Material Safety Data Sheet for Tert-Butyl Bromide

Identification

Product Name: Tert-Butyl Bromide
Chemical Name: 2-Bromo-2-methylpropane
CAS Number: 507-20-0
EC Number: 208-062-8
Recommended Use: Intermediate for organic synthesis, laboratory research
Manufacturer/Supplier: Contact company safety officer for current supplier information
Emergency Phone Number: Refer to local regulations and internal contact list

Hazard Identification

Classification: Flammable liquid, Acute toxicity (oral), Skin irritation, Eye irritation, Specific target organ toxicity
GHS Label Elements: Signal word: Danger, Hazard phrases: Toxic if swallowed, causes skin and eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation, highly flammable liquid and vapor
Health Hazards: Inhalation leads to coughing, dizziness, nausea; contact causes redness, burns; ingestion can result in abdominal pain, vomiting
Environmental Hazards: Harmful to aquatic life, pollutes groundwater
Physical Hazards: Vapors form explosive mixtures with air, easily ignites from sparks or heat

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Tert-Butyl Bromide
Synonyms: t-Butyl bromide, 1-Bromo-1,1-dimethylethane
Concentration: >98% as supplied
Impurities: May contain traces of related alkyl bromides, storage degradation byproducts

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep warm and at rest, seek medical advice if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with water for 15 minutes, seek immediate attention for any persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, call medical services for persistent effects
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek urgent medical guidance
Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically, monitor breathing and circulation

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam or alcohol-resistant foam preferred
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Water jets spread product, avoid unless used for cooling
Special Hazards: Bromine vapors, toxic, and corrosive combustion products, risk of container bursting
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective suits
Additional Advice: Evacuate area, contain runoff to avoid pollution, cool closed containers near flames using water spray

Accidental Release Measures

Precautions for Personnel: Ventilate area, wear splash-proof goggles, gloves, respirator, avoid inhaling vapor or coming into contact with liquid
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, groundwater, surface water courses
Containment Methods: Absorb spills with inert material such as sand or earth, avoid combustibles
Cleanup Procedures: Collect spilled material in suitable, labeled containers for disposal, decontaminate area thoroughly

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling Requirements: Use only in well-ventilated workspaces, avoid generation of vapor, prevent contact with skin and eyes, ground containers against static discharge
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed, clearly labeled containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated facility, away from heat, sparks, open flames, and incompatible substances
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis, amines, water, and moisture
Technical Measures: Use flame-proof equipment and explosion-proof electrical gear

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established TLV or PEL, minimize exposure as much as possible
Engineering Measures: Use mechanical exhaust ventilation, chemical fume hoods, local exhaust systems
Personal Protection Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, butyl rubber), safety goggles, face shield, long sleeves, flame-resistant clothing, respirator if airborne exposure risk persists
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke near chemical

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Pungent, irritating, ether-like
pH: Not applicable
Boiling Point: 71-73°C
Melting Point: -29°C
Flash Point: -2°C (closed cup)
Flammability: Highly flammable
Vapor Pressure: 140 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: 4.8 (air=1)
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 2.76
Density: 1.217 g/cm³ at 20°C
Explosive Properties: Forms explosive mixtures with air

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended conditions, decomposes in presence of moisture
Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with water, alkalis, strong oxidizers
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, sparks, sunlight, contact with water
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen bromide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, tert-butanol
Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization expected under normal handling

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Skin, eyes, inhalation, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): ~230 mg/kg
Skin and Eye Irritation: Causes severe irritation, possible blisters and burns
Sensitization: Sensitization not widely reported, possibility for allergic reaction exists
Specific Effects: Central nervous system depression, respiratory distress, gastrointestinal upset
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged contact or inhalation can damage liver, kidneys, nervous system, risk of bronchitis, dermatitis
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as known human carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, persistent in soil and water
Bioaccumulative Potential: Moderately bioaccumulative, log Kow 2.76
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility, but can volatilize and contaminate air and local environments
Other Adverse Effects: Contributes to ozone depletion, may hinder sewage plant processes

Disposal Considerations

Waste Generation: All waste should be treated as hazardous
Disposal Methods: Incinerate or treat according to local, state, national regulations—never discharge into drains or natural water sources
Container Disposal: Rinse empty containers with suitable solvent, dispose as hazardous waste
Precautions: Wear protective equipment, ensure proper ventilation and follow regulatory requirements

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 2344
Proper Shipping Name: Tert-Butyl Bromide
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (flammable liquid)
Packing Group: II
Labeling Requirements: Flammable liquid, Keep away from heat and sparks
Special Precautions: Avoid shocks, rough handling, temperature extremes, ensure transport documentation accompanies shipment

Regulatory Information

Applicable Regulations: Covered by OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), SARA Title III (Sections 311/312), TSCA inventory
Labeling Requirements: Signal word: Danger, hazard pictograms for health hazard and flammable liquid
Community Right-to-Know: Reportable quantity under certain thresholds, check with regional authorities
International Standards: Compliant with GHS classification and labeling, covered under REACH as a registered substance in Europe
Restrictions: Restricted use in some countries due to flammability and toxicity—confirm with local environmental agency