Chemical Name: Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride
Chemical Formula: C4H12ClO4P
CAS Number: 124-64-1
Common Names: THPC, Tetrahydroxymethylphosphonium chloride
Appearance: Clear to slightly yellowish liquid
Odor: Slight, not overpowering
Typical Use: Flameretardant applications in textiles, water treatment, paper processing
Hazard Classification: Corrosive, acute toxic, environmental hazard
Main Risks: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, harmful if swallowed or inhaled, may cause respiratory irritation, harmful to aquatic life
Signal Word: Danger
Symbols: Corrosive, exclamation mark, environment
Potential Health Effects: Burns to eyes and skin, respiratory discomfort, nausea if ingested, coughing or chest pain upon inhalation
Component: Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride
Concentration: Typically greater than 80% by weight
Impurities: Water, trace formaldehyde possible depending on production methods
Inhalation: Move affected person outside to fresh air, keep comfortable for breathing, seek medical help if symptoms linger
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin with large amounts of water, do not delay, medical attention recommended for burns or irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, lift upper and lower eyelids, continue flushing until medical staff can provide care
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth with water, seek medical advice immediately, never administer fluids to an unconscious person
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Special Hazards: Releases toxic gases like phosphorus oxides and hydrogen chloride during combustion
Advice for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing, evacuate non-emergency personnel from the area, keep containers cool by spraying with water
Hazardous Combustion Products: Phosphorus compounds, oxides of carbon
Personal Precautions: Use chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and suitable respiratory protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering waterways or drains, dike area if possible, report significant releases according to local regulations
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spillage with non-combustible material like sand or earth, collect in containers for safe disposal, ventilate the area thoroughly, wash leftover residues with plenty of water
Safe Handling Practices: Handle with appropriate personal protective equipment, avoid breathing fumes or contact with skin and eyes, maintain good industrial hygiene practices
Storage Recommendations: Store in tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant containers, keep away from heat, light, and incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers and acids, keep container stored in cool and well-ventilated place, segregate from food and feed
Ventilation: Work in well-ventilated areas, use local exhaust if available
Personal Protection Equipment: Chemical splash goggles, face shield, nitrile or neoprene gloves, chemical-resistant apron, closed footwear
Respiratory Protection: Use an approved respirator if vapors or mists may be present
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, avoid eating or drinking in work areas, remove contaminated clothing before leaving the workplace
Physical State: Liquid
Color: Clear, occasionally yellowish
Odor: Mild, somewhat irritating
pH: Acidic, typically between 3 and 5
Solubility: Soluble in water
Boiling Point: Above 100°C
Decomposition Temperature: Can decompose at higher temperatures to give off toxic fumes
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Density: About 1.2 g/cm³, varies with solution strength
Chemical Stability: Generally stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactive With: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, some metals, bases
Hazardous Decomposition: Phosphorus oxides, formaldehyde, hydrogen chloride if burned or strongly heated
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flames, direct sunlight, contaminated storage
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eye, ingestion
Symptoms: Immediate pain or burn to skin or eyes, nausea, breathing difficulties, possible effects on liver and kidneys after repeated exposure
Acute Toxicity: Harmful or fatal in large quantities; documented cases of severe irritation
Chronic Toxicity: Repeated exposure can lead to dermatitis, potential long-term organ effects
IARC Cancer Classification: Not classed as carcinogen by IARC as of latest reviews, but continual exposure is not advised
Environmental Fate: Decomposes in water; breakdown products can affect aquatic environments
Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms at low concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Not highly persistent, but may cause lasting harm with repeated discharge
Soil Mobility: Water-soluble, can pass through soil and enter groundwater
Waste Disposal Methods: Collect and dispose using certified chemical waste facilities, avoid pouring down drains or mixing with household waste
Container Handling: Clean empty packages thoroughly before recycling or disposal, consider specialist disposal for contaminated PPE
Regulatory Requirements: Follow all local, national, and international restrictions for hazardous chemical waste
UN Number: 2922
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive Substance)
Packing Group: III
Labelling: Corrosive label required
Transport Precautions: Securely packaged, upright position, avoid leaks or spills during transport, no shipping with incompatible chemicals
Hazard Review: Classified as hazardous for health and environment under most chemical regulations
Worker Safety: Subject to workplace exposure limits for hazardous substances
Environmental Controls: Subject to reporting requirements for significant spills, many jurisdictions set discharge thresholds
Product Restrictions: Some uses may be controlled or banned depending on local regulations due to toxic and environmental risk