Material Safety Data Sheet: 1,2,4,5-Tetramethyl-1H-Imidazole

1. Identification

Product Name: 1,2,4,5-Tetramethyl-1H-Imidazole
Synonyms: Tetramethyl Imidazole, 1H-Imidazole, 1,2,4,5-tetramethyl-
CAS Number: 1165-48-6
Recommended Use: Laboratory research, organic synthesis, specialty chemicals manufacturing
Supplier: Chemical and laboratory suppliers, contact available on packaging
Emergency Contact: Refer to in-country poison control center information and the supplier’s emergency phone line listed on product documents

2. Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Eye Irritant (Category 2A), Acute Toxicity (Oral and Dermal, Category 4), Skin Irritant (Category 2)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation, harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin, may cause allergic skin reaction, may cause irritation to respiratory tract
Pictograms: Exclamation Mark
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves, avoid breathing dust, wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat, drink or smoke while using, use in well-ventilated area, avoid release to environment
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Symptoms: Redness, itching, eye pain, skin irritation, coughing, sore throat

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: 1,2,4,5-Tetramethyl-1H-Imidazole
Chemical Formula: C7H12N2
Concentration: 100% (pure substance for most lab applications)
Impurities/Additives: Not present in significant amounts unless indicated by supplier
Relevant Impurities: Trace solvents or byproducts from synthesis, if present, are listed on product CoA

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, support breathing if necessary, seek medical attention if discomfort persists
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with plenty of water and soap, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical advice if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and possible, continue rinsing, seek professional medical attention for prolonged redness or pain
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel, call physician or poison center
Most Important Symptoms: Stinging, burning, swelling of exposed tissues, possible dermatitis, respiratory irritation
Notes for Doctor: Treat symptomatically, provide respiratory support if inhaled in high concentrations

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry powder, foam, carbon dioxide, do not use direct water spray on burning material
Unusual Fire or Explosion Hazards: May produce toxic fumes such as carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides under fire conditions, dust may form explosive mixture with air
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing
Specific Methods: Isolate hazard area, cool containers with water spray to prevent pressure build up, use caution determining the source of fire
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides (NOx), unidentified organic fragments

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate enclosed areas, wear appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves and face protection
Environmental Precautions: Avoid runoff into soil, drains, or waterways, inform relevant authorities if substance enters environment
Cleanup Methods: Contain spillage by collecting material with inert absorbent (sand, vermiculite), sweep up and transfer to suitable container for disposal, clean spill area thoroughly
Disposal: Dispose of cleanup residues as chemical waste in accordance with local regulations
Prevention of Secondary Hazards: Prevent dust formation, avoid creating aerosols, secure container closure

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only in well-ventilated environment, avoid inhaling dust, wear suitable protective equipment, wash hands thoroughly after use, avoid skin and eye contact
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from incompatible substances (oxidizers, acids), keep tightly closed in original container, protect from sunlight, segregate from food and drink
Special Precautions: Ensure containers remain properly labeled and undamaged, keep away from ignition sources, protect against physical damage or contamination

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits established, follow general dust exposure guidelines (e.g., OSHA PEL for particulates not otherwise regulated: 15 mg/m³ total dust, 5 mg/m³ respirable)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, process enclosure, safety shower and eyewash stations near handling area
Personal Protection: Safety goggles or face shield, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), laboratory coat or apron, respiratory protection in case of inadequate ventilation (approved particulate respirator), avoid direct contact with skin and eyes
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area, remove contaminated clothing before entering eating areas, wash hands and face after handling

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Faint characteristic amine-like odor
Melting Point: Approx. 120-130°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Data not available, likely above ambient temperature
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in common organic solvents (ethanol, acetone, DMSO)
pH: Slightly basic in aqueous solution
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Data unavailable
Vapor Density: Not established (solid form)
Density: Approximately 1.05–1.15 g/cm³
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not established
Decomposition Temperature: Above 150–160°C

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage
Reactivity: May react with strong oxidizing agents and acids, avoid contact with halogenated compounds or peroxides
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flame, incompatible storage conditions, moisture exposure
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, toxic organic vapors
Polymerization: No known risk of hazardous polymerization
Incompatibles: Oxidizers, strong acids, strong alkalis

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: May be toxic in moderate quantities by oral, dermal, or inhalation routes; information specific to LD50 values requires additional animal studies, related imidazole derivatives show moderate mammalian toxicity
Irritation: Causes irritation to eyes, skin, upper respiratory tract when exposed to dust or in solution
Sensitization: Possible skin sensitizer; repeated or prolonged contact may result in allergic reaction
Carcinogenicity: No specific data for carcinogenicity; not listed by NTP, IARC, or OSHA as a carcinogen
Mutagenicity: No specific mutagenicity studies available
Reproductive Toxicity: No reproductive toxicity studies for this compound
Symptoms of Exposure: Burning sensation, sneezing, coughing, skin rash, redness, headache, nausea (at higher concentrations)

12. Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not expected to be particularly toxic to aquatic life at environmental concentrations, but precaution should be used to avoid direct discharge
Persistence and Degradability: Slow degradation in soil and water, expected to persist in environment without specialized microbial activity
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low based on chemical structure, does not readily accumulate in organisms
Mobility in Soil: Moderate, some mobility expected in soil profile if released in significant quantities
Other Adverse Effects: No data on ozone depletion, photochemical ozone creation, or endocrine disruption

13. Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Collect solid waste into sealed, properly labeled containers, handover to licensed hazardous waste disposal contractor
Waste Treatment: Do not dispose of in regular trash or down the drain, avoid incineration except in facilities equipped for hazardous chemical waste
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers retain residue, must be handled and disposed of as hazardous waste according to local and national regulation
Local Regulations: Disposal practices must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws governing chemical waste

14. Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport according to current ADR, IATA, or IMDG codes for small laboratory quantities; large commercial shipments may require assessment
Proper Shipping Name: Chemicals, N.O.S. (not otherwise specified) if required
Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous good for transport under standard circumstances
Packing Group: Not assigned
Marine Pollutant: Not classified
Transportation Precautions: Protect from mechanical damage, moisture, high temperature during transit, keep containers tightly closed

15. Regulatory Information

EU Regulations: Listed in EINECS/ELINCS, not classified as hazardous for supply or use at typical laboratory quantities
US Regulations: TSCA inventory listed; not specifically regulated under SARA Title III, CERCLA, or RCRA as a hazardous substance
National/International Regulations: Follow workplace risk assessment and hazard communication requirements in country of use
Label Requirements: Appropriate hazard statements, pictograms, and precautionary measures must appear on label as specified by GHS and local law
Other Regulatory Notes: Users must ensure use remains within the guidance of local occupational safety and chemical handling authorities; SDS updates to be reviewed with each new batch or supplier source