Product Name: Tetrapropylorthosilicate
Synonyms: TPOS, Tetra-n-propyl orthosilicate, Tetrapropyl silicate
CAS Number: 682-01-9
Recommended Use: Used as a precursor for silica, in chemical synthesis, coatings, adhesives, and sealants
Manufacturer Contact: Product safety department, chemical supplier
Emergency Contact: Chemtrec +1-800-424-9300 (U.S. and Canada)
Address: Refer to product label or supplier documentation
GHS Classification: Flammable Liquid (Category 3), Skin Irritant (Category 2), Serious Eye Irritant (Category 2A), Specific Target Organ Toxicity - Single Exposure (Category 3)
Label Elements: Signal word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor, Causes skin irritation, Causes serious eye irritation, May cause respiratory irritation
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation Mark
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat / sparks / open flames / hot surfaces. Avoid breathing vapors. Wear protective gloves and eye/face protection. Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated area.
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation causes irritation; skin contact causes redness and burns; eye contact leads to severe irritation and damage; ingestion may lead to nausea, vomiting, and complications
Chemical Name: Tetrapropylorthosilicate
Chemical Formula: C12H28O4Si
Concentration: >98% by weight
Other Components: Trace amounts of impurities below 2% (propanol, silanol derivatives, not intentionally added)
General: Move affected person to fresh air. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Seek medical advice, show SDS or product label.
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. Keep person relaxed and warm. If breathing is difficult, supply oxygen, and get medical assistance.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothes immediately. Rinse skin thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes. Do not apply ointments unless instructed medically. Seek immediate medical attention for persistent redness or burns.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally. Remove contact lenses if present and easy. Immediate ophthalmological consultation is recommended.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, give water to drink if conscious. Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention because substantial irritation or complications can develop.
Symptoms Delayed: Watch for breathing difficulties, persistent redness, burns, or unusual symptoms. Medical assessment vital if any effect persists.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, CO2 extinguisher, water spray (do not use direct jet)
Hazards Specific to Chemical: Forms flammable vapor-air mixtures. Container exposure to heat may cause rupture or explosion. Combustion produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, silicon oxides.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective suit, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) recommended.
Precautions: Remove containers from fire zone if you can do it safely. Cool containers with water spray to prevent pressure build-up. Avoid inhaling combustion gases.
Special Considerations: Vapor heavier than air, can travel long distances. Flashback or explosion risk cannot be ignored in confined or poorly ventilated areas.
Personal Protective Measures: Evacuate area, ventilate space. Wear suitable protective clothing, chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and respiratory protection.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, ground, or water bodies. Containment preferred using non-combustible absorbent (vermiculite, sand).
Clean-up Procedure: Contain spill. Collect liquid in marked containers for waste disposal. Wash area with plenty of water. Do not reuse spilled material. Dispose through licensed chemical waste contractor.
Reporting: Notify proper authorities if major spillage threatens environment or public safety. Observe local and national spill reporting requirements.
Handling Advice: Work with local exhaust in well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling vapors. Prevent skin and eye contact by using gloves and goggles. Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment.
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed container in cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from heat sources, open flame, and direct sunlight. Keep separate from acids, strong oxidizers, moisture, or water sources.
Special Notes: Use grounding for containers and transfer equipment. Check regularly for leaks, container damage, or corrosion. No smoking near storage area.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established ACGIH or OSHA limits for Tetrapropylorthosilicate; adhere to chemical exposure best-practices.
Engineering Controls: Use mechanical exhaust or fume hood in working space. Eyewash stations and safety showers should be accessible near handling area.
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE): Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles or face shield, flame-resistant lab coat. When ventilation is inadequate, use organic vapor respirator approved by NIOSH.
Hygiene Precautions: Wash hands and exposed skin after handling. Remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in chemical-use areas.
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild organic, alcohol-like odor
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: Not applicable (does not form aqueous solution easily)
Melting Point/Range: Approximately -57°C
Boiling Point: 221°C
Flash Point: 83°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Not available
Flammability: Flammable liquid (Category 3)
Explosion Limits: Not determined for lower or upper limits
Vapor Pressure: About 0.23 hPa at 20°C
Vapor Density: Heavier than air
Relative Density: 0.936 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents (ethanol, ether, benzene)
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not determined
Decomposition Temperature: Not specified
Viscosity: 4 mPa∙s at 20°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents, moisture, water (hydrolyzes readily and releases propanol)
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, silicon dioxide, propanol, and potentially irritating aldehyde vapors
Hazardous Reactions: Hydrolysis releases alcohol; exposure to moisture or heat increases pressure in sealed containers
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, high temperatures, and direct sunlight
Acute Toxicity: Inhalation, skin, and eye exposure cause irritation; oral toxicity LD50 (rat): ~5,118 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes burns and redness
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Severe irritant, possible damage
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Not classified as sensitizer; data limited
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: Data not sufficient for classification
Reproductive Toxicity: No significant findings reported in available studies
Repeated Dose Toxicity: Data limited; prolonged exposure increases irritation risk
Symptoms: Burning in nose, throat, lungs, nausea, headache, skin burns, vision impairment if splashed in eyes
Eco-toxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms through conversion to propanol and silanol upon hydrolysis
Persistence and Degradability: Undergoes hydrolysis rapidly in moist environments; byproducts may persist in soil and groundwater
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low for parent compound, higher for some hydrolysis products
Mobility in Soil: Moderate mobility due to solubility of degradation products
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid release into environment; aquatic contamination poses longer-term risks
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations. Collect all waste in marked containers. Incineration in licensed chemical waste facility preferred.
Special Precautions: Do not dump into drains, rivers, or soil. Prevent exposure to incompatible materials during storage and transport.
Container Handling: Empty containers carry residue and vapor; handle with same precautions as product. Triple rinse and puncture before recycling if local laws allow.
UN Number: UN1993
Proper Shipping Name: Flammable Liquid, N.O.S. (Tetrapropylorthosilicate)
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquids)
Packing Group: III
Hazard Labels: Flammable Liquid
Special Precautions for User: Use original labeled containers. Comply with national/international transport rules (DOT, IMDG, IATA).
Environmental Hazards: Avoid shipping with incompatible materials. Provide spill containment measures for bulk transport.
TSCA: Listed on the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
REACH: Registered under REACH regulations in the EU
OSHA: Classified as hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
WHMIS (Canada): Canada hazardous product
SARA Title III: Hazard category: Immediate (Acute) Health Hazard, Fire Hazard. Not listed under Section 313
California Proposition 65: Not listed as a known carcinogen or reproductive toxin
Other State / National Regulations: Subject to workplace chemical safety rules. Check with local authorities for regional compliance. Observe appropriate labeling, packaging, and notification requirements
