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Common name: 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane
Chemical formula: C2H2Br4
Synonyms: Acetylene tetrabromide
Molecular weight: 377.65 g/mol
Physical state: Colorless to pale yellow, oily liquid
Odor: Slightly sweet, pungent odor
Use cases: Heavy liquid for mineral separation, laboratory reagent
CAS Number: 79-27-6
Acute toxicity: Harmful if inhaled or swallowed
Routes of exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Main risks: Eye and skin irritation, respiratory discomfort, narcotic effects, possible organ toxicity with prolonged exposure
Notable warnings: Can affect central nervous system and liver
Environmental hazard: Toxic to aquatic life; accidental release may linger in soil and water
Ingredient: 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane
Concentration: Pure substance
Impurities: Usually present at very low levels, but high purity is preferred for laboratory/industrial use
Stabilizers or additives: None reported in technical literature
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water
Eye contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses, keep rinsing; get medical help if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, obtain medical attention
Symptoms to watch for: Drowsiness, headache, dizziness, nausea, respiratory distress, skin redness or pain
Suitable extinguishing media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam
Unsuitable extinguishing media: Not recommended to use water streams directly
Special fire hazards: May decompose under intense heat, releasing hydrogen bromide, bromine vapors, and carbon oxides
Firefighter protection: Self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical-resistant clothing
Combustion products: Toxic, irritating vapors and gases
Fire-fighting advice: Approach upwind, avoid inhaling fumes, cool exposed containers with water spray
Personal precautions: Evacuate non-essential personnel, wear appropriate personal protective equipment
Environmental precautions: Prevent run-off from entering surface water, drains, or soil
Containment: Use inert absorbent material, contain spill
Clean-up: Shovel or sweep up, store in suitable containers for disposal, ventilate area thoroughly
Avoid: Sources of ignition, unnecessary contact, unprotected cleanup
Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas, avoid inhalation of vapors, avoid skin and eye contact, use closed systems if possible
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers, away from heat, sparks, direct sunlight, and incompatible substances like strong bases or oxidizers
Temperature: Keep between 2°C and 8°C if long-term storage required
Other considerations: Keep out of reach of children, label containers clearly, use secondary containment in storage areas
Engineering controls: Fume hoods or local exhaust ventilation
Respiratory protection: NIOSH-approved respirator if exposure limits are exceeded or ventilation is insufficient
Skin protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), long-sleeved lab coats
Eye and face protection: Safety goggles or face shield
Hygiene measures: Wash hands before breaks and after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke during use
Exposure limits: No established OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV, but prudent practice urges minimization
Appearance: Oily, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Faintly sweet, pungent
Melting point: Approximately 36°C
Boiling point: About 180°C
Density: Around 2.96 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents (alcohol, ether, chloroform)
Vapor pressure: Low at ambient temperature
Viscosity: High, due to the heavy bromine content
Flash point: Can be above 90°C; not highly flammable under typical lab use
Chemical stability: Stable under standard storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Non-reactive with most substances under normal use
Conditions to avoid: Excess heat, open flame, contact with strong alkalis or oxidizers
Hazardous decomposition: May liberate hydrogen bromide, bromine, and carbon oxides upon decomposition
Polymerization: Not known to occur under normal conditions
Likely routes of exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion
Short-term effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, redness or burning to the skin, eye irritation
Long-term effects: Toxic to liver and central nervous system, possible kidney involvement over extended exposure
LD50 data (rat, oral): Roughly 500 mg/kg
Hand-to-mouth behavior increases risk in non-lab settings (kids, pets)
Potential carcinogenicity: No definitive evidence in humans; no IARC or NTP listing currently
Sensitization: Not widely reported in literature but not ruled out
Symptoms of overexposure: Headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion
Toxicity to aquatic life: Very toxic; can cause long-lasting effects in water environments
Mobility: Low, due to high density and low solubility; sinks and accumulates in sediment
Persistence: Breaks down slowly in environment, can persist in soil and water for extended periods
Bioaccumulation: Suspected potential due to chemical stability and affinity for organic material
Wastewater concern: Should not be flushed; risk of contamination and regulatory non-compliance
Impact: Reduces oxygen transfer in aquatic organisms, buries benthic life under denser liquid layers
Avoid: Pouring down drains or into the environment
Best practices: Send to a licensed hazardous waste disposal facility
Container disposal: Triple rinse, puncture after decontamination, label as hazardous
Regulatory basis: Hazardous waste under RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) rules
Community impact: Improper disposal harms wastewater treatment, may contaminate water tables
UN classification: UN 1609 (Tetrabromoethane), hazardous
Transport hazard class: Class 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing group: III (minor danger, but still regulated)
Required labels: Toxic, Marine Pollutant
Transport precautions: Secure containers, prevent leaks, follow local and international rules
Emergency response: Notify authorities on spillage, keep upwind, use containment and PPE
EPA status: Listed as hazardous under CERCLA and RCRA
OSHA: Chemical hazard communication standard applies
SARA Title III: Subject to Section 313 reporting
International: Covered under various chemical regulations such as REACH (EU) and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act
Labelling: GHS symbols—skull and crossbones, aquatic toxicity warning
Workplace actions: Mandatory Safety Data Sheet availability, employee training required by law
