Material Safety Data Sheet: Dibutyl Sulfide

Identification

Chemical Name: Dibutyl sulfide
Synonyms: n-Butyl sulfide, Di-n-butyl sulfide
CAS Number: 544-40-1
Recommended Use: Chemical intermediate, solvent
Supplier: Commercial chemical manufacturers and research laboratories
Emergency Phone: Refer to local/national emergency numbers for hazardous chemical exposure

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Flammable Liquids (Category 3), Acute Toxicity (Oral, Category 4), Skin/Eye Irritant (Category 2)
Label Elements: Flammable, Harmful if swallowed, Causes skin and eye irritation
Signal Word: Warning
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation mark
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor; Harmful if swallowed; Causes skin and eye irritation; Vapors may cause drowsiness or dizziness
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames; Wear protective gloves, clothing, face/eye protection; Avoid inhalation and ingestion

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Dibutyl sulfide
Chemical Formula: C8H18S
Concentration: Up to 100% by weight
Impurities: Trace amounts of related organosulfur compounds possible

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; monitor breathing; seek fresh air and medical attention if symptoms appear
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; rinse skin with water for several minutes; wash with soap; get medical care for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly for at least 15 minutes with running water; remove contact lenses if easy to do; seek immediate medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; get emergency medical help right away
Most Important Symptoms/Effects: Irritation, nausea, dizziness, respiratory discomfort; in severe cases, central nervous system effects may appear
Advice for Medical Personnel: Treat symptoms; monitor for respiratory depression or chemical pneumonitis

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jets could spread fire
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic and irritating fumes of sulfur oxides when burning
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Firefighting Advice: Evacuate area, cool containers with water spray, control run-off to prevent environmental contamination

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Wear approved respirator, chemical-resistant gloves and safety goggles
Spill Cleanup: Contain spillage; absorb with non-combustible material like sand or earth; ventilate affected area; clean up residues from surface
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, and waterways
Methods for Disposal: Collect and dispose as hazardous waste in compliance with local regulations

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only in well-ventilated spaces; avoid inhalation and skin contact; avoid sparks and open flames; ground containers during transfer
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated location; keep container tightly closed; keep away from oxidizers and sources of ignition
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, and bases

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Control Parameters: Occupational exposure limits not established, recommend following general chemical handling limits
Engineering Controls: Use adequate ventilation, local exhaust at process areas; use explosion-proof equipment
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles or face shield, impervious clothing, suitable respirator if vapor/mist concentrations are high
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking; change clothing if contaminated

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale-yellow liquid
Odor: Unpleasant, sulfurous, heavy aromatic smell
Odor Threshold: Noticeable at low ppm levels
Boiling Point: 190-210°C
Melting Point: -80°C
Flash Point: 70°C (open cup)
Evaporation Rate: Moderate, compared to water
Vapor Pressure: 0.5 mm Hg at 20°C
Vapor Density: 4.6 (air = 1)
Specific Gravity: 0.85 (water = 1)
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents such as acetone, ether
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Estimated around 3.4
Viscosity: Low-moderate
Autoignition Temperature: 225°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to heat, sparks, flames
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, bases
Hazardous Decomposition: Sulfur oxides, carbon oxides, other toxic fumes
Hazardous Reactions: May react with oxidizers vigorously, leading to fire or explosions

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) ≈ 1600 mg/kg; inhalation and dermal toxicity data are limited, though effects expected from similar alkyl sulfides
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, central nervous system depression, local irritation
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure could dry or crack skin, increase risk of respiratory discomfort
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen (IARC, NTP, OSHA)
Mutagenicity/Teratogenicity: No known studies on long-term genetic or reproduction-related effects
Sensitization: No strong evidence of skin/respiratory sensitization

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Limited data; anticipated moderate toxicity to aquatic life due to poor solubility and bioaccumulation potential
Persistence & Degradability: Slowly biodegradable under environmental conditions
Bioaccumulation: Potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms due to moderate log Kow
Mobility in Soil: Tends to bind with organic matter; risk of leaching is low
Aquatic Release: Avoid discharge to waterways to minimize risk to fish and invertebrates

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose by incineration by licensed chemical disposal companies, in accordance with local, regional, national regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse containers, then manage as hazardous waste
Special Precautions: Do not pour down the drain or allow uncontrolled release into the environment; comply with local hazardous waste guidelines

Transport Information

UN Number: 1993 (for general flammable liquids)
UN Proper Shipping Name: Flammable liquid, n.o.s. (contains dibutyl sulfide)
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquids)
Packing Group: III
Hazard Label: Flammable liquid
Shipping Precautions: Keep upright and secure; avoid high temperatures during transit; follow all legal labeling and documentation requirements

Regulatory Information

TSCA Inventory: Listed in U.S. TSCA Inventory
REACH Status: Registered or pre-registered in EU if used/imported in large quantities
OSHA Status: Considered hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
SARA 311/312 Hazard Categories: Fire Hazard, Acute Health Hazard
State Regulations: Check California Proposition 65 and other state environmental programs
International Regulations: Subject to transport and environmental regulations under various international agreements; compliance required across jurisdictions