Name: Bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide Lithium Salt (LiTFSI)
Chemical formula: LiN(CF3SO2)2
Common uses: Electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries, catalyst in organic synthesis
Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
Acute health facts: Exposure may cause eye and skin irritation. Dust inhalation could lead to respiratory tract discomfort. Not considered to be carcinogenic, mutagenic, or highly toxic by standard regulatory bodies, but direct exposure risks irritation.
Hazard statements: May cause irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Dust can cause transient discomfort.
Precautionary steps: Avoid breathing dust, wear eye protection, use gloves.
Main component: Lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide, typically at purity above 97%.
Common impurities: Traces of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, other lithium salts, moisture.
Structure: Central lithium ion coordinated by two bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anions; contains both lithium and fluorinated groups.
Eye contact: Immediately flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally.
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin thoroughly with water and soap.
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing persist.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, seek prompt medical advice; never induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional.
Suitable extinguishing media: Use carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or foam. Water can be used on surrounding fires, but avoid direct water jet.
Specific risks: Thermal decomposition at high temperatures generates toxic fumes including sulfur oxides, lithium compounds, and hydrogen fluoride.
Firefighter protection: Use self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear; prevent runoff to waterways and drains.
Spill response: Sweep or scoop up material with minimal dust generation. Deposit in appropriate waste container.
Personal precautions: Ventilate area. Wear gloves, goggles, and dust mask or respirator.
Cleanup steps: Avoid raising dust, wash spill site after removal, control release to prevent entry into sewers or environment.
Handling tips: Minimize dust, avoid ingestion and inhalation, wear recommended PPE.
Safe storage: Store tightly closed in a dry, well-ventilated spot. Keep container away from heat, moisture, and incompatible materials such as strong bases and acids.
General care: Isolate from foodstuffs, store away from direct sunlight and sources of ignition.
Engineering controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to minimize airborne dust. Keep exposure as low as possible.
Personal protective equipment: Wear safety glasses, nitrile or latex gloves, lab coat, and respirator if dust is present. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Exposure limits: No established occupational exposure limits appear in major regulatory listings, so treat as nuisance dust for health protection.
Form: Solid, white powder or crystalline.
Odor: None or very faint.
Melting point: Typically above 234°C (453°F).
Boiling point: Decomposes before boiling.
Solubility: Readily soluble in water and common polar organic solvents (acetonitrile, propylene carbonate).
Other features: Non-volatile, chemically stable under recommended conditions.
Stability: Remains stable at room temperature and under recommended storage. Moisture uptake can degrade product.
Incompatible materials: Strong bases, strong acids, moisture, reducing agents.
Hazardous decomposition products: Hydrogen fluoride, sulfur oxides, and lithium compounds may form at high temperatures.
Reactivity: Little reactivity under normal lab or industrial conditions, does not polymerize.
Acute toxicity: Oral toxicity in animal studies ranks as low to moderate. Direct skin or eye exposure causes irritation.
Chronic effects: Long-term health effects not fully studied, though there is no evidence of carcinogenicity or reproductive toxicity in reported literature.
Irritation, sensitization: Skin Exposure can cause redness, itching; eye contact causes watering, stinging. Inhalation may cause coughing.
Routes of entry: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact.
Environmental fate: Not biodegradable, potentially persistent in soil and water. Relatively mobile due to good water solubility.
Acute aquatic toxicity: Data scarce, though suspected to present low toxicity to fish and larger aquatic organisms.
Environmental risks: Accidental contamination can add fluorinated substances to water systems. Prompt containment matters to limit spread.
Waste treatment: Collect in tightly sealed containers for disposal. Do not release to sewer or soil.
Disposal methods: Treat as hazardous waste; incinerate or use certified chemical disposal service in compliance with local and national rules.
Packaging: Contaminated packaging requires the same level of care; decontaminate or dispose along with leftover material.
UN or DOT classification: Not specifically listed as dangerous for transport under most regulatory systems, though always check current guidelines.
Safe transport advice: Carry in sealed, clearly labeled containers. Avoid conditions that could lead to moisture ingress or package rupture.
Accident response: In the event of a spill, follow protocols for chemical powders, use protective equipment, and notify authorities as required.
Chemical inventory status: Listed by REACH, TSCA, and other major chemical regulations as an approved substance.
Signal words/pictograms: Marked as hazardous irritant under GHS; labeling includes warnings for eye and skin irritation.
User obligations: Handlers and employers uphold responsibility for providing clear risk communication, adhering to worker protection standards, and maintaining current safety training for anyone coming into contact with this material.