Material Safety Data Sheet for 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium Acetate
Identification
Product Name: 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium Acetate
Synonyms: EMIM Acetate, 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethanoate
Chemical Formula: C8H14N2O2
CAS Number: 143314-17-4
Recommended Use: Solvent for cellulose processing, ionic liquid for chemical synthesis, use in batteries and catalysis
Supplier: Contact relevant chemical manufacturer or distributor
Emergency Contact Number: Refer to regional poison control or chemical emergency support
Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Skin irritation (Category 2), Eye irritation (Category 2), Specific Target Organ Toxicity – single exposure (Category 3)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause respiratory irritation.
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Routes of Exposure: Skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, ingestion
Health Hazards: Irritation to mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract, skin and eye irritation, possible allergic reactions
Physical Hazards: No significant fire hazard under normal handling conditions, hygroscopic
Environmental Hazards: Harmful to aquatic organisms, potential for bioaccumulation not fully studied
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical Name: 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium Acetate
CAS Number: 143314-17-4
Purity: Typically greater than 95%
Impurities: Trace amounts of water, chloride, byproducts dependent on manufacturing route
Additives: None typically added
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move the affected person to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist; provide oxygen if breathing is difficult.
Skin Contact: Rinse thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing; wash before reuse.
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for 15 minutes, lifting eyelids. Do not rub. Obtain medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical care.
Symptoms: Redness, irritation, cough, sore throat, watering eyes, skin dryness or cracking
Medical Attention: Physician should treat symptomatically.
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid high volume water jets
Specific Hazards from Combustion: Emits toxic fumes of carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides under fire conditions
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Precautions: Cool containers exposed to flames with water spray. Approach fire from upwind.
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Isolate spill area. Avoid breathing vapors. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, goggles, and suitable respiratory protection.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains, sewers, or the environment.
Containment Methods: Stop leak if without risk. Dike spilled liquid with inert materials (soil, sand, vermiculite).
Cleanup Procedures: Absorb on vermiculite or sand. Collect residues in chemical waste containers. Ventilate area and wash spill site after material pickup.
Handling and Storage
Handling Precautions: Use only with adequate ventilation. Avoid inhalation, skin and eye contact. Wear proper PPE. Keep away from sources of ignition.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Protect from moisture and strong oxidizers. Keep away from incompatible materials.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, strong oxidizing agents, halogenated compounds
Specific Requirements: Use corrosion-resistant containers. Store away from foodstuffs or animal feed.
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Engineering Controls: Handle in a chemical fume hood with local exhaust. Provide safety shower and eyewash stations in the work area.
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator if exposure limits are exceeded. Otherwise, standard lab protection is sufficient.
Hand Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene)
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shield
Body Protection: Lab coat or chemical apron, closed-toe shoes
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling and before eating or drinking. Discard contaminated clothing.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific exposure limits set by OSHA, NIOSH, or ACGIH for this compound
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Mild, slightly vinegar-like
Melting Point: -20 to -15 °C
Boiling Point: Decomposes prior to boiling (approx. >200 °C)
Flash Point: >110 °C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Negligible
Flammability: Not classified as flammable liquid
Vapor Pressure: Very low (practically non-volatile)
Relative Density: 1.09–1.12 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Solubility: Completely miscible in water, soluble in ethanol, DMSO, acetone
Viscosity: 30–50 mPa·s at 25 °C
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Not available
pH: Slightly acidic in solution
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures, sensitive to contamination
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, moisture, strong oxidizers, open flames
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Can react with water under extreme conditions to form acetic acid and related degradation products
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, acetic acid, other organic compounds
Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): >2000 mg/kg (low toxicity based on experimental data)
Skin Irritation: Causes moderate skin irritation in rabbits and humans
Eye Irritation: Causes significant eye irritation
Inhalation: May cause irritation or coughing at high vapor concentrations
Chronic Effects: No evidence for carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity based on current studies
Sensitization: Not known to cause skin sensitization
Target Organs: Eyes, skin, mucous membranes
Symptoms of Exposure: Local irritation, redness, swelling, tearing, sore throat, coughing
Carcinogenic Status: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as a carcinogen
Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects; limited data available but some ionic liquids show significant aquatic toxicity
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately biodegradable, but may persist in low-oxygen environments
Bioaccumulation: Potential bioaccumulative properties are uncertain, limited studies
Mobility in Soil: Soluble and mobile in water, may leach into groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Potential concern for soil microflora and aquatic species, always avoid uncontrolled release
Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal Methods: Incinerate or landfill according to local, regional, or national regulations; do not discharge to surface water or municipal sewers
Container Disposal: Empty containers should be triple rinsed and either incinerated or landfilled according to standards
Sewage Disposal: Chemical must not be disposed of down the drain
Hazardous Waste Number: Classification depends on local guidelines; typically non-listed, but still handled as hazardous due to toxicity concerns
Transport Information
UN Number: Not regulated under ADR, RID, IMDG, or IATA
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as hazardous for transportation by land, sea, or air
Transport Hazard Class: N/A
Packing Group: N/A
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant according to available information
Special Precautions: Use suitable containers to prevent leakage, follow local regulations
Regulatory Information
Safety, Health, and Environmental Regulations: TSCA (United States) listed. Not regulated as hazardous chemical under OSHA. Not subject to REACH Annex XVII restrictions. Not listed under Canadian DSL/NDSL.
Labeling Requirements: GHS compliant labeling, warning for chemical irritation, appropriate pictograms
SARA Title III Sections 302/304/313: Not listed
California Proposition 65: Product not known to contain listed chemicals
National Inventory Status: Complies with most international chemical inventories
Other Regulations: Follow workplace safety and environmental management best practices for handling.