Material Safety Data Sheet: Tetrachloroterephthalonitrile

1. Identification

Product Name: Tetrachloroterephthalonitrile
Synonyms: TCPT, Perchloroterephthalonitrile
Chemical Formula: C8Cl4N2
Recommended Use: Intermediate for organic synthesis, manufacturing of pigments and dyes
Manufacturer: Refer to supplier documentation for current contact details
Emergency Contact Number: Consult national poison or emergency response center

2. Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), skin irritation, aquatic toxicity
Pictogram: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, aquatic hazard
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, toxic by inhalation and skin contact, causes skin and eye irritation, very toxic to aquatic organisms with long lasting effects
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wear protective gloves, avoid release to the environment, wash hands thoroughly after handling, use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Tetrachloroterephthalonitrile
CAS Number: 117-18-0
Percentage: Greater than 98% by weight
Impurities: Minor organic chlorinated by-products below 1%
Molecular Weight: 267.91 g/mol

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately, keep at rest, call a physician if symptoms persist such as difficulty breathing or dizziness
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with water for at least 15 minutes, seek medical attention for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse with gentle stream of water for minimum 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present, continue to wash, seek medical attention immediately
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth with water, give small amount of water to drink if person is conscious, seek immediate medical attention
Most Important Symptoms: Irritation, respiratory distress, possible allergic reactions, chemical burns possible on prolonged contact

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, foam, water spray for larger fires
Hazardous Combustion Products: May release hydrogen chloride gas, phosgene, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, toxic chlorinated by-products
Specific Hazards: Product dust may form explosive mixtures in air, containers may explode from pressure build-up under heat
Protective Equipment: Full protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus
Firefighting Instructions: Cool containers with water jet, avoid inhaling smoke, evacuate area if large fire breaks out

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unprotected personnel, ventilate area, avoid breathing dust, wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, respirator
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from reaching soil, drains, or waterways, inform relevant authorities in case of environmental contamination
Methods for Clean-Up: Contain spillage using inert absorbent, sweep up with spark-proof tools, place in closed containers for disposal, clean area thoroughly with water and detergent

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Use with adequate local exhaust ventilation, prevent dust generation, do not eat, drink or smoke while handling, wear full protective gear
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated location, keep away from heat, sparks, open flame, incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers or acids, isolate from food and feedstuffs, label containers clearly

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limit values; minimize airborne concentrations
Engineering Controls: Enclose processes, use local exhaust ventilation, maintain low dust levels
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, full face shield, long-sleeved clothing, suitable respiratory protection such as NIOSH-approved dust respirator
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after work, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse, keep work area clean

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid
Odor: Not significant or pungent
Melting Point: 260–272°C
Boiling Point: Not easily distillable
Flammability: Non-flammable solid, combustible at high temperatures
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents such as acetone and chloroform
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at 20°C
Density: About 1.79 g/cm³ at 20°C
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Predicted high, suggesting bioaccumulation potential
pH: Not applicable (insoluble in water)
Evaporation Rate: Not volatile under standard conditions

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: May react with strong oxidizing agents, acids, bases, some metals at high temperatures
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, open flames, sparks, incompatible materials
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride gas, phosgene, chlorinated organic fragments, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides
Polymerization: Not expected to occur under normal conditions

11. Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, dermal, ocular
Acute Effects: Toxic if inhaled, harmful if swallowed, irritation to skin, eyes, respiratory tract
Chronic Effects: May cause allergic skin reactions, cumulative effects on liver or kidneys reported in experimental animals
LD50 (Oral, Rat): Ranges from 100–300 mg/kg (indicative—refer to detailed toxicology reports)
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a confirmed human carcinogen by IARC or NTP, insufficient data for full assessment
Other Information: No evidence of mutagenicity or teratogenicity in available animal studies, but caution advised

12. Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Extremely toxic to aquatic organisms, high risk to fish and invertebrates, long-term persistence
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, persists in soil and sediments, slow environmental breakdown
Bioaccumulation: Predicted high, possible risk to food chains
Mobility: Low water solubility limits migration, but dust can travel
Other Risks: Avoid release to natural waters, potential for long-term ecosystem disruption

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of as hazardous waste in accordance with local, national, and international regulations, incinerate under controlled conditions if permitted, avoid release to landfill or drains except approved sites
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly, dispose through licensed waste handlers
Special Precautions: Do not reuse containers, follow all recommended PPE during disposal, document all actions as required by authorities

14. Transport Information

UN Number: 3077
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (Tetrachloroterephthalonitrile)
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances)
Packing Group: III
Labels Required: Environmentally hazardous, miscellaneous
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant, keep away from water during transport
Special Transport Precautions: Secure tightly, prevent spillage and dust formation, notify handlers regarding hazards, check compliance with local regulations for hazardous cargo

15. Regulatory Information

US Regulations: Subject to TSCA, SARA Title III (Sections 302/313); hazardous substance under CERCLA, classified as hazardous under OSHA HCS
EU Regulations: Subject to REACH, listed as hazardous, requires Safety Data Sheet (Regulation EC No 1907/2006), environment and health hazards apply
Other International: Included in inventories such as Canada DSL, Australia AICS, Japan ENCS, Korea ECL; must comply with local standards for registration and environmental release
Workplace Guidance: Ensure training for personnel, maintain access to SDS, post warning signage in handling and storage areas