Product Name: Carbon Tetrabromide
Chemical Formula: CBr4
CAS Number: 558-13-4
Synonyms: Tetrabromomethane, Tetrabromomethane
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, organic synthesis
Manufacturer Contact: Emergency number and address listed on the shipping document
Emergency Phone: Local poison control center or emergency response
Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation), skin irritation, eye irritation
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin. Causes skin and eye irritation. May affect the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or vapor. Wash hands after handling. Use only in well-ventilated areas. Wear protective gloves, eye and face protection, and avoid release to the environment.
Potential Effects of Overexposure: Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, respiratory distress, skin redness, eye discomfort, possible delayed organ damage.
Chemical Name: Carbon Tetrabromide
Concentration: ≥99%
Chemical Formula: CBr4
Molecular Weight: 331.63 g/mol
Impurities: Less than 1%, identity not significant to typical hazards
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep comfortable for breathing. Seek medical attention for persistent symptoms such as coughing, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical advice if irritation develops.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water, lifting eyelids occasionally. Remove contact lenses if easy to do. Continue rinsing for at least 15 minutes and obtain medical attention.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Never administer anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Seek medical attention if symptoms occur or if large amounts are ingested.
Most Important Symptoms/Effects: Gastrointestinal discomfort, respiratory irritation, skin redness, eye tearing, headache, confusion, possible delayed organ toxicity.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray, foam. Avoid using direct streams of water.
Specific Hazards: Releases toxic fumes of hydrogen bromide, carbon oxides when burned. Containers may rupture from heat exposure.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Special Precautions: Fight fire from a safe distance; use water spray to cool exposed containers.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unprotected personnel from the area. Avoid inhalation or direct contact with the substance. Ventilate the area well.
Protective Equipment: Respiratory protection, chemical-resistant gloves, eye and face protection, impervious clothing.
Spill Cleanup: Absorb with inert material (sand, earth). Transfer to a chemical waste container for disposal. Seal properly and ventilate the area. Prevent substance from entering drains and waterways.
Environmental Precautions: Avoid release to the environment. Report significant spills to local authorities.
Safe Handling: Work in a well-ventilated area. Minimize dust or vapor generation. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during use. Avoid skin and eye contact. Wear recommended protective equipment.
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from sources of ignition. Keep the container tightly closed and clearly labeled. Keep separate from strong oxidizers and incompatible substances.
Storage Temperature: Store at room temperature. Protect from direct sunlight and moisture.
Special Requirements: Ensure secondary containment in storage areas.
Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limits established in the United States; minimize exposure.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or work in an approved fume hood.
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, lab coat or apron, appropriate respirator for dust or vapor if ventilation inadequate.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after use. Remove contaminated clothing before leaving the workplace. Do not touch face or eyes during handling.
Appearance: White crystalline solid
Odor: Distinct, sweet odor
Odor Threshold: Not established
Melting Point: 94.5°C (202°F)
Boiling Point: 189°C (372°F)
Flash Point: Not applicable (not flammable)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in organics such as chloroform and ethanol
Relative Density: 3.42 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: 1.5 mmHg (25°C)
pH: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Log Kow 2.4
Decomposition Temperature: Decomposes above 200°C, liberating toxic gases
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions and recommended storage
Incompatible Materials: Strong bases, active metals, strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition: Produces toxic bromine, hydrogen bromide, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide under thermal decomposition
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flames, direct sunlight, dust formation
Polymerization: Will not occur
Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat) 2,200 mg/kg; LD50 (skin, rabbit) >2,000 mg/kg
Symptoms: Irritation, cough, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, headache, abdominal pain
Chronic Effects: Repeated or prolonged exposure potentially affects liver and kidneys. Some animal studies link long-term exposure to organ damage and nervous system effects.
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by ACGIH, IARC, NTP, or OSHA.
Other Data: Not classified as a reproductive toxicant or mutagen based on available evidence.
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms, impact persists in water environments.
Persistence and Degradability: Slowly decomposes; resistant to rapid breakdown in the environment.
Bioaccumulation Potential: May accumulate in aquatic species due to moderate partition coefficient.
Mobility in Soil: Low to moderate; volatilization possible under certain conditions.
Other Adverse Effects: Brominated organics are persistent and may contribute to long-term ecological harm.
Waste Treatment Methods: Disposal subject to local, state, and federal regulations. Consult authorized waste disposal contractor.
Product Disposal: Incinerate at approved facility. Do not discard with household waste or pour down the drain.
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly before disposal or recycling if possible. Label and handle as hazardous waste.
Environmental Cautions: Prevent leakage or spillage from reaching natural water systems.
UN Number: 2516
UN Proper Shipping Name: Carbon Tetrabromide
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant
Special Precautions for Transport: Secure containers for transport. Mark with required hazard labels. Avoid conditions leading to rupture or leaks.
Regulatory Transport Codes: Compliant with ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA, and local regulations.
TSCA Status: Listed in the Toxic Substances Control Act inventory.
SARA Title III: Not subject to Section 313 reporting.
OSHA: Regulated as a hazardous substance
REACH Registration: Listed; safety assessment information available.
Other Regulation: European Union Labeling (GHS/CLP), WHMIS (Canada) Controlled Product, Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS) inclusion.
Additional Information: Always observe local, national, and international legal requirements; ensure training for all personnel handling the material.
