Material Safety Data Sheet: Tetrabutylphosphonium Acetate

1. Identification

Product Name: Tetrabutylphosphonium Acetate
Chemical Formula: C18H41O2P
Synonyms: TBPAc, Tetrabutylphosphonium ethanoate
CAS Number: 180273-50-9
Recommended Use: Ionic liquid, phase transfer catalyst, solvent
Supplier Details: Chemical manufacturing firm contact, emergency phone number

2. Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Skin irritation (Category 2), Eye irritation (Category 2A), Acute toxicity, oral (Category 4)
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation, may be harmful if swallowed, may cause skin irritation
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors, wash skin after handling, wear protective equipment, respond to exposure with immediate medical care
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Tetrabutylphosphonium Acetate
CAS Number: 180273-50-9
Concentration: >98% by weight
Impurities: Trace amounts of related phosphonium ion species, residual solvent (<0.1%)

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air, seek immediate medical attention if breathing becomes difficult, monitor for delayed symptoms
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected skin thoroughly with soap and water, consult a physician for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention, provide information regarding product and symptoms

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, water spray, carbon dioxide, foam
Special Hazards: Thermal decomposition generates toxic fumes including carbon monoxide, phosphorus oxides, hydrocarbons
Protective Equipment: Wear full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Procedures: Avoid inhalation of combustion byproducts, contain firefighting water, keep containers cool with water spray if heated

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into sewers and waterways, notify relevant authorities if release occurs
Containment: Cover spill with inert absorbent, collect and place in chemical waste container
Clean-Up Methods: Use non-sparking tools, avoid raising dust, ventilate area, thoroughly decontaminate surfaces

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only with adequate ventilation, avoid contact with skin and eyes, wash hands after use, prevent ingestion
Storage Conditions: Store tightly closed in cool, dry, well-ventilated place, protect from light and moisture, segregate from incompatible materials (oxidizers, acids)
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases
Specific Storage Requirements: Keep out of reach of unauthorized personnel, label containers clearly

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limits for this material, general workplace limits apply
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, safety shower and eye wash nearby
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile), eye protection (goggles), protective clothing (lab coat), respiratory protection if ventilation inadequate
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat or drink while handling, wash hands thoroughly before breaks

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear to pale-yellow viscous liquid
Odor: Mild, characteristic
Melting Point: Approx. -20°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: >150°C (closed cup)
Solubility: Miscible with water and many organic solvents
Density: 0.96–1.02 g/cm³ at 20°C
pH: Neutral to slightly basic (5% w/v solution)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature
Viscosity: High viscosity at room temperature
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not determined

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions, sensitive to heat and moisture
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: May react violently with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Phosphine, carbon monoxide, phosphorus oxides, hydrocarbons
Conditions to Avoid: Elevated temperatures, direct sunlight, strong acids and oxidizers
Polymerization: Does not polymerize

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): approximate range 500–2000 mg/kg (data extrapolated from similar phosphonium compounds)
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Can cause irritation, redness, prolonged contact increases severity
Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes severe irritation, potential for reversible injury
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Not classified as sensitizer, can cause respiratory tract irritation on inhalation
Chronic Effects: Data insufficient, repeat exposure may aggravate existing conditions
Carcinogenicity: No evidence in available literature
Mutagenicity/Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence in available literature

12. Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Limited data available, possible adverse effects on aquatic life due to phosphonium ion
Persistence and Degradability: Ionic liquids exhibit slow environmental degradation, may persist under certain conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low predicted bioaccumulation factor
Mobility in Soil: May leach into soil, high water solubility
Other Adverse Effects: Unknown long-term effects on sewage treatment processes and aquatic systems

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Incinerate in controlled facility, use chemical waste contractor
Disposal of Contaminated Packaging: Rinse containers thoroughly and dispose according to local regulations
Environmental Precautions: Avoid disposal into drainage systems or uncontrolled environment
Regulatory Compliance: Comply with all local, national, and international regulations regarding disposal

14. Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated under UN transport listings
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous goods for road, rail, air, or sea transport
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Transport Precautions: Secure containers against movement, prevent breakage or leakage, label according to regulations

15. Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed or in compliance with relevant act
EU REACH Status: Registered or pre-registered, consult supplier for current status
US SARA 313: Not listed as a reportable substance
California Proposition 65: Not listed as a known carcinogen or reproductive toxicant
Other Country Regulations: Subject to requirements under WHMIS, GHS, and other frameworks as applicable
Other Labelling Requirements: Appropriate GHS labelling on containers