Material Safety Data Sheet for Thiazole Blue

Identification

Product Name: Thiazole Blue
Chemical Formula: C16H16N8S2
Synonyms: MTT; 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent
Manufacturer: Refer to supplier documentation
Contact Information: Supplier emergency number, address available on label
CAS Number: 298-93-1
UN Number: Not classified for transport
Relevant Identified Uses: Cell viability assays, scientific research, diagnostic applications

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous by GHS criteria under normal conditions
Label Elements: No signal word. Pictograms not required.
Physical Hazards: Dust may irritate respiratory tract; contact with strong oxidizers might release hazardous byproducts
Health Hazards: May cause mild skin and eye irritation; inhaling fine powder can trigger coughing, sneezing, discomfort
Environmental Hazards: Avoid release into aquatic environments; long-term effects not well documented
Hazard Statements: Irritating to eyes, respiratory system, and skin
Precautionary Statements: Minimize dust formation, wear protective clothing, work in well-ventilated spaces
Other Hazards: Not known to be carcinogenic, but no chronic toxicity studies exist for extended exposure

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Thiazole Blue (MTT)
Synonyms: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide
Other Components: Purity typically 98% and above; minor stabilizers present (often less than 2%)
Impurities: No hazardous impurities above 1% concentration reported
Molecular Weight: 414.41 g/mol
Appearance: Yellow crystalline powder
CAS Number: 298-93-1

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse gently with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, hold eyelid open, remove contact lenses, irritation or redness may last, see eye doctor for persistent symptoms
Skin Contact: Wash area with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, use skin cream for persistent dryness or irritation, seek medical advice if rash shows up
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, help breathing with calm reassurance, seek attention if symptoms continue (such as coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat)
Ingestion: Rinse mouth out, drink water, avoid inducing vomiting, medical advice if large amounts swallowed or symptoms appear
Most Important Symptoms: Irritation, cough, sneezing, slight stinging of skin, very rarely allergic reaction
Medical Attention: Healthcare professional should monitor symptoms, treat accordingly, supply information from this MSDS

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Agents: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards from Combustion: May emit toxic fumes (nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide)
Protective Equipment: Full firefighting gear with self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Fire-Fighting Procedures: Remove containers from hazard area if possible, ventilate space
Further Advice: Runoff water may be contaminated, contain runoff using sand or earth

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing in dust, ventilate the area, wear gloves, goggles, mask
Environmental Precautions: Prevent from entering drains or surface water, watch for dust dispersal
Cleanup Methods: Scoop spilled material with shovel or brush, place into sealed container, wipe surface with damp rag, dispose securely
Disposal: Double-bag and label waste, follow local disposal requirements for chemical residues
Other Measures: Report significant spills to regulatory authorities

Handling and Storage

Handling Advice: Use protective gear, avoid creating dust clouds, wash hands after use, don’t eat, drink, or smoke nearby
Safe Storage: Store in original tightly closed container, keep dry and cool, avoid sunlight or high humidity
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers and strong acids
Handling Conditions: On bench tops with trays handy to catch spills, mark containers clearly
Storage Life: Stable for up to 2 years at 2-8°C in absence of light

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits; handle with care as for all fine powders
Control Measures: Work inside fume hood if possible, local exhaust recommended, avoid inhaling dust
Protective Equipment: Nitrile gloves, lab coat, chemical splash goggles, dust mask or respirator if ventilation low
Hygiene Controls: Wash hands before breaks and after finishing work, keep contaminated clothing separate
Environmental Controls: Do not allow significant amounts to contaminate ground water or sewers

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Yellow-to-orange, crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 300°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not applicable, decomposes
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in DMSO and some organic solvents
pH: No data for solid; mildly acidic in solution
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable (solid)
Density: Approximately 1.6 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Not measured
Flash Point: Not flammable under normal conditions
Viscosity: Not relevant for solid

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal lab storage and handling
Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged exposure to light, moisture, heat
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids
Hazardous Reactions: Does not polymerize, but may react with strong oxidizers
Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide and dioxide

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eyes, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Low oral toxicity reported in animals, LD50 (mouse oral) around 900 mg/kg
Skin and Eye Irritation: Mild irritation, redness, itching may show up after direct exposure
Respiratory Effects: Inhaling powdered material could cause cough, throat irritation
Chronic Toxicity: No confirmed reports; avoid unnecessary long-term contact
Sensitization: Rare, but rash or allergy possible with repeated contact
Cancer Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogen, but long-term genetic data lacking
Reproductive Toxicity: No available data, avoid unnecessary exposure during pregnancy

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not studied in detail, but similar compounds show low acute aquatic toxicity
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, may persist in soils and water
Bioaccumulation: No available data, structure suggests low risk
Mobility in Soil: Limited by low solubility in water
Other Adverse Effects: Chemical residues can impact laboratory wastewater, always dispose through chemical waste channels

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Collect waste in sealed containers, label as hazardous laboratory chemical
Incineration: Approved chemical incinerator only, avoid release of toxic gases
Landfill: Not recommended unless local regulations allow
Contaminated Packaging: Clean if possible, otherwise dispose as chemical waste
Local Regulations: Follow city or facility guidelines for hazardous waste; do not flush down drain

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not controlled
Proper Shipping Name: Thiazole Blue, non-hazardous chemical
Environmental Hazards: No data on marine pollutant status, avoid significant release during transit
Special Precautions: Keep containers closed, prevent rough handling

Regulatory Information

US Regulation: TSCA inventory listed, not a hazardous chemical under OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200
Europe: Complies with REACH requirements for laboratory use
Canada: DSL/NDSL: Listed
Australia: AICS: Listed
Other National Inventories: Check specific regional requirements
Hazard Categories: Not subject to major hazard classification, but always follow standard chemical safety rules
Labeling: Laboratory use only; avoid eye, skin, clothing contact; keep away from food