1-Ethylimidazole Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Identification

Product Name: 1-Ethylimidazole
Chemical Formula: C5H8N2
CAS Number: 1072-62-4
Synonyms: 1-Ethyl-1H-imidazole, N-Ethylimidazole
Intended Use: Laboratory chemical, solvent, chemical synthesis component
Supplier Information: Supplied by multiple lab chemical distributors, always check shipment label for specific supplier details and emergency numbers

Hazard Identification

Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 3), Acute toxicity oral (Category 4), Skin and eye irritation (Category 2)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor; Harmful if swallowed or inhaled; Causes skin and eye irritation
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation Mark
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from sources of ignition and open flames, avoid breathing vapor, wear protective gloves and eye protection, wash hands thoroughly after handling, avoid contact with skin or eyes

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: 1-Ethylimidazole
Concentration: >98%
Impurities: Trace impurities can occur from synthesis but typically below regulatory thresholds
Other Components: No other components deemed hazardous by regulatory standards

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air, keep at rest, monitor for respiratory symptoms. Seek medical attention for persistent irritation or difficulty breathing.
Skin Contact: Immediately wash skin with soap and plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Continue rinsing for at least 15 minutes. Get medical advice for irritation or rash.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do—continue rinsing. Get medical attention for persistent discomfort.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, never induce vomiting. Get medical help. Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
General Notes: If symptoms develop or persist, seek medical attention regardless of entry route.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, foam, water spray for large fires
Unsuitable Media: Do not use direct water jet as it may spread the fire
Special Hazards: Produces toxic gases such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide under combustion
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Advice for Firefighters: Approach from upwind and avoid inhaling combustion products, use alcohol-resistant foam for larger fires, cool containers exposed to fire with water spray

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area, eliminate ignition sources, use personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and chemical-resistant clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further spillage or leak if safe to do so, try to keep chemical out of drains and sewers, inform appropriate authorities if environment contaminated
Clean-up Methods: Absorb with inert material (sand, earth, vermiculite), scoop up residues for disposal in chemical waste container, wash spill site after material pickup is complete, do not use combustible cleaning agents for large spills

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only in well-ventilated places, avoid breathing vapor or mist, avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing, keep away from heat or open flames, do not smoke in area of use, use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, keep away from strong oxidizers, acids, and ignition sources, protect from light and moisture, label all containers clearly and check for container integrity regularly

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Work in fume hoods or with local exhaust ventilation to minimize vapor exposure, monitor air regularly for vapors if used frequently or in large quantities
Eye Protection: Safety goggles with side shields, face shield if splash risk exists
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile recommended), lab coats, and closed-toe shoes
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH/MSHA approved respirators if ventilation is inadequate or if vapor concentrations are high
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat or drink in areas where the chemical is used, remove contaminated clothing before leaving work area

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless or slightly yellowish liquid
Odor: Mild amine-like odor
Molecular Weight: 96.13 g/mol
Boiling Point: 168–170°C
Melting Point: -35°C
Flash Point: 52°C (closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: 0.5 mmHg at 25°C
Solubility: Miscible with water, ethanol, many organic solvents
pH: Not applicable (neutral in water)
Refractive Index: 1.492 at 20°C
Explosive Properties: Not explosive, but vapor forms flammable mixtures with air

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions, avoid contact with moisture and strong oxidizing agents
Reactivity: May react with acids to produce heat and hazardous vapors, strong oxidizers may cause fire or explosion hazard
Hazardous Reactions: Risk of exothermic reaction with alkylating agents
Decomposition Products: Thermal decomposition releases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides
Conditions to Avoid: Sparks, flames, electrostatic discharge, extreme temperatures, incompatible chemicals

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Ingestion causes gastrointestinal discomfort, possible vomiting or diarrhea; inhalation may irritate respiratory tract
Skin/Eye Irritation: Can cause redness, pain, prolonged exposure worsens irritation
Chronic Effects: Prolonged contact may cause dermatitis, repeated inhalation may affect liver or kidneys
Carcinogenicity: No classification as carcinogenic by IARC, ACGIH, NTP, or OSHA
LD50 (Oral, Rat): ~1160 mg/kg
Sensitization: Not reported as a sensitizer in humans or animals
Symptoms: Eye redness, skin rash, sore throat, headache, cough, stomach upset

Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Harmful to aquatic organisms in high concentrations, risk of long-term adverse effects in aquatic environment
Persistence and Degradability: Expected to be biodegradable in soil and water; complete breakdown not rapid
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low potential due to moderate water solubility and low octanol-water partition coefficient
Mobility in Soil: High mobility in soil and groundwater due to solubility
Other Effects: Not ozone depleting, not a greenhouse gas contributor
Precautions: Prevent significant release and runoff into waterways, alert environmental authorities if large contamination occurs

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Collect in labeled chemical waste containers, dispose via licensed waste contractors
Contaminated Packaging: Triple-rinse, puncture empty containers, send to hazardous waste facility
Do Not: Dump in drains, landfill, or general waste. Avoid incineration unless permitted by local regulations
Regulations: Follow federal, state and local regulations regarding disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: UN1993
Proper Shipping Name: Flammable liquid, n.o.s. (contains 1-ethylimidazole)
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquid)
Packing Group: III
Label: Flammable liquid
Marine Pollutant: Not classified as marine pollutant
Precautions for Transport: Transport in secure, upright containers; keep away from oxidizers, heat and ignition sources; verify packaging is undamaged before shipping

Regulatory Information

Specific Regulations: Not listed as a controlled substance; subject to workplace chemical regulations including OSHA Hazard Communication, SARA 311/312; not found on U.S. TSCA Inventory as a restricted chemical
Label Elements: Requires flammable and health hazard labels in workplace
Other regulations: Compliance with EU REACH for European import, local environmental and health safety codes for storage and disposal required. Check stickers and documentation before international shipment
Employee Training: Staff handling must complete chemical safety training; safety data readily accessible in work areas.