Material Safety Data Sheet: 2-Ethyl-4-Methylimidazole

Identification

Product Name: 2-Ethyl-4-Methylimidazole
Chemical Formula: C6H10N2
Other Names: 2-Ethyl-4-Methyl-1H-Imidazole
CAS Number: 931-36-2
Recommended Use: Curing agent for epoxy resins, chemical intermediate, laboratory reagent
Supplier Information: Manufacturer address and contact available on purchase documents, includes technical hotline for emergency use
Emergency Phone Number: Refer to local chemical emergency lines or provided SDS emergency numbers

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral: Category 4), Skin irritation (Category 2), Eye irritation (Category 2A), Specific target organ toxicity single exposure (Category 3)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation
Pictograms: Exclamation mark (irritation), Health hazard
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contacting eyes and skin, do not ingest, do not breathe dust or vapor, use only with proper ventilation, wear suitable protective gear

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: 2-Ethyl-4-Methylimidazole
CAS: 931-36-2
Concentration: 98-100%
Impurities/Stabilizers: May contain trace amounts of related imidazole compounds; impurity profile subject to manufacturing source

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove from exposure to fresh air, keep individual warm and at rest, seek medical attention if coughing, dizziness, or respiratory discomfort occurs
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with plentiful soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, consult a medical professional if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with clean water for 15 minutes, take care to keep eyelid open, remove contact lenses if present, seek medical help promptly
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek medical advice immediately, provide details of exposure route and amount if possible
Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically; supportive measures as appropriate for irritation and toxicity

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, or water spray as suitable for surrounding fire
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Do not use heavy water stream directly on product
Special Hazards: May emit nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides and other hazardous gases under fire conditions, possible high-temperature decomposition releases toxic fumes
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Additional Information: Prevent run-off from entering drains or watercourses, cool surrounding containers with water spray

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, lab coat or apron, avoid breathing dust, ensure adequate ventilation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product and contaminated materials from entering drains, sewers, watercourses or soil
Spill Cleanup Methods: Scoop up dry material with non-sparking tools, place in labeled waste container with secure lid, ventilate area, wash residues with water and detergent, dispose according to local regulations
Notification: Follow institutional or regulatory notification procedures for chemical spills

Handling and Storage

Handling: Manage in closed systems where possible, minimize dust and vapor generation, avoid ingestion and direct contact, wear proper personal protective equipment
Storage: Keep container tightly closed, store in cool, well-ventilated, dry area, segregate from strong oxidizers, acids, and foodstuffs, label storage clearly
Incompatibility: Avoid contact with oxidizing agents and strong acids, check manufacturer's guidelines before mixing with other chemicals
Special Storage Requirements: Keep away from direct heat and sunlight, secure containers to prevent accidental knock-over, use secondary containment

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: Occupational exposure limits not specifically established; handle as hazardous material
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, process enclosure, use fume hood in laboratory settings
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), splash-resistant goggles, lab coat/coveralls, respiratory protection in case of inadequate ventilation or high dust concentrations
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during use, keep work clothing separate from domestic laundry

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Pale yellow to white crystalline solid
Odor: Faint, amine-like
Melting Point: 67–73 °C
Boiling Point: 265–267 °C
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Solubility: Soluble in water and many organic solvents
Density: Approx. 1.08 g/cm3 at 20°C
pH: Alkaline in aqueous solutions
Other Data: Stable under recommended storage, low-volatility under ambient conditions

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Chemically stable under normal handling and storage
Reactivity: No known hazardous reactions under routine conditions
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, potentially other toxic vapors on combustion or thermal decomposition
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents, acids
Polymerization: Not known to occur

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Moderately toxic; LD50 (oral, rat) reported as 820 mg/kg; skin and respiratory irritation possible
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes inflammation, reddening, and pain on skin contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: Induces severe eye discomfort and irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: May cause coughing, sore throat, and shortness of breath when inhaled
Chronic Effects: Not classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic by major agencies
Other Effects: Prolonged exposure can lead to dermatitis; ingestion may produce nausea, vomiting, and central nervous system symptoms

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Limited data on aquatic toxicity; imidazole compounds usually present moderate persistence in water
Expected to be only slowly biodegradable, may not rapidly break down in environment
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low to moderate; does not readily accumulate in the food chain
Mobility in Soil: High solubility suggests substantial mobility through soil and possible reach to groundwater
Other Hazards: Minimize unwanted release, long-term effects on aquatic life not fully known

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Collect residues in labeled hazardous waste containers, do not dispose in domestic waste or regular landfill
Methods: Use chemical incineration equipped with afterburner and scrubber, disposal at licensed facility
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly before disposal or managed as hazardous waste, follow local regulations for container treatment
Special Instructions: Consult local environmental authorities for recommendations regarding preferred disposal protocols

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as a dangerous good for most transport routes
Proper Shipping Name: 2-Ethyl-4-Methylimidazole
Transport Hazard Class: Generally not classified under main international regulations
Packing Group: Usually not assigned
Shipping Precautions: Use sealed, robust container, protect from mechanical shock and weather; include hazard labeling if mixed with other substances

Regulatory Information

TSCA (US): Listed
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
EU (REACH): Pre-registered or registered as required
Labelling Requirements: Product label must include hazard pictograms, hazard and precautionary statements, supplier details
Other Standards: Confirm local workplace safety act for additional requirements on risk assessments, storage, and use
Restrictions: Not classified as a controlled substance; ensure compliance with workplace chemical safety guidelines