MSDS: N-Butylimidazolium Trifluoroacetate

Identification

Product Name: N-Butylimidazolium Trifluoroacetate
Chemical Formula: C9H15F3N2O2
Synonyms: 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoroacetate, Ionic liquid
CAS Number: 174899-82-2
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, industrial solvent, green chemistry applications
EINECS Number: Information subject to supplier validation
Supplier Details: Manufacturer or distributor contact required for specific address and emergency number access
Emergency Contact: Local poison control center, fire department, or workplace safety officer

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Eye irritation, skin irritation, possible respiratory tract irritation
Hazard Statements: Causes moderate eye and skin irritation, may cause respiratory discomfort if inhaled for extended periods, potentially harmful if swallowed
Pictograms: Exclamation mark (irritant)
Precautionary Statements: Wear safety goggles, gloves, and dust mask; avoid inhalation and contact with skin or eyes; handle in well-ventilated area
Signal Word: Warning
Potential Health Effects: Eye stinging, skin redness, sore throat, coughing due to dust or vapor, stomach pain if ingested
Label Elements: Follow local and international labeling guidance for hazardous materials
Other hazards: Not classified as a carcinogen or environmental mutagen, not flammable under standard laboratory conditions

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: N-Butylimidazolium Trifluoroacetate
CAS Number: 174899-82-2
Purity: Typically over 96% (varies by supplier)
Impurities: Less than 2% unidentified trace ionic compounds
Additives: No stabilizers or preservatives present
Molecular Weight: 240.23 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air immediately, keep comfortable for breathing, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse area thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, obtain medical advice for ongoing irritation
Eye Contact: Flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, hold eyelids open, remove contact lenses, consult physician if pain or redness remains
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth with water, drink small quantities of water if conscious, contact healthcare provider right away
Most Important Symptoms: Irritation, redness, discomfort in affected area
Special Instructions: Show MSDS to healthcare provider handling treatment

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct stream of water (may spread product contamination)
Specific Hazards: Potential for decomposition gases including hydrogen fluoride and nitrogen oxides at high temperatures
Protective Gear: Full face mask, fire-resistant jacket, self-contained breathing apparatus
Explosion Data: Product doesn’t typically form explosive mixtures with air
Special Procedures: Cool containers exposed to fire with water mist to avoid pressure build-up or rupture

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, avoid breathing dust or aerosols
Methods for Cleanup: Contain spill with inert absorbent material (sand, vermiculite), scoop into sealable containers for proper disposal
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains or waterways, notify regulatory authorities if large release occurs
Decontamination: Wash spill area with soap and water, ventilate zone after cleanup is complete
Emergency Procedures: Evacuate nonessential personnel, follow facility chemical emergency protocol

Handling and Storage

Handling Precautions: Work in fume hood or well-ventilated area, wear nitrile gloves and chemical splash protection for eyes and skin, avoid baggage contact and direct vapor inhalation, keep away from food and beverages in work area
Storage: Store in cool, dry, tightly closed containers in chemical storage cabinet away from strong acids, bases, oxidizers, store at ambient room temperature, avoid moisture exposure to prevent hydrolysis
Special Sensitivities: Sensitive to moisture and strong acidic/basic environments
Packaging Materials: High density polyethylene or glass bottles preferred for long-term storage

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific regulatory exposure limits published
Engineering Controls: Laboratory fume hood, local exhaust ventilation
Personal Protective Equipment: Protective nitrile gloves, safety glasses, laboratory coat, in case of spill respiratory protection (NIOSH-approved mask), closed footwear
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after handling, remove contaminated garments before leaving workplace, prohibit eating or drinking while handling product
Monitoring Procedures: Regular inspection of PPE and lab exhaust systems recommended

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Slightly pungent, vinegar-like
pH: Approximately 2–3 (acidic, due to trifluoroacetate)
Melting Point: Below ambient room temperature (varies with humidity)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling, estimated above 250°C
Flash Point: Greater than 120°C (closed cup)
Upper/Lower Flammability: Not readily flammable
Vapor Pressure: Low at 20°C
Solubility: Miscible with water and most polar solvents
Vapor Density: Not established
Viscosity: Higher than water at room temperature
Density: 1.17–1.22 g/mL

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable in sealed containers under standard laboratory conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive moisture, elevated temperatures, exposure to acids, bases, or strong oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, reactive metals, concentrated acids and bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen fluoride, nitrogen oxides and other toxic vapors
Polymerization: No known hazardous polymerization

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral and dermal toxicity data limited; may cause stomach upset if swallowed accidentally
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Can yield moderate irritation upon direct contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: May trigger irritation, redness, watering
Respiratory Effects: Inhalation causes mild irritation in upper respiratory tract in sensitive individuals
Chronic Effects: No evidence of long-term health effects, data insufficient for comprehensive long-term hazard profile
Ingestion Effects: May cause abdominal discomfort, nausea
Specific Target Organ Toxicity: None identified in published literature
Carcinogenicity & Mutagenicity: Not listed as carcinogen, no known mutagenic effects

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Slight aquatic toxicity, prolonged exposure effects on microorganisms and invertebrates under study
Mobility: Highly soluble in water, potential to spread within aquatic systems
Persistence and Degradability: Slow biodegradation, ionic liquids may persist in environment
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low bioaccumulation expected based on molecular structure and water solubility
Additional Information: Avoid large-scale environmental release, not suited for open disposal or drain disposal

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Method: Collect waste in sealed, appropriately labeled containers, hand off to licensed industrial waste disposal service
Disposal of Packaging: Rinse thoroughly, puncture or break glass containers before landfill disposal, follow local regulations for chemical waste packaging
Recycling: Not recommended because of contamination risk
Environmental Precautions: Do not allow material to reach groundwater, watercourses, or sewage systems
Contaminated Material Handling: Handle contaminated gloves, wipes, and materials as hazardous waste

Transport Information

UN Number: Not assigned
Proper Shipping Name: Chemical, n.o.s. (contains N-Butylimidazolium Trifluoroacetate)
Transport Hazard Class: Generally not regulated as dangerous for transport, verify with relevant authority
Packing Group: None assigned
Marine Pollutant: Not identified as marine pollutant per IMDG
Special Transport Conditions: Keep container tightly closed, upright, store in secure area during transport
Other Requirements: Comply with local, national, and international shipping regulations for laboratory chemicals

Regulatory Information

Regulatory Lists: Not listed under major international hazardous substance lists (SARA, TSCA, REACH), check region-specific registers
Labelling Requirements: GHS compliant labeling with hazard statements, pictograms, and safety instructions
OSHA: Not regulated as specifically hazardous, requires standard chemical precautions
REACH: Not registered under the list of Substances of Very High Concern
Other Regulatory Information: Subject to DSD/DPD directives for EU use, and country-specific chemical import, storage, and disposal standards
Workplace Restrictions: Inform and train staff in proper handling, provide Material Safety Data Sheet access