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Chemical Name: Triethyl Orthoformate
CAS Number: 122-51-0
Synonyms: Triethoxymethane, Orthoformic Acid Triethyl Ester
Use: Common reagent in organic synthesis, used for acetalization and introducing ethoxy groups.
Supplier Information: Name, address, emergency phone number, and technical contact of the manufacturer or distributor.
GHS Classification: Flammable Liquid (Category 2), Acute Toxicity Oral (Category 4), Eye Irritation (Category 2A)
Hazard Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation Mark
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor, harmful if swallowed, causes serious eye irritation.
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames; no smoking; Ground and bond container and receiving equipment; Wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye/face protection; Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Chemical: Triethyl Orthoformate
CAS No.: 122-51-0
Concentration: More than 99%
Impurities: Trace amounts of ethanol may occur, contributing to flammability.
Inhalation: Move the person into fresh air. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothes. Wash skin with plenty of water and soap.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water, lifting upper and lower eyelids occasionally. Continue for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. If the person feels unwell, seek medical advice.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide.
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic fumes of carbon oxides on burning; Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters require self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing.
Additional Advice: Cool closed containers exposed to flames with water spray. Avoid inhalation of combustion gases.
Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing vapors. Remove all sources of ignition. Ventilate affected area.
Spill Cleanup: Use non-sparking tools. Absorb with an inert material (sand, earth) and collect in a suitable container for disposal.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains or waterways. Notify authorities in case of large spills.
Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas. Ground and bond containers when transferring product. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers. Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from heat, sparks, flame, and incompatible materials such as acids and oxidizing agents.
Special Requirements: Use explosion-proof equipment. Take precautions against static discharge.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA, ACGIH, or NIOSH exposure limits published for this compound; observe good industrial hygiene.
Engineering Controls: Provide adequate mechanical ventilation.
Personal Protection: Wear safety glasses with side shields, chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing. Use respirators if airborne concentrations exceed recommended levels.
Appearance: Colorless liquid
Odor: Ether-like
Melting Point: -76 °C
Boiling Point: 146 °C
Flash Point: 27 °C
Autoignition Temperature: 210 °C
Explosive Limits: 1.1% (lower), 10.7% (upper)
Vapor Pressure: 6.7 mmHg at 20 °C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; miscible with organic solvents.
Density: 0.894 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Viscosity: Low; flows readily.
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, sparks, incompatibilities such as strong acids, oxidizing agents, and moisture.
Hazardous Reactions: May react violently with strong acids or oxidizers, producing heat and toxic fumes.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and possibly acetic acid and other organics.
Polymerization: Will not occur under normal handling.
Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion.
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): roughly 1620 mg/kg; harmful if swallowed.
Irritation: Causes serious eye irritation and may irritate the skin.
Chronic Effects: May cause central nervous system depression with repeated or prolonged exposure.
Symptoms: Dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, central nervous system effects.
Aquatic Toxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic life expected; no long-term environmental effects documented.
Persistence and Degradability: Triethyl orthoformate degrades in the environment, breaking down to ethanol and formic acid.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Does not strongly bioaccumulate in organisms.
Mobility in Soil: Moderately mobile; may leach to groundwater if released in large quantities.
Other Adverse Effects: Spills may contribute to atmospheric pollution due to high volatility.
Disposal Methods: Incinerate in an approved, chemical waste facility compliant with local, regional, and national regulations.
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers require triple rinsing and may pose a fire risk; follow hazardous waste protocols.
Do Not: Pour down the drain or release to the environment. Always consult environmental authorities for proper disposal.
UN Number: UN 2520
Proper Shipping Name: Triethyl orthoformate
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: II
Label: Flammable liquid
Special Precautions: Keep away from heat, open flames, and all ignition sources. Secure containers to prevent leaks or spillage during transit.
Environmental Hazards: Transport according to local, national, and international regulations.
Inventory Listings: Listed in TSCA (US), EINECS (EU), ENCS (Japan), AICS (Australia), DSL (Canada), and similar chemical inventories worldwide.
Classifications: Flammable liquid under OSHA, EU REACH, GHS regulations. Hazard category varies by region.
Safety, Health, and Environmental Regulations: Compliance required with OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, EU CLP regulations, and local legislation governing storage and handling of flammable liquids. Ensure up-to-date training for handlers.
International Agreements: Subject to ADR, IMDG, IATA guidelines for transport of dangerous goods.
