Material Safety Data Sheet for Tributylhexylphosphonium Tetrafluoroborate

Identification

Product Name: Tributylhexylphosphonium Tetrafluoroborate
Chemical Formula: C18H40BF4P
CAS Number: 681250-81-9
Recommended Uses: Chemical synthesis intermediate, ionic liquid, solvent in catalysis
Supplier Details: Name, address, and contact number of provider
Emergency Contact: Emergency phone number and hours of operation

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity, Skin irritation, Eye irritation
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: May cause irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Harmful if swallowed. May cause serious eye irritation.
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, health hazard
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves, avoid contact with eyes and skin, do not eat, drink, or smoke while using
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Other Hazards: Prolonged inhalation or skin exposure can cause central nervous system effects or sensitization in sensitive individuals

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Tributylhexylphosphonium Tetrafluoroborate
Synonyms: Phosphonium Borate, ionic liquid phosphonium salt
CAS Number: 681250-81-9
Concentration: ≥98% pure
Other Components: Contains no other ingredients at concentrations classified as hazardous by OSHA criteria
Impurities: Typical impurities account for less than 2% of total weight, usually byproducts from synthesis such as unreacted raw materials or minor alkylphosphonium salts

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, obtain medical attention if symptoms persist or breathing becomes difficult
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, seek medical attention for persistent discomfort
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse, seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention if feeling unwell
Symptoms: Redness, irritation, coughing, nausea, possible dizziness from inhalation
Note to Physician: Treat symptomatically; no specific antidotes known

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray (do not use direct water jet)
Special Hazards: Combustion may generate toxic and corrosive fumes, including hydrogen fluoride, boron oxides, phosphorus oxides, and other unidentified organic compounds
Protective Equipment: Firefighters require self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing due to risk of corrosive and toxic gases
Specific Methods: Move containers away from affected area if possible and safe, cool fire-exposed containers with water spray, prevent runoff entering water sources
Hazardous Decomposition: Tetrafluoroborate salts decompose under intense heat, producing hydrogen fluoride and boron trifluoride vapors

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use adequate ventilation, wear gloves, chemical splash goggles, and suitable protective clothing to prevent direct contact
Environmental Precautions: Keep material out of drains, surface water, and soil, contain spillage to avoid environmental contamination
Methods for Cleaning Up: Absorb spillage with inert absorbent material (sand, earth, vermiculite), sweep or scoop into suitable containers for disposal, wash spill site with water and detergent
Prevent Further Leaks: Secure containers, isolate spill area, avoid generating dust or aerosols
Disposal: Dispose of collected material in accordance with local regulations

Handling and Storage

Handling Recommendations: Use with local exhaust ventilation, avoid breathing vapors or dust, avoid skin and eye contact, wash hands thoroughly after handling, keep work area clean and free of unnecessary materials
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed, clearly labeled containers in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area, protect from moisture and direct sunlight, segregate from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers, acids, and alkali metals
Storage Temperature: Ambient or as specified by product integrity requirements
Special Provisions: Keep away from food, drink, and animal feed, store only in original packaging or containers compatible with strong ionic materials

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established regulatory limits for this compound, avoid exposure as much as possible
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, eye wash stations, safety showers
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves (nitrile or polyvinyl chloride recommended), chemical splash goggles or face shield, lab coat or apron, impermeable closed-toe shoes
Respiratory Protection: Use approved respirators if ventilation is insufficient or exposure limits may be exceeded
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands, arms, and face after handling, change contaminated clothing, do not eat, drink, or smoke during use

