Material Safety Data Sheet for Tetrabutylammonium Bromide
Identification
Product Name: Tetrabutylammonium Bromide
Synonyms: TBAB, Tetrabutylammoniumbromid
Chemical Formula: C16H36BrN
CAS Number: 1643-19-2
Manufacturer: Refer to supplier documentation
Recommended Use: Phase transfer catalyst, chemical synthesis, laboratory reagent
Contact Information: Emergency telephone number and address provided by chemical supplier
Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Skin Irritant (Category 2), Eye Irritant (Category 2A), Acute Oral Toxicity (Category 4), Aquatic Acute Toxicity (Category 3)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, harmful if swallowed, harmful to aquatic life
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wash skin thoroughly after handling, avoid release to environment, wear protective gloves and eye protection
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical Name: Tetrabutylammonium Bromide
CAS Number: 1643-19-2
EC Number: 216-699-2
Concentration: 100%
First Aid Measures
General Advice: Move victim out of contaminated area, seek medical attention if symptoms develop
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, monitor breathing, give artificial respiration if needed
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with water for 15 minutes, seek medical advice for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses after a few minutes, seek medical assistance
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water if conscious, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person, contact poison control or physician right away
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam
Unsuitable Media: Strong water jet
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic fumes—carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen bromide under fire conditions
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear required
Special Procedures: Avoid inhalation of vapors, control runoff from firefighting efforts
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Use proper personal protection—gloves, goggles, dust mask
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage, keep out of drains, surface and groundwater
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up without creating dust, place in suitable disposal containers, ventilate area, wash spill area with water after material pickup
Handling and Storage
Handling: Work in well-ventilated area, minimize dust generation, avoid contact with eyes and skin, wash hands after use, keep container tightly closed
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from strong oxidizers, acids, open flames, heat sources; keep out of reach of children and unauthorized personnel; protect from moisture
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation to minimize exposure
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles with side shields, laboratory coat, respiratory protection if ventilation is insufficient
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in work area
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH: Neutral in water
Melting Point: 101–104 °C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not determined
Evaporation Rate: Not available
Flammability: Not flammable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Vapor Density: Not available
Relative Density: 1.039 g/cm³
Solubility: Soluble in water, methanol, ethanol
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not self-igniting
Decomposition Temperature: Decomposes above melting
Viscosity: Not applicable
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and storage conditions
Reactivity: Not reactive under recommended storage and handling
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen bromide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Hazardous Polymerization: Not expected under normal use
Toxicological Information
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) > 2000 mg/kg; considered harmful if swallowed
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Can cause local irritation
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes significant irritation
Respiratory: Dust may irritate mucous membranes in nose, throat, lungs
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No data indicating reproductive harm
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may aggravate existing skin or respiratory conditions
Ecological Information
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms (acute and chronic effects possible)
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradability not established
Bioaccumulative Potential: No significant bioaccumulation expected
Mobility in Soil: Expected to have moderate mobility
Additional Information: Prevent material from entering environment, especially surface waters
Disposal Considerations
Waste Treatment Methods: Chemical waste generators follow local, regional, national and international regulations for disposal
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose empty containers as chemical waste
Additional Notes: Do not dispose to drains, water courses, or landfill; consult licensed professional waste disposal service
Transport Information
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Prevent spillage during transport
Regulatory Information
US TSCA: Listed
EU REACH: Registered
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard: Classified as hazardous
SARA Title III Sections 311/312: Acute health hazard
California Proposition 65: Not listed
WHMIS (Canada): D2B (Toxic Material Causing Other Toxic Effects)
Other Regulations: Follow all local, state, and international regulations for use and disposal
