Material Safety Data Sheet for Triethylenetetramine (TETA)

1. Identification

Product Name: Triethylenetetramine
Common Names: Trientine, TETA
Chemical Formula: C6H18N4
CAS Number: 112-24-3
Recommended Uses: Epoxy curing agent, chelating agent, intermediate in chemical synthesis
Manufacturer Contact: Refer to supplier for up-to-date emergency numbers and contact details
Emergency Phone Number: Provided by supplier on demand

2. Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Category 1B; Serious Eye Damage: Category 1; Acute Toxicity Oral: Category 4; Skin Sensitization: Category 1
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; May cause allergic skin reaction; Harmful if swallowed; May cause respiratory irritation
Pictograms: Corrosive, Exclamation Mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors; Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye and face protection; Wash thoroughly after handling; Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product
Other Hazards: Causes severe burns; May produce toxic gases on decomposition

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Triethylenetetramine
Concentration: >95% by weight
Impurities: Water (<2%), Diethylenetriamine (<5%)
CAS Number: 112-24-3
Molecular Weight: 146.24 g/mol

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air. Provide oxygen if breathing is difficult. Seek medical attention right away.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids. Remove contact lenses. Get immediate medical help.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Flush skin with copious amounts of water for no fewer than 15 minutes. Seek medical attention for persistent burns or irritation.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Give plenty of water to drink if person is conscious. Seek immediate medical advice.

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, foam, carbon dioxide, water spray (do not use water jet directly on burning liquid)
Specific Hazards: Produces toxic nitrogen oxides and carbon oxides during combustion
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full fire-fighting gear
Advice for Firefighters: Evacuate area, cool containers exposed to flames with water spray, avoid inhaling combustion products

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Use protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and suitable respirator
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into sewers, watercourses, or soil
Cleanup Procedures: Absorb with inert material (sand, earth, vermiculite), transfer to labeled containers for safe disposal, ventilate area, rinse spill area with water after collection

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only with adequate ventilation or respiratory protection, avoid inhaling vapors and contact with skin and eyes, wash after handling, avoid ignition sources
Storage: Keep containers tightly closed, store in cool, well-ventilated area, protect from direct sunlight and moisture, segregate from acids and oxidizing agents, use corrosion-resistant containers

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Not established for TETA, follow general guidelines for amines
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, eye wash stations, and safety showers
Personal Protection Equipment: Impervious chemical-resistant gloves, chemical splash goggles, protective clothing, approved respiratory protection for vapor or spray mist exposure
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking, or using the restroom, remove contaminated clothing immediately, do not reuse contaminated clothing without cleaning

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear to pale yellow, viscous liquid
Odor: Ammoniacal
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: Approximately 11 (10% solution)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: -35°C
Boiling Point: 277°C at atmospheric pressure
Flash Point: 143°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Not determined
Flammability: Not highly flammable but can ignite at elevated temperatures
Vapor Pressure: <0.01 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: 5.05 (air = 1)
Solubility: Miscible with water
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): -1.56
Auto-ignition Temperature: >200°C
Decomposition Temperature: >100°C
Viscosity: High, specific value depends on temperature

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Reacts strongly with acids, oxidizers, and CO₂
Hazardous Reactions: Exothermic polymerization possible in contact with acidic compounds
Decomposition Products: Ammonia, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, and other toxic gases
Conditions to Avoid: Extreme heat, exposure to strong acids and oxidizing agents, contamination with incompatible materials

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD₅₀ (rat): approximately 2500 mg/kg
Inhalation: Vapors or aerosols are irritating to respiratory tract, can cause coughing and chest pain
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes severe burns and blisters upon contact
Serious Eye Damage: Severe irritation and damage with possible loss of vision
Skin Sensitization: May cause allergic reaction on contact
Repeated Exposure: May cause dermatitis, respiratory tract sensitization, and kidney damage in animal studies
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: No data suggesting mutagenic potential; handle with care
Other Effects: Ingestion and prolonged inhalation may damage liver and kidneys

12. Ecological Information

Acute Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic life, LC₅₀ (fish, 96h): 495 mg/L
Chronic Aquatic Toxicity: May cause long-term adverse effects in aquatic ecosystems
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low (log Kow -1.56)
Mobility in Soil: High, disperses in soil and water, may contaminate groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Possible formation of hazardous byproducts affecting water organisms, handle releases with care

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of product and contaminated packaging as hazardous waste through licensed facility
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse empty containers with water, treat as chemical waste
Environmental Precautions: Avoid disposal into drains, surface water, or ground; comply with local regulations
Recommended Disposal: Incineration preferred to minimize risk of environmental contamination
Additional Information: Submission of waste revision documentation may be required for certain jurisdictions

14. Transport Information

UN Number: UN 2259
Proper Shipping Name: Triethylenetetramine
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (corrosive substances)
Packing Group: II
Label: Corrosive
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Precautions: Secure containers upright, avoid rough handling, follow all hazard labeling protocols for international or domestic transport

15. Regulatory Information

TSCA: Listed on Chemical Substance Inventory
REACH: Registration required for imports and production in the EU
OSHA Hazard Communication: Covered as hazardous under 29 CFR 1910.1200
SARA Title III: Subject to reporting under sections 302 (EHS) and 313 (TRI)
EPCRA Section 311/312: Immediate (acute) health, Delayed (chronic) health, and Reactive hazards
Canada DSL: Listed
WHMIS Classification: D1B Toxic, E Corrosive
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Other Regulations: Follow local, regional, and national environmental and safety regulations for use, storage, transport, and waste procedures