Material Safety Data Sheet: 5-Methyl-1H-Imidazole-4-Methanol

Identification

Product Name: 5-Methyl-1H-Imidazole-4-Methanol
Chemical Formula: C5H8N2O
CAS Number: 6642-31-5
Recommended Use: Laboratory chemical, research and development, synthesis of organic compounds
Supplier Information: Chemical distribution company, laboratory supply vendor, or academic institution
Emergency Phone Number: CHEMTREC (24/7): 1-800-424-9300

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), Skin irritation, Eye damage
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, can cause skin irritation, can cause serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory tract irritation
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Signal Word: Warning
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or vapor, wear protective gloves and safety goggles, wash hands thoroughly after handling, seek medical advice if feeling unwell, rinse eyes thoroughly if contact occurs

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: 5-Methyl-1H-Imidazole-4-Methanol
Concentration: >98% pure
Chemical Synonyms: 5-Methyl-4-hydroxymethylimidazole
Impurities: Trace organic impurities from synthesis, water (moisture), residual solvents (ethanol, methanol, or dichloromethane may be present in trace amounts if material freshly prepared or not fully evaporated)

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical attention if symptoms continue
Skin Contact: Immediately remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with plenty of soap and water, seek medical attention for skin irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses, continue rinsing, seek immediate medical help
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical professional, seek immediate medical advice

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray
Unsuitable Media: Full water jet (may spread chemical)
Specific Hazards: Thermal decomposition may produce nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear
Firefighting Instructions: Approach fire from upwind, use water mist to cool containers, evacuate area if necessary

Accidental Release Measures

Spill Response: Ventilate area, avoid dust formation, evacuate non-essential personnel
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, safety goggles, lab coat, avoid breathing dust
Clean-up Method: Sweep up and place in container for disposal, avoid generating dust, wash spill site with water and detergent after material pickup
Environmental Precautions: Do not allow product to enter drains, waterways, or soil, inform environmental authorities if large spills occur

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle in well-ventilated area, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, avoid dust generation, use personal protective equipment
Storage Conditions: Keep container tightly closed, store in cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, protect from light, heat sources, and moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, bases
Special Precautions: Use only with chemical fume hood for large scale operations, ensure spill response equipment availability

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, chemical fume hood recommended
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles, laboratory coat, respiratory protection for large quantities or insufficient ventilation
Hygiene Measures: Avoid eating, drinking or smoking near chemical, wash hands thoroughly after handling, keep contaminated clothing out of living area

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Mild, characteristic
Melting Point: 146-150 °C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Soluble in water, alcohols, and some polar organic solvents
pH (aqueous solution): Slightly basic (around 8-9)
Vapor Pressure: Not classified, negligible at room temperature
Density: 1.3–1.4 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Not available
Flash Point: Not available, presumed high due to low volatility
Autoignition Temperature: Data not available
Explosive Properties: No data suggesting explosive hazard under normal handling
Viscosity: Not applicable, solid at room temperature

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: No rapid or violent reactions under normal conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, moisture, direct sunlight, strong sources of ignition
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids or bases
Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, ammonia possible at high temperature

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral, dermal, and inhalation exposure can cause short-term discomfort such as headache, nausea, skin or eye redness
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Can cause skin irritation on contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: Serious eye irritation expected upon exposure
Respiratory Sensitization: May cause irritation of respiratory tract if inhaled as dust
Carcinogenicity, Mutagenicity, Reproductive Toxicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, OSHA, or NTP, no mutagenicity or reproductive toxicity observed in available literature
Potential Routes of Exposure: Skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, ingestion
Symptoms: Redness, dizziness, nausea, respiratory discomfort in sensitive individuals or following high-level exposure
Long-Term Effects: No data indicating chronic effects or bioaccumulation

Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Limited data; low expected chronic aquatic toxicity based on chemical structure and solubility
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable given low molecular complexity
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low, due to water solubility and expected metabolism
Mobility in Soil: Possible leaching in moist environments; product should not be released into natural waterways
Other Adverse Effects: No evidence for significant hormone disruption or secondary environmental hazard under current use patterns

Disposal Considerations

Product Disposal: Collect in sealed, labeled chemical containers, dispose via licensed hazardous waste contractor
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse or otherwise decontaminate, dispose as hazardous chemical waste
Sewage Disposal: Do not dispose via drains or sewers, consult local regulations
Disposal Regulations: Abide by local, regional, and national chemical waste handling requirements

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for ground, air, or maritime transport when in laboratory quantities
Shipping Name: Not listed in current hazardous materials registries for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: Not considered marine pollutant
Special Transport Precautions: Prevent container breakage, secure packaging to avoid dust release

Regulatory Information

TSCA Inventory: Listed or exempt
REACH Status: Exempt or registered as required
SARA Title III: Not subject to SARA hazard categories
California Proposition 65: Substance not listed
Other Regulations: Ensure compliance with local and international chemical safety and registration requirements; check for updates on classification and labeling from government sources