Chemical Name: Tetrabutylammonium Hydroxide
Synonyms: TBAH, Tetrabutylammonium hydroxide solution
Chemical Formula: C16H37NO
CAS Number: 2052-49-5
Recommended Uses: Laboratory reagent, phase transfer catalyst, organic synthesis, etchant, surfactant
Supplier Identification: Name, address, emergency contact number, and distribution information provided by manufacturer or distributor
Hazard Classification: Corrosive to skin and eyes, acute oral toxicity, aquatic toxicity, respiratory irritant
Signal Word: Danger
Major Hazards: Skin burns, serious eye damage, possible respiratory tract irritation, aquatic environment damage
Pictograms: Corrosive, harmful to aquatic life icons
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Harmful if swallowed or comes into contact with skin. May cause respiratory irritation. Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Wear protective gloves and eye/face protection. Use in a well-ventilated area. Do not breathe mist, vapors or spray. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Substance: Tetrabutylammonium hydroxide
Concentration: Typically supplied as a 25–40% aqueous solution
Chemical Identity: Main component TBAH, water as solvent
Impurities: Trace amines, organic byproducts – levels vary as per manufacturer
General Advice: Move person away from exposure area. Remove contaminated clothing immediately.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Seek medical attention urgently.
Skin Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Wash skin with soap. Seek medical advice if irritation or burns appear.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Keep airways clear. Get medical attention if symptoms occur.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Give water to dilute. Get immediate medical help.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical powder, or water spray as needed.
Specific Hazards: Release of toxic fumes (nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides) possible on combustion.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear recommended.
Firefighting Procedures: Control run-off to prevent entry into waterways or sewers. Move containers from fire area if possible without risk.
Personal Precautions: Use gloves, goggles, chemical-resistant clothing to prevent skin and eye contact. Avoid inhalation of vapors.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains and waterways. Contain spill with dikes or inert absorbent.
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spill with dry sand, earth, or suitable material. Collect for disposal in suitable containers. Wash spill site with water after material pick-up is complete.
Evacuation Procedures: Limit access to affected area until cleanup is finished. Use ventilation to disperse vapors.
Handling: Work in a chemical fume hood if possible. Use proper personal protective equipment. Avoid splashing, spills. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during use.
Storage: Store in a tightly closed, labeled container. Place away from acids, strong oxidizers, and incompatible substances. Keep container in a dry, well-ventilated area at recommended temperature (usually between 2‑8°C unless otherwise specified). Protect from direct sunlight and moisture.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, acid anhydrides, halogenated compounds.
Engineering Controls: Work in a chemical fume hood or ensure good room ventilation. Use safety shower and eyewash nearby.
PPE: Chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles or safety glasses, protective respirator recommended for high vapor concentrations, impervious lab coat or apron.
Exposure Limit Values: No occupational exposure limits established; avoid skin contact and inhalation.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and exposed skin before breaks, after handling, and at end of shift. Remove contaminated clothing immediately and wash before reuse.
Appearance: Clear to slightly yellow liquid
Odor: Mild, amine-like
pH: 13.5–14 (solution)
Melting Point: Not determined (solution); pure solid may decompose
Boiling Point: Approx. 100°C (depends on solution strength)
Flash Point: Non-flammable (aqueous solution)
Vapor Pressure: Not determined for solution
Solubility: Miscible with water
Density: ranges from 0.97 to 1.03 g/cm³ (solution)
Other Properties: Strongly alkaline, decomposes on heating, pungent
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions.
Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with acids and acid chlorides.
Conditions to Avoid: High temperature, incompatible materials, moisture exposure if in non-aqueous form.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide on combustion or decomposition.
Polymerization: No known hazardous polymerization occurs.
Acute Toxicity: Harmful if swallowed, causes severe skin burns, causes serious eye damage
Skin Corrosion: Direct skin contact can produce severe burns and ulcers
Eye Damage: Risk of irreversible eye injury/blindness if splashed in eyes
Inhalation Effects: May cause respiratory tract irritation, cough, difficulty breathing
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged or repeated exposure can cause dermatitis, persistent eye damage
Sensitization: Not reported
Additional Data: Animal and human data limited; handle with care as for strong caustics
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms, long-lasting effects on water environments
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, alkyl ammonium compounds may persist
Bioaccumulative Potential: No significant bioaccumulation expected in most environments
Mobility in Soil: Highly mobile in water, may contaminate groundwater
Other Effects: High pH can cause harmful shifts in aquatic habitat
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of as a hazardous waste by licensed professional waste disposal contractor. Neutralize with dilute acid before permitted drain disposal, but always comply with local regulations.
Container Disposal: Rinse containers with water, then dispose of in accordance with local and federal regulations for chemical waste.
Special Precautions: Do not release into drains or environment unless properly neutralized. Consult local waste authorities for guidance.
UN Number: 3267
UN Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive liquid, basic, organic, n.o.s. (Tetrabutylammonium hydroxide solution)
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive)
Packing Group: II
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Transport Precautions: Keep tightly sealed, upright, and segregate from acids in transport. Ensure clear labeling throughout transit.
Classification under OSHA: Corrosive, hazardous chemical
TSCA Status: Listed
REACH Status: Registration required for imports/production in EEA, substance notification applies
SARA 302/304/311/312/313: Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance, but reportable for inventory and safety under section 311/312
Canadian WHMIS: Classified as corrosive material
State Regulations: Subject to various workplace and environmental reporting requirements
Labeling Requirements: Hazard pictograms, signal word, H- and P-statements per GHS
