Looking Closely at the Safety Data of Trimethylsilyl Trifluoromethanesulfonate

Identification

Name: Trimethylsilyl Trifluoromethanesulfonate
Chemical Formula: C4H9F3O3SSi
Common Uses: Popular in organic synthesis for silylation reactions and as a strong Lewis acid
Physical Appearance: Clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid
Odor: Pungent, possible chemical scent
CAS Number: 27607-77-8

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Flammable liquid, Skin corrosion, Serious eye damage
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, Flammable liquid and vapor, May cause respiratory irritation, Inhalation of vapors or contact can quickly irritate mucous membranes and lungs
Symbol: Corrosive, Flame
Pictograms: Corrosive, Flame
Signal Word: Danger
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors, Wash thoroughly after handling, Wear protective gloves and eye protection, Keep away from heat and open flames

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Trimethylsilyl Trifluoromethanesulfonate concentration: over 97%
Impurities: Minor, largely unreported, but handling assumes product is essentially pure for hazards
Synonyms: TMSOTf, Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid trimethylsilyl ester

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, provide artificial respiration if breathing has stopped, seek immediate medical attention
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, flush skin for at least 15 minutes, seek medical attention for burns or persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water thoroughly for 15 minutes, keep eyelids open, seek immediate medical care due to risk of severe damage
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth if conscious, seek urgent medical care
Advice to Physicians: Immediate treatment recommended for chemical burns, monitor for delayed symptoms

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Use CO2, dry chemical powder, alcohol-resistant foam; water spray for cooling only
Hazards During Fire: Gives off toxic fumes, including hydrogen fluoride, sulfur oxides, silicon oxides under combustion
Personal Protection: Firefighters should wear full protective suit and self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Procedures: Move containers away from fire if safe, prevent run-off from entering drains

Accidental Release Measures

Spill Response: Evacuate area, ventilate, avoid breathing vapors
Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, suitable respirator if ventilation is poor
Clean-up: Absorb spill with inert material, do not use water, transfer to labeled waste container
Disposal: Arrange for proper chemical waste collection, consult regional requirements
Environmental Caution: Prevent spills from entering drains or waterways

Handling and Storage

Handling: Always use inside fume hood, avoid skin and eye contact, do not inhale vapors
Storage: Keep container tightly closed, store in cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from moisture and incompatible materials such as water, alcohols, and strong bases
Other Precautions: Use non-sparking tools, keep away from sources of ignition

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, chemical fume hood recommended
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), splash goggles, flame-resistant lab coat
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved respirator if concentrations are high or ventilation insufficient
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after handling, remove contaminated clothing promptly

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless to yellowish oily liquid
Odor: Penetrating, chemical-like
Boiling Point: Roughly 104 – 106°C at 13 mmHg
Melting Point: Usually remains liquid under standard laboratory conditions
Flash Point: About 28°C (closed cup)
Solubility: Hydrolyzes rapidly in water, dissolves in many organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Elevated, increases risk of exposure
Other Properties: Hygroscopic, reacts with water

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Unstable in contact with water, stable if kept dry and cool
Hazardous Reactions: Hydrolyzes violently with water, forms toxic gases, reacts with alcohols and bases
Incompatible Materials: Water, alcohols, amines, strong bases, oxidizers, active metals
Decomposition Products: Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, hydrogen fluoride, silicon oxides, carbon oxides

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Acute Effects: Causes severe chemical burns, pulmonary irritation, risking permanent eye damage and respiratory distress
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated contact can lead to skin sensitization, persistent irritation, possible lung damage
Toxicity Data: Direct animal studies are rare, but exposure at even low concentrations causes rapid damage to tissues
Symptoms: Include burning sensation, coughing, difficulty breathing, redness, blistering on skin

Ecological Information

Mobility: Small volumes spill or release quickly hydrolyzes to toxic, corrosive substances
Persistence and Degradability: Does not persist due to rapid hydrolysis, but breakdown products are hazardous, especially to aquatic life
Bioaccumulation: Not considered likely, acute effects dominate
Ecotoxicity: Even diluted, harmful to aquatic organisms due to acidity and corrosive nature; fish and invertebrates at risk

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Collect waste in clearly labeled chemical containers, avoid pouring down drain
Precautions: Neutralize small amounts cautiously under expert supervision; most often, full neutralization handled by licensed chemical waste facility
Advice: Consult local environmental and waste disposal regulations—many regions treat it as hazardous waste

Transport Information

UN Number: 2920
Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive liquid, flammable, organic, n.o.s. (contains trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate)
Hazard Class: 8 (corrosive), 3 (flammable liquid)
Packing Group: II
Special Precautions: Ship in properly sealed containers, well packed, in compliance with regulations for corrosive and flammable materials

Regulatory Information

Chemical Inventory Status: Listed in many countries’ inventories for laboratory and industrial chemical use
Regulatory Restrictions: Not widely restricted but often flagged for restricted use in consumer goods, strong workplace handling requirements apply
Reporting Requirements: Spills or exposures above regulatory thresholds may require immediate notification to local authorities, strong recordkeeping expectations apply in many regions for workplace exposure
Labelling Requirements: GHS-compliant labels needed including hazard pictograms and risk statements