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Chemical Name: Tetramethyllead
Synonyms: TML, Lead tetramethyl, Tetra-methylplumbane
CAS Number: 75-74-1
Molecular Formula: C4H12Pb
Molecular Weight: 267.3 g/mol
Uses: Historically used as an antiknock additive in gasoline, now largely banned or restricted.
Manufacturer Contact: Refer to local supplier MSDS or regulatory database for emergency contact and company identification information.
Emergency Phone: Chemtrec and relevant local emergency contacts available on chemical labels and transport documents.
GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Dermal, Inhalation) - Category 1, Skin Corrosion/Irritation - Category 2, Serious Eye Damage/Irritation - Category 2A, Reproductive Toxicity - Category 1A, Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Repeated Exposure) - Category 2, Acute Aquatic Toxicity - Category 1, Chronic Aquatic Toxicity - Category 1
Hazard Statements: Fatal if swallowed, in contact with skin, or if inhaled; causes skin irritation and serious eye irritation; may damage fertility or the unborn child; may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure; very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, Health hazard, Exclamation mark, Environment
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption.
Target Organs: Central nervous system, kidneys, liver, reproductive system.
Symptoms: Headache, vomiting, insomnia, confusion, convulsions, abdominal pain, hallucinations, anemia, reproductive harm.
Chemical: Tetramethyllead
Concentration: 100% (pure substance)
Impurities/Additives: None typically present in commercial product but check lot-specific certificate of analysis for trace byproducts or stabilizers.
Other Identifiers: UN 1649 (international transport), EINECS: 200-897-0
Inhalation: Remove immediately from exposure to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, provide oxygen. If not breathing, perform artificial respiration. Seek immediate medical attention.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse skin thoroughly with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek urgent medical care.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy, and continue rinsing. Obtain immediate medical help.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel. Rinse mouth with water if person is conscious. Immediately call a poison control center or physician.
Symptoms to Monitor: Neurological changes, chest pain, persistent vomiting, convulsions.
Note to Physician: Treat as for acute lead poisoning and consider chelation therapy. Supportive care and monitoring for delayed effects are necessary.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or alcohol-resistant foam. Water spray only to keep containers cool.
Specific Hazards: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Decomposition releases toxic lead compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and methyl radicals.
Firefighting Instructions: Evacuate area. Approach from upwind. Wear full chemical protective suit and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Special Equipment: Positive pressure SCBA, chemical-resistant gloves and boots.
Combustion Products: Lead oxides, carbon monoxide, methyl iodide (possible).
Spill Control: Evacuate personnel, ventilate area, eliminate ignition sources. Prevent entry into drains and water sources.
Personal Protective Equipment: Full chemical-resistant suit, gloves, eye protection, supplied air respirator or positive pressure SCBA for significant releases.
Cleanup: Absorb liquid with sand, earth, or approved absorbent. Place in suitable container for disposal. Decontaminate area with detergent solution. Avoid raising dust.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage. Notify authorities for environmental incidents. Do not let product reach sewers or waterways.
Handling: Work in well-ventilated chemical fume hood or explosion-proof area with local exhaust. Avoid breathing vapors, skin and eye contact.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place, separated from food, acids, oxidizing agents, and halogens. Secure against physical damage. Store under inert gas where possible. Container must be clearly labeled and locked away.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, halogens, acids, heat, direct sunlight.
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for inorganic lead: 0.05 mg/m³ (as Pb), ACGIH TLV: 0.01 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust and process enclosure to limit exposure. Explosion-proof ventilation recommended. Regularly monitor airborne levels.
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile), splash-proof safety goggles, impermeable protective clothing, respiratory protection (air-purifying respirator with organic vapor/particulate cartridges or supplied-air respirator for high concentrations).
Environmental Controls: Avoid disposal into water bodies, soil, or drains. Regularly inspect workplace for contamination.
Decontamination: Wash equipment and surfaces often. Shower and change clothes before breaks and at end of shift.
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Slightly sweet, characteristic
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: -80 °C
Boiling Point: 110–112 °C
Flash Point: 11 °C (closed cup, very flammable)
Flammability: Highly flammable liquid and vapor
Auto-ignition Temperature: 180 °C
Explosive Limits: Lower: 1.0 vol %, Upper: 10.4 vol %
Vapor Pressure: 20 mm Hg at 25 °C
Vapor Density: 9.2 (air = 1)
Specific Gravity: 1.653 at 20 °C
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents (alcohol, benzene, ether)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 2.14
Viscosity: Low
Evaporation Rate: Rapid (relative to butyl acetate)
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions if protected from heat, sparks, and open flame.
Reactivity: Reacts with oxidizing agents, halogens, and acids. May decompose violently.
Decomposition Products: Lead oxides, toxic organic lead compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methyl radicals.
Polymerization: Will not polymerize.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, spark, open flame, strong acids, oxidizers, and light exposure.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, halogens, concentrated acids.
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 12 mg/kg; Dermal LD50 (rabbit): highly toxic at low exposure
Inhalation: Highly toxic — can cause severe systemic poisoning, CNS effects, death.
Skin/Eye Contact: Serious irritation, burns, systemic absorption possible.
Chronic Effects: Lead poisoning (neurological, hematopoietic, renal, reproductive effects), bioaccumulates in bones and tissues.
Carcinogenicity: Classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).
Reproductive/Developmental Effects: Documented birth defects and developmental toxicity with prenatal exposure.
Sensitization: Not reported.
Other Health Effects: Behavioral changes, delayed reaction time, nephropathy.
Target Organs: Central nervous system, kidney, liver, blood, reproductive organs.
Aquatic Toxicity: LC50 (fish, 96h): < 1 mg/L; EC50 (daphnia, 48h): extremely toxic; chronic aquatic toxicity high.
Bioaccumulation: Potential to bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms and enter food chain.
Mobility in Soil: Persists and migrates; not readily degraded.
Persistence/Degradability: Stable in the environment. Lead is non-biodegradable.
Other Adverse Effects: Highly toxic to birds, plants, and soil organisms. Disrupts ecological processes.
Disposal Methods: Treat as hazardous waste. Incineration only in licensed hazardous waste facilities with emission controls. Do not pour down drains or waterways.
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose as hazardous waste after triple rinsing and puncturing. Decontaminate before landfill disposal.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent leakage. Notify local and federal authorities as required.
Regulatory Requirements: Dispose in accordance with all local, regional, national, and international regulations concerning lead compounds.
UN Number: UN 1649
Proper Shipping Name: Tetramethyllead
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances), 3 (Flammable liquids)
Packing Group: I (highest danger)
Labels Required: Toxic, Flammable Liquid
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Transport Precautions: Isolate from food and feedstuffs. Secure packaging. Emergency spill procedures must be available during transport.
OSHA Status: Regulated as a highly toxic and hazardous substance.
EPA Status: Listed as hazardous air pollutant and toxic under TSCA and CERCLA. Strict reporting/reporting thresholds apply.
WHMIS (Canada): Class B2 (flammable), D1A/B (toxic, immediate and chronic effects)
EU Labeling: Danger; Repr. 1A, Acute Tox. 1, Aquatic Acute 1/Chronic 1.
International Inventories: Listed on TSCA, EINECS, AICS, DSL/NDSL, ENCS, PICCS, and IECSC.
Restrictions: Banned or severely restricted for most uses in many countries due to severe toxicity and environmental impact.
Other Regulations: Subject to strict transport, storage, and disposal rules due to toxicity and persistence. Requirements for personal exposure testing and medical surveillance in workplaces using this substance.
