Chemical Name: Tetrabutylphosphonium bromide Chemical Formula: C16H36BrP Physical State: Solid at room temperature Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder Common Use: Phase transfer catalyst, ionic liquid research, electrochemistry Odor: Mild, may be slightly ammoniacal
Main Risks: Skin and eye irritation; may pose respiratory risk if fine dust is generated; harmful if swallowed Health Hazards: Extended exposure may cause dermatitis or respiratory discomfort; ingestion can upset the gastrointestinal tract Environmental Hazard: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects Pictogram: Exclamation mark for acute toxicity and irritant properties
Main Component: Tetrabutylphosphonium bromide (≥98%) CAS Number: 3115-68-2 Impurities: Trace phosphonium byproducts, unreacted bromides, moisture depending on storage
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air; rest and seek medical assistance if symptoms persist Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of water and soap; remove contaminated clothing Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with water for several minutes; call physician if irritation continues Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water; medical attention recommended Delayed Effects: May involve persistent skin or eye redness; seek ongoing care as needed
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO2, or foam; avoid using water jets directly on product Specific Hazards: Combustion releases toxic fumes of phosphorus oxides, carbon oxides, hydrogen bromide Personal Precautions: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus; keep out of downwind area Protective Gear: Heat-resistant gloves, goggles, fire suit considered best approach
Personal Protection: Wear disposable gloves, chemical splash goggles, dust mask or respirator if dust is present Spill Cleanup: Gently sweep material to minimize dusting, use absorbent material for containment Environmental Considerations: Prevent from entering drains or waterways; collect waste into sealed containers Waste Disposal: Dispose according to local chemical waste regulations
Safe Handling: Handle under well-ventilated conditions, away from heat and moisture; avoid generating airborne dust Avoid Contact: Keep away from strong oxidizers and strong acids Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry location with tightly closed packaging; humidity and air exposure accelerate degradation Incompatible Materials: Avoid direct contact with acid chlorides, oxidizing materials, and bases
Engineering Controls: Use fume hood or local exhaust in areas where dust can form Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved particulate respirator if airborne concentrations rise Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles or full face shield Skin Protection: Gloves resistant to chemical penetration, lab coat, closed footwear Exposure Limits: No manufacturer-supplied occupational exposure limits posted; minimize exposure as good laboratory practice
Form: Crystalline solid Color: White to off-white Melting Point: Range often reported between 100 – 110°C Solubility: Readily dissolves in water, alcohols, and polar organic solvents Odor: Faint, weak amine-like scent Density: Approximated around 1.1-1.2 g/cm³ Vapor Pressure: Negligible under normal conditions Decomposition Temperature: Noticeable degradation above 200°C
Chemical Stability: Stable in sealed containers under recommended conditions Dangerous Decomposition: Generates phosphine, bromides, and other oxides at elevated temperatures Conditions to Avoid: Excess moisture, heat, incompatible chemicals Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization expected
Probable Routes of Exposure: Skin contact, inhalation, accidental ingestion Acute Effects: Rash, redness, irritation in eyes and upper respiratory system Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure not fully studied; similar phosphonium salts have rarely shown chronic toxicity Symptoms of Overexposure: Burning sensation, cough, sneezing, watery eyes Carcinogenicity: No substances listed as carcinogenic according to available data
Aquatic Toxicity: Proven toxicity to aquatic organisms; slow degradation in water and sediment Persistence: Remains stable, may bioaccumulate in certain settings Mobility: Moves freely in water but binds to soil matter Precaution: Contain waste, prevent runoff or uncontrolled release
Waste Disposal: Deposit in marked chemical waste container, following community hazardous waste rules Incineration: Licensed waste disposal incinerator preferred Do Not: Flush into sewer systems or dump onto ground Container Cleanup: Triple rinse, treat as hazardous waste unless professional decontamination used
UN Identification Number: Not assigned as a transport hazard by most official agencies Recommended Packaging: Leak-proof containers with secure seals Shipping Precautions: Prevent extreme temperatures, physical damage en route Regulatory Transport Class: Ships as non-hazardous for land, but toxic to aquatic environments noted on documentation
Relevant Regulations: Subject to OSHA lab safety standards and EU REACH advisories Labeling Requirements: Mandatory hazard pictograms, standard signal words, full hazard statements Reporting Obligations: Facilities using significant amounts must comply with local chemical inventory laws Worker Training: Training for chemical handling, emergency procedures must remain current