Looking at the MSDS for 1,3-Difluoroacetone: What Really Matters

Identification

Name: 1,3-Difluoroacetone Chemical Formula: C3H4F2O Synonyms: Difluoroacetone, 1,3-Difluoropropan-2-one CAS Number: 453-16-7 Common Uses: Lab research, intermediate for organic synthesis.

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Flammable liquid, acute toxicity risk, skin and eye irritant Signal Word: Danger Hazard Statements: Highly flammable, toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin, causes severe irritation to eyes and skin Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, eye contact Symptoms: Burning sensation, coughing, headaches, nausea

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Component: 1,3-Difluoroacetone Purity: Over 95% in typical lab stocks Impurities: Trace decomposition products or moisture

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air straight away, keep comfortable for breathing Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin gently with plenty of water for a long stretch Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently with water for fifteen minutes or more, lifting eyelids as needed Ingestion: Seek medical attention without delay, rinse mouth with water if person is conscious

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, alcohol-resistant foam Hazardous Combustion Products: Hydrogen fluoride, carbon oxides, toxic gases Special Precautions: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, use chemical protective clothing Advice for Firefighters: Keep containers cool with water spray, avoid inhaling fumes

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Use gloves and goggles, work in ventilated space or fume hood Environmental Precaution: Prevent entry to drains, soil, or waterways Spill Cleanup: Absorb with inert material such as sand, scoop up, place in chemical waste container, ventilate area

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid breathing vapor, keep away from heat or sources of sparks, minimize splashing and skin contact Storage: Store in tightly closed glass or compatible bottle, keep in cool, well-ventilated space, isolate from acids and oxidizers Specific Prohibitions: No open flames nearby, don’t allow moisture into container

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Ventilation: Work in fume hood or use effective local exhaust Personal Protective Equipment: Use nitrile gloves, chemical splash goggles, flame-resistant lab coat Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, keep food and drink out of work area, don’t touch face during handling Occupational Exposure Limit: No established exposure limit data found, but treat with respect because of toxicity

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless, volatile liquid Boiling Point: Approximately 68–70°C Melting Point: Data not widely reported Flash Point: Well below room temperature Solubility: Soluble in organic solvents, partially soluble in water Odor: Sharp, pungent smell Vapor Pressure: High at ambient temperature

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under proper storage, but volatility raises risk from leaks Possible Reactions: Exothermic reaction with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases Avoid: Strong acids, bases, open flame, moisture Hazardous Decomposition: Can release hydrogen fluoride and carbon monoxide on burning

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Harmful if inhaled, toxic by skin absorption Skin Corrosion or Irritation: Causes significant redness, possible burns Eye Damage or Irritation: Risk of serious, long-lasting damage Target Organs: Central nervous system, respiratory tract, skin, and eyes Chronic Risks: Repeated exposure may cause nerve and liver damage based on similar fluorinated ketones

Ecological Information

Environmental Fate: Data on persistence in soil and water remains limited Aquatic Toxicity: Likely damaging to aquatic life, especially at low concentrations Bioaccumulation Potential: Unclear, but fluorinated compounds often resist breakdown Other Risks: Can contaminate groundwater if released

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Burn in chemical incinerator with afterburner and scrubber if permitted, or dispose of as hazardous waste using established chemical protocols Special Instructions: Do not pour into drains, landfill, or municipal waste streams Container Disposal: Decontaminate and puncture before discarding or send to hazardous waste facility

Transport Information

Transport Regulations: Subject to international and regional dangerous goods rules as a toxic, flammable liquid Labeling: Clearly mark as flammable and toxic Packing Group: Typically shipped as Class 3 Flammable Liquid, consult up-to-date regulations for precise requirements Precautions for Transport: Keep containers upright, avoid temperature extremes, protect from shock and impact

Regulatory Information

Regulatory Status: Not listed as a common controlled chemical in major jurisdictions but check local and national rules Worker Protection: OSHA mandates gloves, goggles, lab coats, and good ventilation for chemicals with acute toxicity Storage and Handling Laws: Must comply with flammable and toxic chemical storage guidance Environmental Release: Reporting often required if significant spills occur, especially near waterways