Product Name: Propyl Silicate
Chemical Name: Tetra-n-propyl orthosilicate
Synonyms: Tetrapropyl Orthosilicate, n-Propyl Silicate
Chemical Formula: Si(OC3H7)4
CAS Number: 682-01-9
Manufacturer: Commercial chemical suppliers
Recommended Use: Silicon source for coatings, sol-gel processes, adhesives, binders
Emergency Contact: Provided by supplier’s safety office or national poison control center
GHS Classification: Flammable Liquids – Category 3, Eye Irritation – Category 2A, Skin Irritation – Category 2, Specific Target Organ Toxicity (single exposure) – Category 3
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. Avoid breathing vapors or mists. Wear protective gloves, clothing, eye, and face protection. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Main Ingredient: Propyl Silicate (Tetra-n-propyl orthosilicate), concentration >95%
Impurities: Trace levels of related alkoxysilanes possible
Other Components: None intentionally introduced
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Keep at rest and comfortable for breathing. If breathing is difficult or irregular, obtain medical attention immediately.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash thoroughly with soap and plenty of water. Seek medical attention for persistent irritation.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Keep eyelids open and continue rinsing. Seek medical advice.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Never induce vomiting. If conscious, give water to dilute. Get immediate medical attention.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide, water fog for cooling containers (avoid direct water stream which may spread fire).
Specific Hazards: Vapors form explosive mixtures with air. Containers can burst when heated. Combustion may produce silica particulates, carbon oxides.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters must use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.
Special Procedures: Cool fire-exposed containers with water spray from a safe distance.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area. Remove ignition sources. Use adequate ventilation. Wear protective equipment including gloves and eye protection.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe. Avoid release to drains, surface waters, soil.
Methods for Clean-Up: Absorb spill with inert material such as dry sand or universal binder. Transfer to closed container for disposal. Clean affected area thoroughly with water and detergent, ventilate area.
Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas. Keep away from open flames, hot surfaces, or sparks. Avoid inhalation of vapor, ingestion, skin and eye contact. Avoid static discharge by grounding containers.
Storage: Store tightly sealed in original container, in cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight, sources of ignition, oxidizers, acids, moisture. Segregate from food and incompatible chemicals. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation to keep vapor concentrations below exposure limits. Use explosion-proof equipment where appropriate.
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles or face shield, flame-resistant lab coat or apron, closed-toe shoes.
Respiratory Protection: If engineering controls do not maintain safe levels, use an approved respirator for organic vapors.
Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limit established, but exposure should be kept as low as reasonably achievable.
Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Mild alcohol-like
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: Not determined
Melting Point/Freezing Point: -80°C
Boiling Point: 210°C
Flash Point: 73°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Not measured
Flammability: Flammable liquid and vapor
Upper/Lower Flammability Limits: Not established
Vapor Pressure: 0.2 mm Hg (20°C)
Vapor Density: 7 (Air = 1)
Relative Density: 0.94 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Decomposes in water; soluble in organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Auto-ignition Temperature: 260°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not measured
Viscosity: 4 mPa·s at 25°C
Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature under recommended storage conditions.
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with water or moisture forming alcohol and silica precipitate. Exothermic hydrolysis. Forms flammable ethanol upon contact with water.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, sparks, contact with water, moisture, acids, oxidizers.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, water, moisture, oxidizing agents, strong reducing agents.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Silica, propanol, carbon oxides, organic compounds.
Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Acute Effects: Irritating to eyes, skin, respiratory tract. Exposure can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness. May absorb through skin causing systemic effects.
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated contact can lead to dermatitis. Long-term inhalation exposure may damage mucous membranes.
Toxicity Data: LD50 (oral, rat): 7900 mg/kg. LD50 (dermal, rabbit): >5000 mg/kg. LC50 (inhalation, rat, 4 h): Not determined.
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic in IARC, NTP, OSHA.
Mutagenicity: No data indicating genetic hazard.
Other Information: Hydrolysis product (propanol) poses additional toxic risk upon release.
Environmental Impact: Hazardous to aquatic life owing to hydrolysis products and alcohol released. Hydrolyzes to propanol and silica, which can impact water systems.
Persistence and Degradability: Rapid hydrolysis in moist air, water. Organic byproducts degrade biologically.
Bioaccumulation Potential: Limited, due to rapid breakdown in environment.
Mobility in Soil: High; liquid may move with groundwater.
Other Adverse Effects: Contaminates runoff may pose long-term threat to aquatic organisms.
Waste Treatment Methods: Securely contain and label waste. Recycling or incineration at licensed facility. Small amounts may be allowed to evaporate with proper precautions and in accordance with local requirements.
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers may retain hazardous residues. Dispose in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Environmental Precautions: Avoid dispersal of spilled material or runoff into soil, waterways, drains.
UN Number: UN 1992
Proper Shipping Name: Flammable liquid, toxic, n.o.s. (contains Propyl Silicate)
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquid), 6.1 (Toxic Substances)
Packing Group: III
Hazard Labels: Flammable liquid, Toxic
Special Precautions: Keep away from oxidizing agents, foodstuffs, and living quarters during transport.
Additional Information: Subject to transport regulations for hazardous materials. Consult latest regulatory guidance for air, sea, and overland transport.
TSCA Status: Listed in Toxic Substances Control Act inventory.
EINECS/ELINCS: Listed under European regulations as EC No. 211-659-0.
OSHA: Covered under Hazard Communication Standard.
REACH: Registered in accordance with European REACH regulation.
WHMIS: Flammable liquid, moderate to highly toxic, eye/skin irritant.
Other Regulations: SARA Title III (Sections 302/313) not listed as extremely hazardous substance. Meets criteria for hazardous under DOT, IATA, IMDG standards.
