Product Name: 4-Methylimidazole
Synonyms: 4-Methyl-1H-imidazole, 4-MI
CAS Number: 822-36-6
Recommended Use: Intermediate for dyes, pharmaceuticals, and chemical synthesis
Supplier Details: Manufacturer or distributor information, including address, emergency phone number
Chemical Formula: C4H6N2
Molecular Weight: 82.11 g/mol
GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Dermal, Inhalation), Skin Corrosion/Irritation, Eye Damage/Irritation, Carcinogenicity
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed; causes skin and eye irritation; suspected of causing cancer
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, Health hazard
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wash skin thoroughly after handling, wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection
Chemical Name: 4-Methylimidazole
Concentration: ≥98%
Impurities: Trace levels of water and related imidazole compounds may appear in samples but usually below 2%.
Other Components: No significant non-hazardous components present
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep comfortable, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult, seek medical attention quickly
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area with soap and plenty of water, seek medical advice if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, get medical help
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel, seek immediate medical attention
Most Important Symptoms: Burning sensation, coughing, headache, skin redness, and abdominal pain can develop from exposure
Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, water spray, or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Combustion may release toxic fumes of carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Special Procedures: Stay upwind, avoid inhaling combustion products, cool containers with water spray to prevent pressure build-up or bursting
Personal Precautions: Ventilate area, wear personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and suitable mask
Environmental Precautions: Prevent from entering drains, sewers, or waterways
Spill Cleanup Methods: Absorb with inert material like sand or vermiculite, place in chemical waste container, wash spill site with water after pickup
Safe Handling: Keep container tightly closed, handle in a well-ventilated area, avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing, wash thoroughly after handling
Storage Conditions: Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place, away from incompatible materials such as strong acids and oxidizers
Packaging Materials: Use chemical-resistant containers and keep upright to avoid leakage
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established ACGIH or OSHA limit, minimize exposure as much as possible
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, employ fume hoods in laboratory settings
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, lab coat, and in some cases, NIOSH-approved respirator in poorly ventilated areas
Hygiene Measures: No eating or drinking in work area, wash hands after handling, remove contaminated clothing before entering break areas
Appearance: White to light tan crystalline powder
Odor: Ammonia-like
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH: About 8.5 (in 0.1 M solution)
Melting Point: 44–46 °C
Boiling Point: 267 °C
Flash Point: 137 °C (closed cup)
Flammability: Not classified as highly flammable but will burn
Vapor Pressure: 0.01 mmHg at 25 °C
Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): -0.29
Vapor Density: Not available
Viscosity: Not applicable
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flame, sparks, formation of dust clouds
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide may form on burning
Reactivity: No hazardous polymerization expected under standard storage and handling
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (mouse): ~210 mg/kg, data from animal testing shows moderate toxicity
Irritation/Corrosion: Causes irritation to eyes, respiratory tract, and skin
Carcinogenicity: Classified as Group 2B (possible human carcinogen) by IARC due to animal data
Symptoms: Sore throat, coughing, dizziness, headache, skin redness, gastrointestinal upset after intake
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure can cause organ damage, possible tumorigenic effects in animal studies
Ecotoxicity: Hazardous to aquatic organisms, LC50 (fish, 96h) ≈ 500 mg/L, but lower levels may still be of concern in sensitive environments
Mobility: Highly soluble in water, may disperse widely in aqueous systems
Persistence and Degradability: Not rapidly biodegradable, may persist in environment
Bioaccumulative Potential: Expected to have low bioaccumulation; log Kow under 1
Other Harmful Effects: Spilled material can boost ammonia concentrations, negatively impacting aquatic ecosystems
Safe Disposal Methods: Incinerate in chemical incinerator with afterburner and scrubber, where permitted by local regulations
Container Handling: Triple-rinse containers before recycling or disposal, puncture and render containers unusable
Sewage Disposal: Avoid release to surface water, municipal sewer, groundwater, or natural environment
Disposal Regulations: Handle as hazardous waste, follow all federal, state, and local rules for disposal
UN Number: Not regulated under major transport codes (UN, IMDG, ICAO/IATA)
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous for transport
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not marine pollutant based on available data
Transport Precautions: Store upright, avoid excessive heat, ensure containers are securely closed and labeled
TSCA Status: Listed
SARA Title III: Not subject to Section 302, 304, or 313 reporting
California Prop 65: Listed for reproductive toxicity and carcinogenicity
WHMIS (Canada): Classified as D2A (very toxic, carcinogenicity) and D2B (toxic, skin/eye irritation)
Other Label Requirements: Ensure compliance with OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, EU REACH Regulation if sold in Europe
Label Elements: Signal word “Danger”, appropriate hazard pictograms, phrases detailing risk and safety precautions
