Material Safety Data Sheet: Octyltributylphosphonium Tetrafluoroborate

Identification

Product Name: Octyltributylphosphonium Tetrafluoroborate
Chemical Formula: C20H44BF4P
CAS Number: 68424-95-3
Synonyms: [No common synonyms]
Uses: Ionic liquid, solvent, phase transfer catalyst, specialty chemical research, electrochemical applications
Supplier Information: Manufacturer or distributor contact details should be included on product label and bulk packaging
Emergency Contact: Refer to onsite emergency plan or supplier emergency phone number

Hazard Identification

Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Classification: Skin irritant (Category 2), Eye irritant (Category 2A), Acute Toxicity - Oral (Category 4), Chronic aquatic hazard (Category 3)
Hazard Statements: Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. Harmful if swallowed. May cause long-lasting harmful effects to aquatic life.
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, fumes, or vapors. Wash thoroughly after handling. Use protective gloves and eye protection. Avoid release to the environment.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical: Octyltributylphosphonium Tetrafluoroborate
Concentration: ≥ 98% by weight
Impurities: Phosphonium salt impurities (<2%), residual solvents (<0.5%)
CAS Number (component): 68424-95-3
Molecular Weight: 430.34 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Seek medical attention for symptoms such as cough, dizziness, or respiratory discomfort.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin with soap and water for several minutes. Seek medical advice for irritation or persistent discomfort.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for up to 15 minutes, occasionally lifting eyelids. Remove contact lenses if present. Get medical attention for redness or pain.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Seek immediate medical attention, and provide physician with product information.
Major Symptoms: Skin irritation, redness, eye discomfort or redness, stomach upset if ingested

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, or water spray
Unsuitable Media: Do not use water jets directly on burning liquid
Special Hazards: Product can liberate toxic and corrosive fumes, including phosphorus oxides, boron compounds, hydrogen fluoride upon strong heating
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Precaution: Minimize dust formation and contain runoff to avoid environmental contamination

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and protective lab coat. Ventilate area. Do not inhale vapors.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, water courses, or soil.
Containment Methods: Use inert absorbent (sand, diatomaceous earth) for spillage. Shovel collected material into suitable containers for disposal.
Cleanup Methods: Clean surface thoroughly with water and mild detergent after material pick-up. Place waste in clearly labeled, tightly closed containers.
Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, national, or international regulation.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Always use in well-ventilated area. Wear recommended PPE. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, clothing. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during use.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers. Keep container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Protect from direct sunlight and incompatible substances.
Incompatibles: Strong oxidizers, strong acids or bases, moisture, hydrofluoric acid
Product Transfer: Ground and bond container during transfer to avoid static discharge. Use only non-sparking tools.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: Occupational exposure limits not established for this substance
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or fume hood as standard procedure. Emergency eyewash stations and showers should be accessible.
Personal Protective Equipment - Eyes: Safety goggles or face shield
Personal Protective Equipment - Skin: Chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile, neoprene), lab coat or coveralls
Personal Protective Equipment - Respiratory: Use an approved respirator for dusty or poorly ventilated areas
Hygiene Measures: Remove contaminated clothing and wash hands and face after handling. Do not eat, drink, or smoke near the product.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Liquid to waxy solid (viscous), colorless to pale yellow
Odor: Slight, characteristic odor
pH: Not determined
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Approximately 20–38°C (variable with purity)
Boiling Point/Range: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: > 150°C (closed cup, approximate)
Evaporation Rate: Not available
Flammability: Not classified as readily flammable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at 20°C
Relative Density: 1.0–1.1 (25°C, water = 1)
Water Solubility: Slightly soluble
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Viscosity: High (varies with temperature)
Decomposition Temperature: > 200°C
Molecular Weight: 430.34 g/mol

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents, hydrofluoric acid
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Releases toxic/hazardous gases (hydrogen fluoride, boron trifluoride, phosphine) under severe thermal decomposition or strong acid contact
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, high temperatures, open flame
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents, water, hydrofluoric acid
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Fluorides, phosphorous oxides, boron oxides, hydrocarbons

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): Estimated 500–2,000 mg/kg
Skin Irritation: Causes skin irritation, may lead to redness, discomfort, blistering upon prolonged exposure
Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes serious eye irritation, pain, tearing, possible temporary vision disturbance
Respiratory Sensitization: No data available for sensitization
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged or repeated exposure can lead to contact dermatitis, or cumulative systemic toxicity (not well-studied in humans)
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Mutagenicity: Not known
Reproductive Toxicity: No human data
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Symptoms: Skin redness, itching, burning; gastrointestinal upset if ingested; eye watering and pain

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: May be harmful to aquatic organisms. Avoid release to environment.
Persistence and Degradability: Expected to have low biodegradability, may persist in soil and water
Bioaccumulation Potential: No data available; potential for accumulation cannot be excluded
Mobility in Soil: May be moderately mobile in soil. Not readily absorbed by organic matter.
Other Adverse Effects: Product may alter water chemistry and cause long-lasting effects in sensitive environments. Prevent spillage, runoff.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Do not dispose of with normal refuse or drain. Dispose using a licensed chemical waste contractor.
Waste Container: Use sealed, labeled chemical waste containers. Keep separate from general waste.
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse and treat/neutralize if possible, otherwise handle as hazardous chemical waste.
Regulations: Follow all applicable national, regional, and local laws for waste disposal and environmental protection.

Transport Information

UN Number: Not assigned by UN for this substance
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated under most global transport conventions (e.g., ADR, IMDG, IATA)
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: Not considered marine pollutant (based on available data). Take care to avoid spillage.
Special Precautions: Use leak-proof, sturdy packaging. Include SDS with shipment. Inform recipients of handling requirements.

Regulatory Information

TSCA: Listed or subject to reporting
REACH: Pre-registered or registered, subject to evaluation
SARA Title III (Sections 311/312): Classified as acute health hazard
California Prop 65: Not listed
Canadian DSL/NDSL: Included on DSL or subject to notification
Other Regulations: Handled as hazardous material in many jurisdictions, consult national regulation for classification and restrictions
Labeling Requirements: Hazard pictogram, signal word, hazard and precautionary statements as required by local GHS implementation