Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Tetrabutyl-Ammonium Bromide

Identification

Product Name: Tetrabutyl-Ammonium Bromide
Chemical Formula: C16H36BrN
Synonyms: TBAB, Tetra-n-butylammonium bromide
CAS Number: 1643-19-2
Recommended Use: Laboratory chemical, phase transfer catalyst, organic synthesis
Supplier Details: Name, address, and contact number of local distributor or manufacturer

Hazard Identification

Classification: Eye Irritation, Acute Toxicity (Oral), Skin Irritation
GHS Label Elements: Warning symbol, exclamation mark
Hazard Statements: May cause eye and skin irritation, harmful if swallowed
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing; do not eat, drink, or smoke when using this product; wash thoroughly after handling
Potential Health Effects: May cause gastrointestinal discomfort, respiratory tract irritation if inhaled, or redness and pain if in contact with eyes or skin
Signal Word: Warning

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Tetrabutylammonium bromide
CAS Number: 1643-19-2
Concentration: >98%
Impurities and Stabilizing Additives: Not significant under normal use conditions

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep airway clear, obtain medical attention if symptoms occur
Skin Contact: Immediately remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, seek medical advice if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing and get medical attention if irritation develops
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, do not induce vomiting, seek medical attention

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide
Special Hazards: Emits toxic fumes under fire conditions, including nitrogen oxides, hydrogen bromide
Advice for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing, avoid breathing fumes, keep containers cool using water spray
Explosion Data: Not explosive but may decompose at high temperature with pressure buildup

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and dust mask to prevent contact with skin and eyes
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe, avoid entering drains or watercourses, notify authorities if significant amounts enter environment
Methods for Cleanup: Sweep up and place in suitable, closed container for disposal, ventilate area, wash spill site after material collection is complete

Handling and Storage

Handling: Maintain good ventilation in workspace, avoid direct contact with material, handle only with appropriate safety equipment, avoid dust formation during transfer
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances like strong oxidizing agents, sources of ignition, or moisture

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Ensure good general ventilation, use fume hood when handling powders or large quantities
Personal Protective Equipment: Use chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles with side shields, lab coat or apron, and appropriate respiratory protection in case dust forms
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after work, avoid eating, drinking, and smoking in work area, remove contaminated clothing promptly

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 102-104°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Soluble in water and ethanol
Vapor Pressure: Not significant at room temperature
Density: ~1.039 g/cm³
pH (1% solution): 6–8
Partition Coefficient: Not readily available
Flash Point: Not applicable as a solid

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Extreme temperatures, moisture, strong oxidizing agents, open flames
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, hydrogen bromide, carbon oxides under fire or extreme heat
Polymerization: Does not occur under standard conditions

Toxicological Information

Potential Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Acute Effects: May cause irritation to digestive tract, skin, and eyes; inhalation can lead to upper respiratory tract discomfort
Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure not well studied; repeated contact may dry or crack skin
Toxicity Data: LD50 (Oral, Rat): ~4500 mg/kg
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by NTP, IARC, or OSHA
Other Symptoms: Dizziness, nausea, and vomiting possible if ingested in significant quantities

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: May be harmful to aquatic organisms due to persistence and potential for bioaccumulation
Persistence and Degradability: Likely to persist in the environment without significant biodegradation
Bioaccumulative Potential: Possible, based on chemical structure and solubility
Mobility in Soil: Limited data, but may migrate in water
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid release to the environment, minimize spills and dispose of wastes appropriately

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of material through a licensed chemical waste disposal contractor, follow all local, state, and national regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers should be rinsed and offered for recycling or disposal in line with local laws
Special Precautions: Do not allow product to reach sewage system or water bodies; avoid uncontrolled dispersion

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous goods for transportation
Proper Shipping Name: Tetrabutylammonium bromide
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated
Packing Group: Not regulated
Environmental Hazards: Not considered marine pollutant
Transport Precautions: Protect from physical damage, avoid moisture and high temperature during transit

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Not hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
SARA Title III Sections 302, 304, 311/312: Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance
California Proposition 65: Not listed
TSCA Inventory: Listed
WHMIS Status (Canada): Not a controlled product
Other Relevant Regulations: Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations regarding workplace and environmental safety