Material Safety Data Sheet for Tetrabutylammonium Bromide

Identification

Product Name: Tetrabutylammonium Bromide
Chemical Formula: C16H36BrN
Synonyms: TBA Bromide, Tetrabutylammonium Bromide salt
CAS Number: 1643-19-2
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, phase-transfer catalyst, organic synthesis
Supplier: Chemical suppliers across pharmaceutical and chemical industries
Contact Information: Company address, phone number, emergency contact

Hazard Identification

Classification: Irritant to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes moderate eye and skin irritation, may cause respiratory discomfort, contact can trigger allergic reactions
Precautionary Statements: Wear suitable personal protective gear, avoid direct contact, use only in well-ventilated areas
Routes of Exposure: Skin, eye, inhalation, ingestion
Emergency Overview: White crystalline solid with mild scent; poses irritation risk especially in enclosed spaces

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Tetrabutylammonium Bromide
Concentration: 98-100%
Impurities: Trace amounts of other tetrabutylammonium salts possible
Molecular Weight: 322.37 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air immediately, loosen tight clothing, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with plenty of water and mild soap, remove contaminated clothing, consult medical personnel if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with water for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids occasionally, obtain medical evaluation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water if conscious, do not induce vomiting, get medical help promptly
Other Notes: Symptomatic treatment recommended, monitor for allergic reactions, contact poison control if needed

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Do not use water jets directly on burning product
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides, bromine compounds on combustion
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical resistant clothing and gloves
Special Procedures: Move containers from fire area if safe, remain upwind to avoid gas exposure, contain firefighting water for disposal

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use appropriate personal protective equipment, prevent contact with skin and eyes, avoid dust formation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains or water courses, contain spillage with inert material
Cleanup Methods: Collect material mechanically, sweep or shovel into suitable containers, clean area thoroughly with water, dispose of waste according to regulations
Emergency Procedures: Ventilate area, notify relevant authorities if environmental contamination risk exists

Handling and Storage

Handling: Minimize dust generation, handle in well-ventilated spaces or fume hood, avoid breathing dust or vapor, wear recommended protective clothing
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers, keep in a cool, dry, ventilated area away from incompatible substances like strong oxidizers
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids and bases
Other Precautions: Clearly label containers, maintain good hygiene practices after handling

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or chemical fume hood, ensure eye wash and safety showers are accessible
Respiratory Protection: Wear NIOSH-approved dust mask or respirator in areas with insufficient ventilation
Skin Protection: Use chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, rubber), wear lab coats and closed-toe shoes
Eye Protection: Use safety goggles or face shields
Other Protective Equipment: Use protective clothing to prevent exposure, wash hands thoroughly following use, do not eat or drink near chemical containers
Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits for Tetrabutylammonium Bromide, minimize exposure as a standard precaution

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Characteristic mild scent
pH: Neutral, slight alkaline in water
Melting Point: 102 to 106°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol, methanol, dimethyl sulfoxide
Density: Approximately 1.039 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Partition Coefficient: Not determined
Flash Point: Not available (nonvolatile solid)
Viscosity: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Remains stable at room temperature under standard conditions
Possible Hazardous Reactions: Contact with strong oxidizers may result in exothermic reactions or release of toxic gases
Hazardous Decomposition: Bromine compounds, nitrogen oxides, traces of other toxic gases
Conditions to Avoid: High humidity, extreme temperatures, sources of ignition, formation of dust clouds
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing chemicals, strong acids or bases
Polymerization: Does not undergo polymerization

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Data specific to Tetrabutylammonium Bromide is limited; low to moderate acute oral toxicity based on animal studies
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes mild to moderate irritation
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Irritating to eyes, risk of redness and tearing
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Prolonged contact may lead to sensitization or allergic reactions
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic to humans by IARC, NTP or OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence or ongoing studies of mutagenic or reproductive impact
Long-term Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure may trigger mild skin or respiratory irritation

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: May be harmful to aquatic organisms if released in substantial amounts
Persistence and Degradability: Expected to be persistent in aquatic environments;
Bioaccumulation Potential: Likely low bioaccumulation given high water solubility
Mobility in Soil: Highly mobile in water, may leach through soil
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid direct release into rivers, lakes, or soil to prevent environmental contamination

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose as hazardous laboratory waste; use authorized waste contractor
Product Disposal: Incinerate in chemical incineration facility with afterburner and scrubber following local regulation
Packaging Disposal: Clean thoroughly before discarding, dispose of in compliance with local/state/federal guidelines
Additional Notes: Never discharge unused product or contaminated washings into surface water sewers or on the ground

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous goods under most transport regulations
Proper Shipping Name: Tetrabutylammonium Bromide
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous for air, sea, and road transport
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions: Avoid mechanical shock, keep containers tightly closed, prevent exposure to moisture during transit

Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed on the United States TSCA Inventory
EC Inventory: Listed in EINECS (European Inventory of Existing Commercial Substances)
DSL/NDSL: Listed on Canada Domestic Substance List
REACH: Exempted or registered as required by tonnage band
SARA 313: Not reportable as a toxic chemical
Labeling Requirements: Follow appropriate hazard pictograms, hazard statements, and precautionary statements as per GHS and OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
Workplace Regulations: Employers must ensure adequate training and hazard communication for workers handling the substance