Product Name: Tetrazolium Bromide (MTT)
Chemical Name: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide
Synonyms: MTT reagent
Recommended Use: Cell viability assays, cytotoxicity tests
Manufacturer: Laboratory chemicals supplier, specialty biochemicals provider
Emergency Contact: Refer to supplier's emergency phone number
CAS Number: 298-93-1
UN Number: Not regulated
Molecular Formula: C18H16BrN5S
GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Dermal, Inhalation: Category 4); Eye Irritation (Category 2A); Skin Irritation (Category 2)
Label Elements: Exclamation mark (Warning)
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled; Causes skin and eye irritation
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust; Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Wear protective gloves, eye and face protection
Route of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Potential Health Effects: Irritation to mucous membranes, respiratory tract, skin, and eyes; possible allergic reactions
Chronic Effects: No significant long-term toxicity noted in typical laboratory use
Component: Tetrazolium Bromide (MTT)
Chemical Formula: C18H16BrN5S
Concentration: 98–100% (pure powder)
Impurities: Residual organic compounds (trace, below 0.5%); water (<0.1%)
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air immediately; provide oxygen if breathing is difficult; seek medical attention for persistent symptoms
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin with generous amounts of soap and water; contact physician if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse with clean water for several minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids; remove contact lenses if easy; obtain medical help if discomfort continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical attention; do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel
Acute Symptoms: Burning, stinging sensations, mild nausea, headache, itching
Delayed Symptoms: Persistent irritation, allergic dermatitis in rare cases
Flammability: Combustible solid, not highly flammable under normal conditions
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide (CO2), foam, water spray (use as appropriate for surrounding fire)
Special Hazards: Possible release of toxic fumes—nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides, hydrogen bromide, carbon monoxide
Advice for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing; avoid inhaling fumes
Fire and Explosion Sensitivity: No unusual explosion hazards; dust can form explosive mixtures with air in rare cases
Personal Precautions: Use appropriate personal protective equipment; ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways, soil, and drains
Cleanup Methods: Gently sweep or scoop up material; avoid creating airborne dust; collect in tightly closed, labeled waste container; wash spill area thoroughly with water and detergent
Disposal: Dispose following local, regional, and national regulations; incinerate under controlled conditions if possible
Handling: Avoid breathing dust; handle in well-ventilated spaces or fume hood; prevent eye and skin contact; use non-sparking tools
Storage: Keep container tightly closed; store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space, away from oxidizers, heat, and direct light; label clearly; secure from unauthorized access or incompatible materials
Storage Class: Chemical storage for hazardous substances
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids and bases
Control Parameters: No established occupational exposure limits; minimize dust exposure
Engineering Controls: Laboratory fume hood, local exhaust ventilation, dust containment equipment
Personal Protective Equipment: Laboratory gloves (nitrile, neoprene), lab coat, protective goggles, disposable mask for dust, closed footwear
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing, avoid eating or drinking near the work area
Environmental Protection: Use procedures to prevent environmental contamination
Appearance: Yellow powder
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: Not applicable (insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents)
Melting Point: 300–306 °C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Flash Point: Not determined
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Combustible in powder form
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Relative Density: 1.40–1.50 g/cm3
Solubility: Slight in water, readily in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and other organics
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Not available
Decomposition Temperature: Begins at above 300 °C
Viscosity: Not applicable
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of storage and handling
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, heat, exposure to direct sunlight, sources of ignition, contact with incompatibles
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Toxic gases—nitrogen oxides, bromine compounds, sulfur dioxide, carbon oxides
Polymerization: Will not occur under normal conditions
Acute Toxicity – Oral: LD50 (rat): approx. 500–800 mg/kg
Acute Toxicity – Dermal: LD50 (estimated, rat): >2000 mg/kg
Inhalation: Dust may cause irritation to respiratory tract
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mild to moderate irritant
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes irritation
Sensitization: No known reports, possibility of allergic reactions cannot be excluded
Repeated Dose Toxicity: No chronic effects documented at laboratory exposure levels
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not listed as carcinogen or mutagen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Other Toxic Effects: Not expected to cause reproductive toxicity; low-level risk if managed safely
Target Organ Effects: Not specifically identified
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life; avoid environmental release
Persistence and Degradability: Data not sufficient; believed to be moderately persistent in the environment
Bioaccumulative Potential: No significant potential expected; molecule not highly lipophilic
Mobility in Soil: Limited solubility; likely binds to soil particulates
Other Information: Handle waste carefully to prevent contamination of water systems or groundwater
Avoid Release: Do not flush into surface water or sanitary sewer systems
Waste Disposal Method: Incinerate in permitted chemical waste facility; landfill only if incineration not feasible and according to local rules
Packaging Disposal: Triple rinse and dispose of container as hazardous waste
Recycling: Not recommended
Precautions: Wear full protective equipment during disposal; avoid generating dust; observe all applicable regulations
UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport under international regulations
Proper Shipping Name: No special hazard designation
Transport Hazard Class: Not assigned
Packing Group: Not assigned
Marine Pollutant: Not classified, but minimize environmental contamination
Special Precautions: Package securely to avoid spillage; keep away from incompatible cargo
OSHA Status: Hazardous chemical under OSHA criteria
TSCA: Listed in the United States TSCA inventory
EU Regulation (REACH): Registered substance; requires handling under standard laboratory safety rules
WHMIS (Canada): D2B (Toxic material causing other toxic effects)
Other Regulations: Subject to workplace control measures in most countries; not subject to major restrictions under international chemical regulations
Labeling Requirements: Reflect acute toxicity, specific workplace safety instructions, personal protective equipment, and accident procedures