Material Safety Data Sheet: Tetrachlorophthalonitrile

Identification

Product Name: Tetrachlorophthalonitrile
Chemical Formula: C8Cl4N2
CAS Number: 117-18-0
Synonyms: 3,4,5,6-Tetrachlorophthalonitrile
Recommended Use: Intermediate for organic synthesis, pigment precursor
Supplier: Manufacturer-specific contact required for actual supplier details
Emergency Contact: Refer to local regulations and company-specific emergency number

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute Toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), Skin Irritation, Eye Irritation, Aquatic Toxicity
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed or in contact with skin; Causes skin irritation; Causes serious eye irritation; Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, environment
Precautionary Statements: Do not handle until all safety precautions are understood; Avoid release to environment; Wear protective gloves, eye protection; Wash contaminated skin thoroughly after handling

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Tetrachlorophthalonitrile
Concentration: >98% by weight
Impurities: Trace quantities of related phthalonitrile derivatives, potential residual solvents from synthesis
Molecular Weight: 267.91 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air; Keep individual at rest and ensure access to medical attention; If breathing is difficult, qualified personnel may administer oxygen
Skin Contact: Remove any contaminated clothing immediately; Wash exposed skin with plenty of running water and soap; Seek medical advice if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes under clean water for at least fifteen minutes holding eyelids apart; Remove contact lenses if easily possible; Continue rinsing and consult medical professional
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with water; Do not induce vomiting unless directed by health professional; Seek direct medical care without delay
Most Important Symptoms: Burning sensation in affected tissues, skin redness, swelling, irritation of mucous membranes, nausea, respiratory distress

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide; Water spray can help cool containers but may not extinguish burning powder
Special Hazards: Thermal decomposition emits toxic chloride fumes, nitrogen oxides, and possibly phosgene
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use full protective suit, approved self-contained breathing apparatus
Firefighting Advice: Use water mist to minimize dust or disperse fumes; Prevent contaminated water run-off from fires reaching waterways

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Ventilate area thoroughly; Evacuate unprotected personnel and restrict access; Use appropriate PPE including respiratory protection
Environmental Precautions: Stop material from entering soil, drains, or watercourses; Notify authorities if contamination occurs
Cleanup Methods: Contain spillage; Sweep up using methods that minimize airborne dust; Transfer to suitable, sealed containers for local disposal; Wash affected area with plenty of water
Decontamination: Avoid use of solvents that react with product; Use detergent solution for minor residues

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle powders in dedicated chemical fume hood; Avoid generation of airborne dust; Wash hands and face thoroughly after use
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, in dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and sunlight; Isolation from strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents recommended
Special Precautions: Warning labels visible on storage vessels; Emergency eyewash stations and showers available in areas where product handled

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation preferred to minimize dust exposure; Safety showers and eyewash fountains located close to handling areas
Personal Protective Equipment: Use impervious gloves, chemical-resistant clothing, goggles or face shield; Approved respirator for airborne dust
Workplace Monitoring: Periodic air sampling to ensure levels remain below recommended exposure thresholds
Hygiene Requirements: No eating, drinking, or smoking in work areas where chemical present

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Off-white to pale yellow crystalline solid
Odor: Faint aromatic smell
pH: Not applicable (insoluble in water)
Melting Point: 237–242 °C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Insoluble in water, limited solubility in organic solvents such as acetone and chloroform
Vapor Pressure: Very low at room temperature
Density: About 1.7–1.9 g/cm³

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; Avoid prolonged exposure to light and humidity
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids or bases, strong oxidizers
Conditions to Avoid: Contact with moisture, elevated temperatures, ignition sources
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, phosgene in severe overheating

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Effects: Nausea, dizziness, skin and eye irritation, respiratory tract discomfort
Chronic Effects: Possible liver and kidney injury on prolonged exposure, dermatitis, sensitization
LD50 Data: Oral rat LD50 reported as between 100–500 mg/kg; dermal and inhalation toxicity less well documented
Carcinogenicity, Mutagenicity, Reproductive Toxicity: No adequate long-term studies in humans; animal data limited, handle as potentially hazardous

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic life due to persistence and poor biodegradation
Soil Mobility: Low mobility under most natural conditions, but potential for accumulation
Persistence and Degradability: Resistant to most standard environmental breakdown pathways, persistent in sediments
Bioaccumulation: Potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms according to structural analogs
Other Impacts: Avoid uncontrolled release; Risk of buildup in food chain if large spills occur near ecosystems

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose of as hazardous chemical waste through licensed facility; Incineration preferred if permitted for chlorinated aromatic compounds
Waste Packaging: Use sealed, clearly labeled containers for collection and disposal
Handling of Residues: Small residues and contaminated objects handled as hazardous waste
Regulatory Requirements: Refer to local, state, and national hazardous waste regulations for compliance details

Transport Information

UN Number: 3077
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally Hazardous Substance, Solid, N.O.S. (contains Tetrachlorophthalonitrile)
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous goods)
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: Yes (marine pollutant regulations may apply)
Special Precautions for Transport: Secure containers firmly, prevent dust during loading and unloading, mark packages with accurate hazard labels

Regulatory Information

Inventory Status: Listed on most major chemical inventories including TSCA (USA), REACH (EU), DSL (Canada)
Labeling Requirements: GHS hazard statements, pictograms, and precautionary language required
Occupational Health Standards: No specific OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits; use general guidelines for toxic organic solids
Community Safety Requirements: Reportable under CERCLA and SARA for certain quantities; subject to EU Seveso directives for industrial storage