MSDS for Tetrahydrothiophene 1,1-Dioxide

Identification

Product Name: Tetrahydrothiophene 1,1-Dioxide
Synonyms: Sulfolane, Tetramethylenesulfone
CAS Number: 126-33-0
Recommended Use: Solvent, extractant, specialty chemical manufacturing
Manufacturer/Supplier: Chemical producer contact details available on container label
Emergency Contact: Emergency number on Safety Data Sheet or local poison control
Relevant Identified Uses: Industrial solvent, research applications

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria for most uses; certain formulations may present hazards depending on concentration and impurities
Label Elements: May irritate eyes or skin upon direct contact; avoid inhaling vapors
Signal Word: Warning
Pictograms: Exclamation mark (where applicable)
Hazard Statements: Causes mild skin and eye irritation, may cause respiratory discomfort
Precautionary Statements: Wear gloves, wash hands thoroughly after handling, use only in well-ventilated areas

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Tetrahydrothiophene 1,1-dioxide
Common Name: Sulfolane
Concentration: Typically >99% by weight in pure form
Impurities/ Additives: May include water (<1%), trace organic or inorganic compounds depending on source

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical advice if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash area thoroughly with plenty of soap and water, consult medical attention if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present, get medical attention if discomfort continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel, provide medical care if large amount swallowed or symptoms arise
Most Important Symptoms: Mild irritation, possible dizziness if vapors inhaled in enclosed space

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide as appropriate
Specific Hazards: Decomposition can generate hazardous sulfur oxides, product is combustible but not highly flammable
Protective Equipment: Firefighters require self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Procedures: Cool containers exposed to fire with water spray, prevent runoff from entering water sources or drains

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, goggles, and appropriate protective clothing, ventilate spill area
Environmental Precautions: Do not allow spillage to reach surface water, soil, or drains, contain leaks
Cleanup Methods: For small spills, absorb with inert material such as sand, collect for disposal; for large releases, dike for later recovery or disposal, wash area with plenty of water after material removal
Disposal: Collect spill residues in suitable containers, dispose under local regulations

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, prevent inhalation of vapors or mist, do not eat or drink around the product, use only with proper ventilation
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated locations away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers and acids
Special Requirements: Protect containers from physical damage and moisture, label containers clearly, keep out of reach of children and unauthorized personnel

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: Occupational exposure limits not established in most regions but minimize exposure as precaution
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or adequate general ventilation to reduce vapor concentration
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles or face shield, lab coat or protective clothing suitable for chemical handling
Hygiene: Wash hands after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke during use, shower if large exposure occurs

Physical and Chemical Properties

Form: Colorless, oily liquid
Odor: Faint, similar to ether
Melting Point: 27-29°C
Boiling Point: 285°C
Density: 1.26 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Miscible with water and most organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: 0.01 mmHg at 20°C
pH: Neutral in water
Flash Point: 165°C (closed cup)
Auto-ignition Temperature: 490°C
Evaporation Rate: Low; evaporates slower than water
Other Properties: Stable at ambient temperature, non-corrosive in pure form

Stability and Reactivity

Reactivity: Relatively stable under standard conditions
Chemical Stability: Product remains stable when stored as recommended
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Contact with strong acids or oxidizers can release gases and heat
Conditions to Avoid: Excess heat, flame, incompatible chemicals
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids
Decomposition Products: Sulfur oxides, carbon oxides, possible toxic fumes

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) approx. 1260 mg/kg, generally regarded as low to moderate toxicity
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause mild irritation on prolonged contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: Moderate, may result in redness and discomfort
Inhalation: Vapors may cause dizziness or respiratory irritation at high concentrations
Chronic Effects: No clear evidence of carcinogenicity or mutagenicity, but repeated exposure can cause dermatitis
Other Information: Studies suggest low bioaccumulation potential, rapid metabolism and excretion in mammals

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Acute toxicity (fish, Daphnia) moderate to low, not expected to bioaccumulate significantly; chronic aquatic exposure may cause long-term effects
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions, half-life in most environments measured in days to weeks
Mobility: Highly mobile in soil due to solubility in water, may leach to groundwater if spilled
Other Adverse Effects: Not anticipated to cause significant environmental harm in normal use, avoid uncontrolled releases

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Contaminated material should be burned in a chemical incinerator equipped with afterburner and scrubber, or sent to licensed chemical disposal
Product Disposal: Follow local and national regulations for disposal, do not discard down drain or to the environment
Container Disposal: Rinse thoroughly, dispose in accordance with regulations
Precautions: Do not reuse empty container for food, water, or storage of incompatible substances

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous goods for transport under most international regulations
Proper Shipping Name: Sulfolane or Tetrahydrothiophene 1,1-dioxide
Transport Hazard Class: Typically not regulated due to low hazard
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: None identified at transport concentrations
Special Precautions for User: Ensure packaging maintains integrity and labeling during transit

Regulatory Information

Regulatory Status: Not listed as a controlled substance, subject to chemical safety assessment
Inventory Status: Registered or exempted under major chemical inventories including TSCA (US), EINECS (EU)
OSHA Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous under OSHA regulations
Other Regulatory Listings: Detailed information on local workplace, environmental, and consumer protection standards available from regional agencies
Restrictions: Not for food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical use except as explicitly permitted by regulations