Common Name: Tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate Synonyms: TBA PF6, TBAHFP Chemical Formula: C16H36NPF6 CAS Number: 3109-63-5 Appearance: White or off-white solid, often crystalline Odor: Mild, nearly odorless Use: Often applied in electrochemistry as an electrolyte salt, especially in non-aqueous environments
Hazard Classification: Typically flagged for eye and skin irritation Signal Word: Warning, based on risk of mild to moderate irritation Hazard Statements: May cause irritation to eyes, skin, or respiratory tract. Dust can be harmful if inhaled or ingested. Precautionary Measures: Minimize generating dust, wash thoroughly after handling, avoid contact with skin or eyes Acute Health Hazards: Redness, itching, or mild pain may develop with contact Chronic Health Hazards: No widespread chronic risks documented, still worth handling with care to avoid repeated exposure
Component: Tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate Concentration: Usually near 100% for reagent grade Impurities: Low levels of moisture or other ammonium salts could be present, depending on preparation process
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least ten minutes; lift eyelids if needed Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and plenty of water Inhalation: Move to fresh air, support breathing if necessary Ingestion: Rinse mouth, seek medical attention if large quantities swallowed or discomfort persists Symptoms to Watch For: Redness, itching, coughing, upset stomach Advice for Medical Personnel: Symptomatic treatment based on existing signs
Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or alcohol-resistant foam; water may help cool containers but might not effectively put out chemical fires Hazards from Combustion: May emit toxic fumes of hydrogen fluoride, phosphorus oxides, and nitrogen oxides under fire conditions Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear Specific Risks: Combustible dust buildup could intensify fire in confined areas Firefighting Advice: Approach from upwind, isolate hazard area, contain runoff if possible
Personal Precautions: Avoid creating and breathing dust, ventilate area before entry Environmental Steps: Prevent material from entering drains or watercourses Cleanup Advice: Use a vacuum equipped with HEPA filter or sweep up gently to avoid spreading dust; store residues in tightly closed container for disposal Protective Measures: Gloves, goggles, dust mask or respirator worn during cleanup Decontamination: Wash surfaces thoroughly after cleanup is complete
Safe Handling: Avoid breathing dust, eating, drinking, or smoking when working. Use local exhaust ventilation where dust may be present. Keep away from sources of ignition. Storage Needs: Store in tightly sealed container in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from moisture and incompatible materials Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, strong oxidizers Storage Temperature: Room temperature typically suffices, but anhydrous conditions improve product life and safety Spill Control: Keep supplies ready for minor spills (absorbent material, spill kit)
Engineering Controls: Laboratory fume hood or localized exhaust recommended in areas of dust or fine particulate work Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile or similar gloves, chemical splash goggles, lab coat, dust mask or respirator for prolonged exposure Respiratory Protection: Dust mask in case of airborne dust; higher-level cartridge respirators if occupational limits may be exceeded Eye/Face Protection: Tight-fitting safety goggles or face shield Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and exposed skin before breaks and after handling
Physical State: Solid, often crystalline or in powder form Color: White or slightly off-white Melting Point: Typically between 242°C and 246°C; varies with sample purity Boiling Point: Not relevant; decomposes before boiling Solubility: Soluble in acetonitrile, methanol, some other polar organic solvents; practically insoluble in water Density: Roughly 1.23-1.25 g/cm³ at room temperature Odor: Odorless or faintly ammoniacal Flash Point: No precise data due to decomposition before boiling Other: May absorb moisture from air if not stored properly
Stability: Stable in original packaging and dry storage, sensitive to high temperatures and humidity Potentially Hazardous Reactions: Contact with strong acids, bases, or oxidizers may cause decomposition, releasing hazardous gases Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, moisture, prolonged exposure to air Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen fluoride, phosphorus oxides, nitrogen oxides during fire or strong chemical reaction Polymerization: Not known to polymerize or form hazardous byproducts during ordinary use
Inhalation: Inhaling dust may irritate respiratory tract; coughing or slight discomfort may follow Skin Contact: Mild irritation possible after prolonged or repeated exposure Eye Contact: Possible redness, watering, discomfort; not classified as corrosive Ingestion: Large amounts may cause digestive upset, nausea; few reports of serious toxicity in typical lab settings Chronic Exposure: No long-term effects broadly recognized; best practice discourages habit-forming contact Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic under main regulatory agencies (IARC, NTP, OSHA) Sensitization: Rare, but allergies to ammonium compounds have been noted in some users
Environmental Fate: Limited data available; not known to bioaccumulate significantly, but should not be released to environment Aquatic Toxicity: Poorly soluble in water; hydrolysis may liberate toxic byproducts harmful to aquatic organisms in large quantities Mobility: Solid in natural environments, likely to bind to soil if released Persistence: Low potential for natural breakdown, especially in absence of strong light or heat Ecotoxicological Concerns: Proper containment and disposal limits risk of groundwater or runoff contamination
Waste Disposal: Collect waste in sealed, clearly labeled containers; follow local, regional, or national regulations for hazardous chemical waste Avoid: Disposal down drains or in regular trash Neutralization: Specialized facilities may treat or incinerate; consult local authorities for approved methods Packaging: Empty containers thoroughly before disposal; some may require triple-rinsing and removal of all identifying marks Cleaning Equipment: Wash tools and surfaces with plenty of water; collect all washings for proper disposal
Shipping Classification: Not considered a dangerous good under most transport regulations, though best practice treats it as hazardous due to chemical risks Packaging: Secure, tight-fitting containers; protect from moisture and strong impacts Hazard Labels: None required by DOT or IATA for pure substance in small quantities, but clear labeling aids emergency response Precautions in Transit: Keep separate from acids, oxidizers, and reactive chemicals; avoid exposure to high temperature or rough handling Reporting Requirements: Notify proper authorities in case of spills during transit
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established permissible exposure limit in the United States; recommend minimization of airborne dust Chemical Inventories: Typically listed on US TSCA, EU EINECS/REACH, and Asian chemical regulatory lists SARA Title III: Not flagged by most hazardous substance or toxic release inventory systems Labeling: Standard labelling for irritants and for laboratory use only; not approved for food, drug, or cosmetic use Worker Right-to-Know: Material Safety Data Sheets and hazard communication programs important for workplace safety