2,3,5,6-Tetrafluorobenzyl Alcohol - Material Safety Data Sheet
Identification
Product Name: 2,3,5,6-Tetrafluorobenzyl Alcohol
CAS Number: 17424-21-2
Synonyms: TFB Alcohol; 2,3,5,6-Tetrafluorobenzylalcohol
Recommended Use: Chemical synthesis, laboratory reagent, intermediate in organic synthesis
Manufacturer: Specify manufacturer or supplier information from the label
Emergency Phone Number: Obtain contact details from safety data source, commonly an emergency Chemtrec number or manufacturer’s emergency line
Hazard Identification
Classification: Eye irritation, Skin irritation, Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure)
Label Elements: Hazard pictogram: exclamation mark; Signal word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin irritation, Causes serious eye irritation, May cause respiratory irritation
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust/vapors; Wash skin thoroughly after handling; Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection
Effects of Exposure: Burning of eyes or skin, coughing, possible shortness of breath, discomfort if swallowed
Other Hazards: Vapor can irritate mucous membranes; possible central nervous system effects with prolonged exposure
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical Identity: 2,3,5,6-Tetrafluorobenzyl Alcohol
CAS Number: 17424-21-2
Concentration: 99% or higher (dependent on supplier)
Impurities: Minimal, typical specification reports less than 1% other related organic compounds
Molecular Formula: C7H4F4O
Molecular Weight: 180.1 g/mol
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Seek medical advice if symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath persist. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration.
Skin Contact: Immediately remove contaminated clothing and wash affected area with soap and water for several minutes. Medical attention if irritation continues.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids occasionally. Medical evaluation recommended.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Medical assistance if feeling unwell or after swallowing a significant amount.
Most Important Symptoms: Irritation, redness, burning sensations, respiratory discomfort
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, foam, water mist
Specific Hazards: Combustible at high temperatures; vapors can form flammable mixtures with air
Hazardous Combustion Products: Hydrogen fluoride, carbon oxides, potentially toxic organic fluorine compounds
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear
Advice: Cool exposed containers with water spray; remove ignition sources if safe to do so
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Use personal protective equipment including chemically resistant gloves, goggles, protective clothing; avoid inhaling fumes and contact with skin or eyes; keep area well ventilated
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into groundwater, sewers, basements, or confined areas; notify authorities if spill enters environment
Containment: Absorb spillage with inert material (sand, earth, vermiculite), transfer to suitable containers
Cleaning Up: Use non-sparking tools; wash contaminated area thoroughly after clean-up; dispose of material in accordance with local and national regulations
Handling and Storage
Safe Handling: Operate in a well-ventilated area, avoid inhaling vapor or dust, avoid skin and eye contact, keep away from heat and ignition sources, do not eat, drink, or smoke near handling area
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and any exposed skin before breaks and after handling; remove contaminated clothing promptly
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers, cool dry place, away from sunlight and incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers or acids
Incompatible Materials: Strong bases, oxidizing agents, acids, certain metals
Packaging Materials: Use fluoropolymer or glass container for stability
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits by OSHA, ACGIH, or NIOSH; minimize exposure using good industrial hygiene practices
Engineering Controls: Use with local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to limit airborne exposure
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles or full face shield, lab coat or apron, proper respiratory protection when airborne exposure risk exists
Environmental Exposure Controls: Avoid release to the environment; implement spill containment system in storage and handling areas
Special Considerations: Eyewash stations and safety showers should be available in work areas
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Slight, sweet or phenolic odor
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: Not available
Melting Point: Less than 20°C (liquid at room temperature)
Boiling Point: 118-123°C (measured at atmospheric pressure)
Flash Point: Above 55°C (closed cup method)
Evaporation Rate: Not determined
Flammability: Combustible liquid
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Vapor Density: Heavier than air
Relative Density: 1.48 g/cm³ at 25°C
Solubility in Water: Slight, less than 1% by weight
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Not available
Autoignition Temperature: Not established
Decomposition Temperature: Tends to decompose above 150°C
Viscosity: Moderate
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of use and storage
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions identified under recommended conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, oxidizers, alkali metals
Hazardous Decomposition: Hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide and dioxide, traces of other toxic fluorine-containing substances
Polymerization: Not expected to occur
Special Sensitivities: Excess heat, sunlight, high humidity, open flames can trigger rapid decomposition or ignition
Toxicological Information
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, eye contact
Acute Toxic Effects: Causes irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; may cause central nervous system effects in high exposures including headache and dizziness
Chronic Effects: Long-term repeat exposure may cause dryness or cracking of skin, potential sensitization
LD50 (Oral, Rat): Estimate above 500 mg/kg, specific data limited
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Moderate irritant
Eye Damage/Irritation: Estimated to cause eye irritation
Carcinogenicity: No agency listing as carcinogen
Mutagenicity: No data available
Other Effects: Potential effects from inhalation include respiratory tract irritation and discomfort
Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: Data limited; may be toxic to aquatic organisms; risk of long-term adverse effects not ruled out
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent; limited biodegradation in environmental compartments
Bioaccumulation Potential: Potential for accumulation exists due to lipophilicity; specific Quantitative data not available
Mobility in Soil: Likely low to moderate, caution for groundwater contamination
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid formulation release into natural water bodies to prevent possible disruption to aquatic life
Disposal Considerations
Waste Treatment Methods: Consult local, state, and federal regulations for proper disposal methods; incineration recommended with qualified hazardous waste service
Container Disposal: Rinse and destroy containers after use if permitted by regulations, or return to supplier for proper recycling
Special Precautions: Do not release into environment; avoid disposal in drains, surface water, or soil
Recommended Handling of Waste: Label waste for hazardous chemical disposal; keep incompatible materials separate during storage and transportation
Transport Information
UN Number: Not assigned, not classified as dangerous for transport under DOT or IATA in small quantities
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous for ground, air, and marine shipment in properly packaged and labeled condition; check for local restrictions
Packing Group: Not applicable
Proper Shipping Name: Chemical, n.o.s. (for shipment; verify with regulatory authorities)
Special Precautions for User: Handle containers carefully; avoid dropping or puncturing; proper labeling required for all shipping units; emergency response information should accompany shipment
Regulatory Information
US Regulations: Not listed specifically by OSHA, TSCA, SARA, or CERCLA as hazardous substance; consult all applicable state-level chemical regulations
EU Regulations: May be subject to REACH if imported above threshold volumes; not classified under the CLP regulation for hazardous classification, but follow general chemical handling directives
Label Requirements: Must carry hazard, precautionary, and product identification labeling as required by authority having jurisdiction
Other Regulations: Consider country-specific environmental and workplace standards; product safety information should be provided to downstream users