Material Safety Data Sheet for Bromoform

Identification

Product Name: Bromoform
Synonyms: Tribromomethane
CAS Number: 75-25-2
Molecular Formula: CHBr₃
Molecular Weight: 252.73 g/mol
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, density separation, chemical intermediate
Supplier Details: Full contact information of supplier including telephone number for emergencies
Emergency Phone Number: Available on product packaging and through supplier or manufacturer
UN Number: UN2515

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity, Oral (Category 3), Skin Irritation (Category 2), Eye Irritation (Category 2A), Carcinogenicity (Category 2), Specific Target Organ Toxicity - Repeated Exposure (Category 2)
Symbol: Skull and Crossbones, Exclamation Mark, Health Hazard
Hazard Statement(s): Toxic if swallowed. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. Suspected of causing cancer. May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
Precautionary Statement(s): Avoid breathing dust, vapors. Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using this product. Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, and face protection.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, eye contact
Acute Health Effects: Dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, central nervous system depression
Chronic Health Effects: Liver and kidney damage, potential carcinogen

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Bromoform
CAS: 75-25-2
Concentration: 99-100%
Impurities: May contain trace amounts of tribromomethane derivatives, manufacturer will provide any additional impurities on request
Additives: No known additives

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air. Keep at rest in position comfortable for breathing. Monitor for respiratory distress. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. Seek immediate medical care.
Skin Contact: Wash area with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Seek medical help if irritation persists.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing and seek immediate ophthalmological attention.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth thoroughly with water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Seek immediate medical attention.
Note to Physician: Treat symptomatically and provide supportive therapy. Monitor renal and hepatic function.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, foam.
Unsuitable Media: Do not use water jet as it may scatter the chemical.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Hydrogen bromide, carbon oxides, phosgene if heated strongly
Fire Hazards: Not highly flammable, but gives off toxic fumes on heating. Vapors may be heavier than air.
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
Specific Methods: Dike fire control water for later disposal. Avoid runoff to sewers or waterways.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel. Provide adequate ventilation. Wear suitable protective equipment including gloves and goggles.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage. Do not allow substance to enter drains, surface water, or groundwater.
Methods for Containment: Contain spillage and collect with non-combustible absorbent materials such as sand, earth, or vermiculite.
Cleanup Procedures: Transfer to a suitable container for disposal. Clean contaminated surface thoroughly. Ventilate area after cleanup. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas or fume hood. Avoid inhalation of vapors and contact with skin or eyes. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling.
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and incompatible materials such as strong bases, alkali metals, and oxidizers.
Special Precautions: Store away from food and drinks. Do not expose to extreme temperatures. Keep container tightly sealed after use to prevent leaks or spillage.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: 0.5 ppm TWA (volatile organic compound category), NIOSH REL: 0.5 ppm, OSHA PEL: not established
Engineering Controls: Work in chemical fume hood or area with local exhaust ventilation. Keep eyewash stations and safety showers accessible.
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), lab coat, splash-proof goggles, and suitable respiratory protection if exposure could exceed recommended limits.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Sweet, chloroform-like
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH: Not applicable (liquid is neutral)
Melting Point: 8 °C (46 °F)
Boiling Point: 150 °C (302 °F)
Flash Point: 94 °C (201 °F) (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Not available
Flammability: Not classified as flammable
Vapor Pressure: 5 mm Hg at 25 °C
Vapor Density: 8.7 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 2.89 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (3.5 g/L at 20 °C); miscible with alcohol, ether, chloroform
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 2.38
Autoignition Temperature: 700 °C (1292 °F)
Decomposition Temperature: Not established
Viscosity: Not available

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Reactivity: Can react with strong bases and alkali metals; slowly decomposes in presence of light.
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to heat, light, moisture, open flames, and strong oxidizers.
Incompatible Materials: Strong alkali, alkali metals, finely powdered metals.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen bromide, carbon oxides (CO, CO₂), phosgene under intense heating.
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Will not polymerize under normal conditions.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD₅₀ (rat): 2,000 mg/kg; Dermal LD₅₀ (rabbit): >2,000 mg/kg
Inhalation Toxicity: LC₅₀ (rat, 4 h): 500 ppm
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes skin irritation.
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes eye irritation.
Respiratory Sensitization: Not a known sensitizer.
Skin Sensitization: Not a known sensitizer.
Carcinogenicity: IARC: Group 3 – not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans
Reproductive Toxicity: No data available
Mutagenicity: Evidence of mutagenicity in some studies
Other Effects: May affect liver, kidney, and central nervous system with chronic exposure; dizziness, vomiting, headache reported in acute cases.

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms; LC₅₀ (fish, 96 h): approx. 6-8 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent; breaks down slowly in the environment
Bioaccumulative Potential: Moderate (log Kow of 2.38)
Mobility in Soil: High; may leach into groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Harmful to aquatic life; can contribute to ozone depletion if released to the atmosphere.
Disposal to the environment: Strictly forbidden; avoid any release into the environment.

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Method: Dispose as hazardous waste according to local, regional, and national regulations. Material and container require disposal at licensed facility.
Recommendation: Incineration preferred in presence of a scrubber. Do not dispose with household waste. Do not allow product to reach sewage system.
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose of unused product and containers in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations. Triple rinse containers before disposal or recycling.

Transport Information

UN Number: UN2515
UN Proper Shipping Name: Bromoform
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Labeling Requirements: Toxic
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Precautions: Keep container tightly closed and upright during transport; avoid temperatures above 30°C during transit.
Proper Documentation: Follow all applicable transport regulations for road, rail, sea, and air.

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Hazardous chemical (29 CFR 1910.1200)
SARA Title III: Listed as a hazardous substance (Section 313)
TSCA: Listed
RCRA: U225 (hazardous waste code for Bromoform)
CERCLA: Reportable Quantity (RQ): 1 lb (0.454 kg)
DSL Status (Canada): Listed
WHMIS Classification: D1A (very toxic material), D2A (very toxic - carcinogenicity/mutagenicity)
International Inventories: Australia (AICS), China (IECSC), EU (EINECS/ELINCS), Japan (ENCS), Korea (ECL), Philippines (PICCS)