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Pale yellow to colorless liquid or low-melting solid
Odor: Slight organic or alkyl odor
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: Not measurable (neat ionic liquid)
Melting Point: 30–60°C, may range lower depending on purity
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling at atmospheric pressure
Flash Point: Estimated between 150–200°C (closed cup, literature values)
Evaporation Rate: Slow, negligible at room temperature
Flammability: Combustible under high heat or open flame
Vapor Pressure: Very low at standard temperature
Vapor Density: Not determined
Solubility: Miscible with many polar organic solvents, partially soluble in water
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not established
Decomposition Temperature: >200°C
Viscosity: Varies, typically high at ambient temperature
Density: 1.06–1.15 g/cm³ (20°C)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid heat, sparks, open flames, contact with moisture or strong oxidizing/reducing agents
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, alkali metals, moisture-sensitive chemicals, sources of ignition
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Decomposition can produce toxic and corrosive vapors including hydrogen fluoride, boron trifluoride, and phosphorus oxides
Reactivity: Non-reactive with most materials under normal conditions; risk of hazardous reactions with incompatible substances

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral and dermal toxicity data limited but considered harmful; animal studies show LD50 (oral, rat) estimated between 300–2000 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Product may cause irritation and redness, risk of dermatitis from repeated exposure
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Contact with eyes results in irritation, watering, risk of conjunctivitis upon exposure
Respiratory Effects: Inhalation of vapors, mists or dust may cause irritation to nose, throat, and lungs
Chronic Effects: Repeated or prolonged skin contact may cause sensitivity or dermatitis
Carcinogenicity: No data available, not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as a carcinogen
Mutagenicity: No evidence from available data
Reproductive Toxicity: No studies in humans or animals demonstrate reproductive harm
Other Information: Avoid repeated exposure, and take precautionary measures due to lack of full toxicological profile

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Limited studies suggest moderate acute hazard to aquatic life; tetrafluoroborate ions can be toxic at higher concentrations
Persistence/Degradability: Product is persistent in environment, ion pairs do not readily biodegrade; ultimate fate depends on environmental conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low bioaccumulation expected, large ionic molecule unlikely to pass biological membranes efficiently
Mobility in Soil: Expected to have moderate persistence in soils, leaches slowly depending on ionic strength of soil matrix
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid direct release to water bodies, municipal sewers, or natural environments to reduce ecological impact
Additional Notes: Prolonged environmental exposure may contribute to altered microbial or chemical balances in affected habitats

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Incinerate at approved chemical waste facility or use permitted chemical disposal contractor equipped to process fluorinated phosphorus compounds
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers may retain product residue; rinse thoroughly and dispose of in accordance with local, regional, or national regulations
Special Precautions: Do not discharge into drains, surface water, or ground; avoid landfill without proper containment
Waste Codes: Not specifically listed but may be regulated due to toxicity and persistence; consult local hazardous waste codes
Recycling: Not typically recyclable

Transport Information

UN Number: Not assigned; may be shipped under "Environmentally hazardous substance, liquid, n.o.s." if national regulations require
Proper Shipping Name: Consult regulatory guidelines; may be shipped as non-dangerous goods if packed in small quantities, otherwise check classification for specific quantities
Transport Hazard Classes: Generally not classified as dangerous for transport under UN/IMDG/IATA, confirm with current transport regulations
Packing Group: Not assigned for most transport, may default to III for moderate hazard if classified
Special Precautions: Use recommended packaging, avoid leaks, store and transport in secure chemical-grade containers
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant if released in quantity

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Not listed specifically, general chemical safety rules apply
TSCA: Listed or compliance required for manufacture/import
REACH (EU): Substance subject to registration if imported into EU above 1 tonne/year; reference REACH status for latest compliance requirements
Other Regulations: Not listed as a hazardous air pollutant (US Clean Air Act), not a controlled chemical under any key US, EU, or international conventions
Label Requirements: Must bear GHS label for workplace and transport as required
SARA 313: Not subject to reporting
Canada (DSL/NDSL): Requires evaluation for inclusion, check with current Canadian regulatory lists
China (IECSC): Inclusion and registration may be required for importation or manufacture
Other Jurisdictions: Compliance with all regional chemical inventories and workplace legislation; consult national regulatory authority for the most current information