Material Safety Data Sheet: Tetrabutyltin

Identification

Product Name: Tetrabutyltin
Synonyms: Tetra-n-butyltin, TBT
CAS Number: 1461-25-2
Molecular Formula: C16H36Sn
Molecular Weight: 347.17 g/mol
Recommended Use: Industrial synthesis, chemical intermediate
Manufacturer: Supplier or distributor contact details provided on invoice
Emergency Contact: Refer to local emergency response numbers or CHEMTREC

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal), Skin irritation, Eye damage, Specific organ toxicity (single and repeated exposure), Hazardous to aquatic life
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, Exclamation mark, Environment
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed or inhaled, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child, very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors, use with good ventilation, do not release to the environment, wear protective clothing and eye protection
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Target Organs: Central nervous system, gastrointestinal system, kidneys, liver

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Tetrabutyltin
Concentration: 98-100%
CAS Number: 1461-25-2
Impurities: May contain trace organotin compounds or hydrolyzed tin derivatives depending on production method
Stabilizing Additives: None reported

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep patient at rest, seek immediate medical advice. Oxygen or artificial respiration if breathing is difficult.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash thoroughly with plenty of water and soap, seek medical attention for burns or persistent irritation.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids. Remove contact lenses. Seek urgent medical attention.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water only if conscious. Seek poison center or doctor assistance immediately.
Advice for Doctor: Symptoms may be delayed, monitor for central nervous system and renal effects. Supportive care may include managing burns and respiratory distress.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry powder, carbon dioxide, foam. Water may react with the material's vapors or create slippery surfaces.
Inappropriate Media: Direct water streams can spread liquid or react with decomposition products.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Toxic and irritating gases including tin oxides, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
Special Protective Equipment for Fire Fighters: Full-face, self-contained breathing apparatus; chemical resistant suit and gloves.
Fire and Explosion Hazards: Vapors heavier than air, may travel along the ground and ignite at distant sources. Heat can increase risk of rupturing sealed containers.
Other Information: Use water spray to cool containers and disperse vapors.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use appropriate PPE such as gloves, protective clothing, and eye/face protection. Provide adequate ventilation. Remove all sources of ignition.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains, soil, or natural waters. Notify authorities if large spill occurs.
Containment and Cleanup: Absorb with inert non-combustible material (sand, earth, vermiculite). Scoop or shovel into labeled, sealed containers for waste disposal. Decontaminate area and used equipment.
Spill Reporting: Follow local, state, or federal reporting requirements for hazardous substances.

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Use only in well-ventilated chemical fume hoods. Avoid inhalation of vapors, prevent skin and eye contact. Do not eat, drink, or smoke when handling.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed, clearly labeled containers. Place in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location, away from heat, open flames, direct sunlight, strong oxidizers, acids and moisture.
Other Considerations: Inspect containers regularly for leaks or corrosion. Keep away from incompatible materials. Use appropriate secondary containment.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA or ACGIH limits for tetrabutyltin. General organotin compounds: TWA 0.1 mg/m³ (as Sn).
Engineering Controls: Use mechanical exhaust or process enclosures to minimize airborne exposure. Emergency eyewash stations and safety showers accessible in work area.
Respiratory Protection: Organic vapor cartridge respirators or supplied-air respirators required for excessive vapor exposure.
Skin Protection: Impervious gloves (nitrile, neoprene), chemical-resistant lab coats, and aprons.
Eye Protection: Safety glasses with side shields or chemical splash goggles.
Other Protective Measures: Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Do not touch face or eat before removing PPE.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Oily liquid
Color: Colorless to pale yellow
Odor: Characteristic, unpleasant, pungent
Boiling Point: Approximately 136°C (277°F) at 10 mmHg
Melting Point: Below -30°C
Flash Point: 79°C (174°F) (closed cup)
Autoignition Temperature: 230°C (446°F)
Flammability: Combustible liquid
Vapor Pressure: 0.16 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: Heavier than air
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in most organic solvents
Density: 1.07 g/cm³ at 20°C
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 7.7
Viscosity: Not determined

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage conditions.
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, acids, halogens. Reacts with water to form toxic tin oxides and butyl derivatives.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, tin oxides, butyl radicals under fire or thermal decomposition.
Hazardous Reactions: May react violently with oxidizing materials.
Polymerization: Will not occur under normal conditions.
Other Notes: Hydrolyzes slowly in moist air, releasing toxic vapors or flammable gases.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): about 100 mg/kg. Skin absorption and inhalation routes are highly toxic.
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure impairs nervous system, liver, kidneys. Reproductive toxicity suspected.
Skin and Eye Contact: Severe irritation, burns, possible permanent damage to eyes.
Sensitization: Data not available, but organotin compounds sometimes cause allergic reactions.
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA. Organotin compounds have shown tumorigenic effects in animal studies.
Mutagenic Effects: Negative in standard bacterial mutagenicity screens. Organotins often disrupt gene expression at high levels.
Other Risks: Central nervous system depression, kidney and liver damage, headaches, nausea, tremors, respiratory tract irritation.

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Very toxic to aquatic organisms (fish LC50: 0.31 mg/L, Daphnia EC50: 0.05 mg/L). Chronic exposure damages aquatic populations.
Environmental Persistence: Breaks down slowly. Lipophilic, accumulates in sediment and animal tissues.
Bioaccumulation: High potential. Biomagnification up the food chain possible based on log Kow.
Soil Mobility: Low mobility in dry soils; leaching increased with organic solvents.
Other Ecological Impact: Organotin pollution linked to shell malformations in mollusks, endocrine disruption in aquatic species.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Chemically degrade under supervised conditions in approved facilities. Do not pour to drains, soil, or municipal waste.
Disposal Containers: Use sealed, clearly labeled hazardous waste drums. Do not reuse empty packaging.
Regulatory Approvals: Follow national, regional, local hazardous waste disposal laws and regulations. Consult licensed waste disposal company.
Contaminated Packaging: Treat as hazardous waste; consult guidelines for organotin residues.

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 2788
Proper Shipping Name: Organotin compound, liquid, n.o.s. (Tetrabutyltin)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: II (substances presenting medium danger)
Marine Pollutant: Yes – significant risk to aquatic environments.
Special Transport Precautions: Secure containers upright, keep away from food and feedstuffs. Downstream users must be notified of hazards.
Other Labeling: Poison label, Marine pollutant symbol.

Regulatory Information

Global Inventory Listings: Listed on TSCA (USA), EINECS (EU), DSL (Canada), and relevant inventories in Japan, Korea, Australia.
US Regulations: Subject to SARA 302/313 reporting, CERCLA hazardous substance requirements. OSHA hazardous material.
EU Regulations: Classified as hazardous under CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. REACH-registered substance.
Other Jurisdictions: Check country-specific rules on occupational exposure, transport, disposal, and environmental protection.
REACH/HSNO/WHMIS: Considered hazardous under these frameworks. Safety Data Sheet required for all workplace use.
Hazard Symbols: Toxic, Harmful, Dangerous to Environment.