean area with detergent and water, ventilate area well
Spill Response: Manage all cleanups with trained personnel, avoid generating dust, ensure proper disposal of contaminated materials

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; use in well-ventilated spaces; never eat, drink, or smoke around the chemical; wash hands thoroughly before breaks and after use
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers under cool, dry, and well-ventilated conditions away from incompatible substances such as strong acids, bases, and oxidizers
Shelf Life: Stable for at least two years under recommended storage conditions
Incompatibilities: Halogenated hydrocarbons, reducing agents, water-reactive materials
Specific Storage Requirements: Keep container labeled and secure, store away from heat sources or open flames

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No official value established; minimize exposure as much as possible
Engineering Controls: Use fume hood, local exhaust ventilation, or process enclosure where available
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), lab coat or protective gown, safety goggles or face shield, approved respirator for dust/vapor exposure
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and exposed skin after handling; remove contaminated clothing and clean before reuse
Environmental Controls: Protect drains using chemical-resistant absorbent barriers or collection systems during use or transfer

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to pale yellow solid or waxy substance
Odor: Mild, ammoniacal
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: 5-7 (1g/L water)
Melting Point: 50-60°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: >100°C (estimated)
Evaporation Rate: Not available
Flammability: Not highly flammable, but combustible at increased temperatures
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at standard temperature
Vapor Density: No data available
Solubility: Freely soluble in organic solvents such as chloroform, dichloromethane, less soluble in water
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Not available
Auto-Ignition Temperature: No data available
Decomposition Temperature: >100°C
Viscosity: Not applicable for solid form

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under standard storage and handling conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid excessive heat, ignition sources, strong acids, strong oxidizing agents
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, powerful oxidizers, some fluorinating agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Fluorides, boron compounds, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide/dioxide, ammonia
Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization expected under normal storage or handling

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 not established specifically, but toxicity expected based on component chemicals; may be harmful if ingested or absorbed through skin
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes irritation on prolonged or repeated contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: Strong eye irritant, may cause redness, pain, or damage on contact
Respiratory Sensitization: Not classified as respiratory sensitizer, but dust or vapor exposure may cause irritation
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: No data available
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No reliable animal or human data for this compound
Specific Target Organ Toxicity: Prolonged exposure can impact skin, eyes, mucous membranes
Other Effects: Overexposure symptoms: headache, irritation, nausea, dizziness

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms, risk of long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments
Persistence and Degradability: Organic ammonium salts degrade slowly in the environment; tetrafluoroborate ion can persist in water and soil
Bioaccumulative Potential: Risk of accumulation in aquatic organisms not well studied; avoid long-term exposure releases
Mobility in Soil: Ionic nature can facilitate movement in moist soil, but will bind in most soils over time
Other Adverse Effects: Should not be disposed in natural bodies of water, may have negative impact on aquatic plants and animals

Disposal Considerations

Product Waste: Dispose as hazardous waste under local regulations, use licensed treatment facilities or incinerators
Contaminated Containers: Rinse and dispose through hazardous waste handlers or follow label instructions for container decontamination and disposal
Disposal Methods: Do not pour into drains, water bodies, or general waste; collect for proper chemical waste processing
Waste Codes: Refer to local hazardous waste codes; European Waste Catalogue, US RCRA or country-specific identifiers may apply

Transport Information

UN Number: No UN number assigned for routine ground or air shipment (check with local authorities for packaging rules)
Proper Shipping Name: Chemical, N.O.S. (contains methyl trioctyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate)
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous under most transport regulations, but environmental hazard labeling may be required for bulk or international shipment
Packing Group: Usually not assigned
Environmental Hazards: Not marine pollutant in small quantities, but use proper containment and placarding for bulk shipments
Special Precautions for Transport: Keep away from foodstuffs and feed, secure containers during transit, transport with documentation of MSDS and emergency contact information

Regulatory Information

US Regulations: Not regulated under major hazard chemical lists (CERCLA, EPCRA, SARA Title III), check state regulations for special requirements
EU Regulations: REACH registration may apply, not classified under major risk categories but regulation under chemical directives
RoHS/ELV Compliance: Not specifically addressed
OSHA HazCom: Requires labeling, safety training, and workplace controls pursuant to hazard communication standard
Other International: Not on restricted or prohibited chemical inventories in most jurisdictions (check import/export regulations individually); environmental and safety precautions apply throughout storage and use