Material Safety Data Sheet: Triethyl Orthoformate (TEOF)

Identification

Product Name: Triethyl Orthoformate
Synonyms: TEF, TEOF, Ethyl orthoformate
Chemical Formula: C7H16O3
CAS Number: 122-51-0
Recommended Use: Organic synthesis, pharmaceutical intermediate, chemical manufacturing
Supplier Details: Name, address, telephone number, emergency contact of the provider
Emergency Contact: CHEMTREC or local poison control center

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Flammable Liquid (Category 2), Acute Toxicity-Oral (Category 4), Eye Irritation (Category 2A)
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable, can cause eye irritation, harmful if swallowed, vapors may cause drowsiness and dizziness
Pictograms: Flame, exclamation mark
Signal Word: Danger
Precautions: Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flame, use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid inhalation and contact with eyes and skin

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Triethyl Orthoformate
Chemical Formula: C7H16O3
Concentration: >99%
Impurities or Additives: Trace quantities of ethanol, formic acid or related organic impurities possible
Other Ingredients: None intended

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, seek medical advice if symptoms persist, support respiration if required
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical advice for irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, consult physician if irritation develops
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, seek immediate medical attention
Most Important Symptoms: Headache, drowsiness, eye or skin irritation, gastrointestinal disturbance
Immediate Medical Attention: Respiratory distress, persistent symptoms, or significant ingestion call for urgent medical intervention

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, CO2, water spray
Unsuitable Media: Do not use water jet as it may spread fire
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, potential for toxic vapors
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus
Fire/Explosion Risk: Vapors heavier than air, may travel and flash back to ignition source, contains flammable vapors
Additional Information: Move containers away from fire, cool unopened containers with water, build up of pressure possible on heating

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Remove ignition sources, ventilate area, wear protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and mask
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spill from entering drains, waterways, soil
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with inert material such as sand or vermiculite, sweep up and containerize for disposal, wash spill site after material pickup is complete
Handling Spills: Confine and collect with non-sparking tools, avoid breathing vapors, provide ventilation, restrict access to area until cleanup is finished

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid inhalation of vapors, avoid contact with skin or eyes, use grounded equipment, utilize explosion-proof ventilation and non-sparking tools
Storage: Keep container tightly closed, store in a cool, well-ventilated area, protect from heat, sparks, and open flame, store away from incompatibles like strong oxidizers and acids
Incompatible Materials: Oxidizing agents, acids, moisture
Specific Requirements: Use proper labeling, limit access to trained personnel only, consider local regulations for bulk storage

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established ACGIH/TLV/OSHA exposure limits for TEOF, control airborne levels below irritation threshold
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, laboratory fume hood
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, safety goggles or face shield, lab coat, use of a respirator if ventilation is inadequate
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and at end of work, keep food and drink out of work area, promptly remove contaminated clothing

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Characteristic, pungent
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: -56°C
Boiling Point: 146°C (295°F)
Flash Point: 39°C (102°F) closed cup
Evaporation Rate: Not determined
Flammability: Highly flammable
Explosive Limits: Lower 1.0%, Upper 8.6% (v/v in air)
Vapor Pressure: 8 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: 4 (air=1)
Relative Density: 0.891-0.894 g/cm³
Solubility in Water: Reacts slowly, forms ethanol and formic ester
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): 1.38
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 220°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not determined
Viscosity: Not reported

Stability and Reactivity

Reactivity: Reacts with water to produce ethanol and formic acid derivatives
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Exposure to moisture, strong acids, or oxidizers leads to decomposition
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, ethanol, formic acid, potentially toxic vapors
Incompatible Materials: Water, acids, oxidizers, strong bases
Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization anticipated

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral rat LD50: ~4500 mg/kg, may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, drowsiness on exposure
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Prolonged or repeated contact may cause mild irritation
Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes moderate to severe irritation
Sensitization: Data not sufficient for classification
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure has not been fully studied in humans
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as carcinogenic
Mutagenicity: No conclusive studies
Reproductive Toxicity: No conclusive data
Other Effects: Central nervous system effects from vapor exposure, potential aggravation of pre-existing respiratory or skin disorders

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low acute toxicity to aquatic organisms expected, insufficient data for precise values
Mobility in Soil: Likely moderate due to partial solubility and volatility
Persistence and Degradability: Slowly hydrolyzes under moist conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not anticipated due to hydrolysis and moderate log Kow
Other Adverse Effects: Spills may harm local aquatic environments, volatile organic emissions contribute to smog formation

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations, incineration in an approved facility often preferred
Contaminated Packaging: Do not reuse empty containers, triple rinse and offer for recycling or controlled disposal
Environmental Notes: Do not discharge into drains, water bodies, or onto ground
Special Instructions: Consult hazardous waste professionals for larger or industrial-scale disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: UN1182
Proper Shipping Name: TRIETHYL ORTHOFORMATE
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquids)
Packing Group: II
Label Requirements: Flammable liquid label, handling instructions
Marine Pollutant: Not regulated as marine pollutant
Transport in Bulk: Must use approved tankers with vapor control
Additional Transport Info: Ensure containers remain tightly sealed and upright, keep away from sources of ignition during transport

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Classified as hazardous according to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA: Listed in the United States TSCA chemical inventory
SARA Title III: Not listed as extremely hazardous; subject to general reporting if released in significant quantities
California Prop 65: Not designated as a listed chemical
EU Regulations: Covered by REACH, labeled as flammable, risk phrases for irritation and inhalation hazard
Other International Regulations: Complies with Canadian DSL/NDSL, Australian AICS, Japanese ENCS, and relevant country-specific chemical inventories