Tetraethylammonium Bromide - Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

1. Identification

Product Name: Tetraethylammonium Bromide
Synonyms: TEAB; N,N,N-Triethylethanaminium bromide
Chemical Formula: C8H20BrN
CAS Number: 71-91-0
Recommended Use: Electrolyte in chemical research, phase transfer catalyst in organic synthesis, laboratory reagent
Manufacturer: Chemical supply distributors, laboratory supply companies
Emergency Telephone: Local emergency numbers or Poison Control Center

2. Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Classified as harmful if swallowed, irritant to skin and respiratory tract
GHS Label Elements: Warning signal word, exclamation mark hazard pictogram
Hazard Statements: Causes skin and eye irritation, may be harmful if inhaled or ingested, may cause respiratory discomfort
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, use with adequate ventilation, wear protective gloves and eye protection, wash hands after handling, seek medical advice on exposure

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Tetraethylammonium Bromide
Common Name: TEAB
CAS Number: 71-91-0
Concentration: 100% (pure substance)
Impurities/Additives: None reported in analytical laboratory grade material

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air, monitor for breathing difficulties, seek medical attention if discomfort persists
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse affected skin with soap and water, if irritation remains consult physician
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of clean water for several minutes, check for removal of contact lenses, seek immediate medical advice if pain or burning continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention if significant quantity ingested or symptoms appear

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide extinguishers
Specific Hazards: Under fire, toxic and corrosive fumes of bromide and nitrogen oxides may form
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full chemical protective clothing
Advice for Firefighters: Avoid inhaling fumes, evacuate area, control runoff to prevent environmental contamination, use standard fire-fighting protocols for chemical incidents

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear suitable protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and laboratory coat, avoid generating dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, water sources, or soil, contain spills using absorbent inert material
Containment and Cleanup: Scoop up solid or absorb with inert material, place in airtight container for disposal, ventilate contaminated area after removal, clean hard surfaces with water

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle in well-ventilated area, avoid contact with skin and eyes, avoid dust formation, never eat, drink, or smoke during use, wash hands before breaks and at end of work
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, cool and dry environment, protect from moisture and incompatible materials, segregate from strong oxidizers and acids, label storage clearly

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No ACGIH or OSHA exposure limits published, minimize airborne dust
Engineering Controls: Use chemical fume hood or local exhaust, laboratory-standard ventilation
Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile recommended), safety goggles, laboratory coat, dust mask or chemical respirator in case of significant powder handling
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing at end of work, avoid eating or drinking near chemicals

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
pH (aqueous solution): Near neutral
Melting Point: Around 285°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, soluble in methanol and ethanol
Specific Gravity: Around 1.4 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not significant at room temperature
Flash Point: Not flammable
Partition Coefficient: Not available

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Normally unreactive under ambient conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Avoid contact with strong oxidizers, acids, and strong bases as violent reactions or decomposition may occur
Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, hydrogen bromide, carbon oxides under extreme heat or fire conditions
Conditions to Avoid: High temperature, formation of dust clouds, exposure to moisture

11. Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Effects: May cause irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, possible gastrointestinal upset on ingestion
Chronic Effects: No adequate data on long-term exposure, repeated contact may increase severity of irritation
Toxicity Data: LD50 (oral, rat): reported between 460-550 mg/kg, based on animal studies
Symptoms: Sore throat, coughing, abdominal discomfort, reddening of skin or eyes

12. Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: No detailed quantitative data, has potential to cause harm to aquatic organisms if released in significant amounts
Persistence & Degradability: Expected to be persistent in water, low bioaccumulation potential
Environmental Fate: Mobile in water environments, dissociates into ions, avoid uncontrolled release
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate appreciably
Other Adverse Effects: Limited detailed studies, recommended to avoid releasing into waterways due to potential long-term effects

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of contents and container according to local, regional, national, and international regulations
Disposal of Product: Use authorized hazardous waste collection point, avoid drainage disposal
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse or clean before disposal, follow regulations for hazardous material containers
Special Precautions: Employ a licensed chemical waste contractor, document waste movement for compliance audits

14. Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous goods for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous for ground, air or sea transport
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Prevent spillage or container damage during transit, ensure packaging is sealed and labeled

15. Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed on TSCA inventory for research and industrial use
EC Inventory: EINECS number 200-769-5; listed in European chemical regulatory frameworks
REACH Status: Not subject to authorization for specific applications
Other Regulations: Subject to general chemical and occupational safety regulations, check state or local environmental and health requirements for additional controls
Labeling Requirements: Comply with OSHA Hazard Communication Standards, GHS hazard labeling needed in US and EU