Chemical Name: 3,3',5,5'-Tetramethylbenzidine
Synonyms: TMB, Tetramethylbenzidine
Recommended Use: Chromogenic substrate in two-component detection systems, especially enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA)
CAS Number: 54827-17-7
Molecular Formula: C16H20N2
Molecular Weight: 240.34 g/mol
Manufacturer/Supplier: Various chemical supply companies specialized in laboratory reagents
Contact Information: Emergency phone number, address, and designated contact required for regulatory compliance and response to accidental exposure situations
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral), Category 4; Skin irritation, Category 2; Eye irritation, Category 2A
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed; Causes skin irritation; Causes serious eye irritation
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhaling dust; Use gloves, eye protection and lab coat; Wash exposed areas thoroughly after handling; Seek medical advice if feeling unwell or exposed
Potential Health Effects: Eye and skin contact may lead to irritation or inflammation; ingestion may cause nausea or vomiting; dust inhalation may lead to respiratory tract irritation or coughing
Target Organs: Skin, eyes, respiratory tract
Chemical Identity: 3,3',5,5'-Tetramethylbenzidine
Content: Typically 99% pure
Impurities: Trace level residual solvents and by-products depending on production batch
Other Ingredients: May contain trace stabilizers or anti-caking agents for improved shelf life as provided by suppliers; no other intentionally added compounds in analytical reagent grade material
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air; loosen tight clothing; monitor for persistent cough or difficulty breathing and seek medical attention
Skin Contact: Rinse affected site with plenty of water and gentle soap; remove contaminated clothing; monitor for redness, blistering, or irritation, and consult a physician for persistent symptoms
Eye Contact: Gently flush eyes with lukewarm running water for 15 minutes, lifting eyelids to ensure thorough irrigation; seek immediate medical help
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water to remove residual chemical; do not induce vomiting without explicit guidance from medical personnel; seek immediate attention in case of discomfort, vomiting, or ongoing symptoms
Suitable Extinguishers: Dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, foam, water spray
Specific Hazards: Combustion may release nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other toxic vapors
Protective Equipment: Full protective suit and positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus recommended; evacuate personnel from vicinity
Advice for Firefighters: Prevent run-off from contaminating drains and sewers; use water spray to cool surfaces exposed to fires; handle residue as hazardous
Personal Precautions: Avoid inhalation and direct skin contact; wear gloves, chemical splash goggles, and laboratory coat
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spills from entering drains, sewers, or natural waterways; use absorbent, inert materials to contain spread
Methods for Cleaning Up: Carefully sweep up and place waste in labeled, tightly sealed containers for specialist disposal; decontaminate area with water and detergent
References to Other Sections: Review handling and disposal advice for proper decontamination and waste disposal to limit personal and environmental risks
Handling: Avoid generating dust; use only in well-ventilated workspaces or fume hoods; wear proper lab attire; keep containers tightly closed when not in use to minimize air exposure and moisture ingress; separate from incompatible chemicals
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated location; avoid proximity to heat, ignition sources, oxidizers, or strong acids; keep out of direct sunlight and away from children or unauthorized personnel
Packaging: Use chemically compatible, tightly sealed containers and check integrity regularly for leaks or deterioration
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established regulatory limits; minimize exposure by administrative and engineering controls
Engineering Controls: Use fume hoods, ventilation systems, and dust control measures; regularly inspect protective equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, protective lab coat, closed-toe shoes; consider respiratory protection if dust or aerosols are formed
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands before eating and after handling; launder clothing regularly; do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas
Appearance: Pale blue to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless or faint aromatic smell
Melting Point: 163-165°C
Boiling Point: Data not readily available; decomposes at elevated temperatures
Solubility: Sparingly soluble in water; soluble in methanol, ethanol, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and organic solvents
pH (for solutions): Slightly basic
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at standard temperatures
Flash Point: Not available; likely above ambient room temperature
Density: About 1.1 g/cm3
Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions; decomposes with strong oxidizers or acids
Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizing agents and strong acids; may produce toxic fumes upon decomposition
Incompatible Materials: Halogenated hydrocarbons, nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, strong bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methylated aromatic compounds
Hazardous Reactions: None reported under normal use and recommended storage conditions
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat) estimated at 930 mg/kg; harmful effects primarily via ingestion, inhalation, or eye/skin contact
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes irritation on prolonged or repeated contact
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes irritation, redness, possible blurred vision
Respiratory Sensitization: Prolonged exposure to dust or vapors may irritate respiratory tract
Carcinogenicity: No definitive studies linking long-term exposure to cancer, but safety data remains limited; good laboratory practice reduces risk
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: Data insufficient for comprehensive risk assessment; handle with caution and avoid unnecessary exposure
Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms in high concentrations; precise EC50 for fish and invertebrates not well established
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable; may persist and accumulate in environmental compartments if released
Bioaccumulative Potential: Potential to concentrate in aquatic species due to low solubility and organic affinity
Mobility in Soil: Low water solubility indicates limited mobility; strongly adsorbed to organic matter
Other Adverse Effects: Larger or repeated spills contribute to chemical load in wastewater streams; maintain best practices to avoid environmental release
Disposal Methods: Collect used or contaminated material in labeled, sealed containers; incinerate in a chemical waste facility or dispose of as hazardous waste following regional regulations
Additional Recommendations: Do not dispose via regular trash, sinks, or surface water; review local and national legislation for hazardous chemical disposal requirements
Disposal of Containers: Rinse thoroughly, deface labels, and dispose as hazardous waste; empty containers may pose risk due to residual content
UN Number: Not regulated for ground transport in most jurisdictions; confirm based on consignment type and mode
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated as a dangerous good under IATA, IMDG, DOT in majority of commonly supplied quantities
Proper Shipping Name: 3,3',5,5'-Tetramethylbenzidine
Packing Group: None assigned
Special Precautions: Protect from extreme temperatures, moisture, and physical impact; use secure packaging to prevent accidental spills
OSHA Status: Not specifically listed as hazardous, but prudent practice dictates treating as chemical with irritation risks
TSCA Inventory: Listed
EU Regulations: REACH registered; designated under harmonized hazard categories
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting; component substances not specifically listed under Section 313
Canada WHMIS Classification: Not controlled
Other Regulations: Subject to restrictions governing use, storage, and transport of hazardous lab reagents; always consult latest regulatory guidance for workplace and environmental safety compliance