Material Safety Data Sheet: T-Dodecyl Mercaptan (T-DM)

Identification

Product Name: T-Dodecyl Mercaptan
SYNONYM: Dodecyl mercaptan, Tertiary dodecyl mercaptan
CAS Number: 25103-58-6
Recommended Use: Chain transfer agent in polymerization, specialty chemical manufacturing
Supplier: Manufacturer contact details available upon request
Emergency Numbers: 24-hour contact numbers for chemical emergencies supplied by the producer

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Flammable liquid, skin irritant, acute oral and inhalation toxicity, dangerous to aquatic life
Pictograms: Flame, exclamation mark, environment
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes skin and eye irritation, toxic if swallowed or inhaled, harmful to aquatic organisms, flammable liquid and vapor
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from open flames, do not breathe vapor, wear protective equipment, avoid release to the environment

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: T-Dodecyl Mercaptan
Concentration: Above 98%
Other Components: Trace impurities below 2% (may include sulfur-containing byproducts)
Molecular Formula: C12H26S
Relevant Identifiers: EC Number 246-601-1

First Aid Measures

Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing, promptly consult a medical professional
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, keep at rest, seek immediate medical attention for respiratory symptoms
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, get immediate medical help, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person
Important Notes: Symptoms may be delayed, keep affected individual under observation

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Agents: Water jet may spread fire
Hazardous Combustion Products: Releases toxic fumes such as sulfur oxides, carbon oxides
Special Protective Equipment: Full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighters
Specific Hazards: Vapors heavier than air, may travel long distances and ignite, containers may explode under fire conditions

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use appropriate personal protective equipment, ensure adequate ventilation, avoid inhaling vapors, keep away from sources of ignition
Spill Response: Contain and collect spillage with inert absorbent materials (sand, earth), transfer to sealed containers for disposal
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, waterways, or soil, alert authorities if a large spill threatens the environment
Decontamination: Wash spill area with water, ventilate contaminated space

Handling and Storage

Handling Practices: Use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid contact with skin, eyes, clothing, do not ingest or inhale, handle away from heat and ignition sources
Storage Requirements: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, ventilated area, segregate from oxidizing substances and acids, keep containers tightly sealed
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, bases, acids

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits, minimize exposure as best practice
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, vapor containment
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, lab coats, flame-retardant clothing, use respirators approved for organic vapors during high exposure
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke near product

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear to light yellow liquid
Odor: Strong, characteristic mercaptan smell
Odor Threshold: Low, noticeable at very low concentrations
Boiling Point: Approximately 259 °C
Melting Point: Below -30 °C
Flash Point: 104 °C (closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: Low at 20°C
Water Solubility: Insoluble
Density: About 0.85 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Estimated above 5
Viscosity: Slightly viscous

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with oxidizers, strong acids, bases
Hazardous Reactions: Possible violent reaction with oxidizing agents, risk of flammable vapors
Decomposition Products: Toxic gases including carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, sulfides
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, flames, incompatible materials

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Swallowing or inhaling small amounts causes headache, nausea, respiratory irritation
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure may damage liver or kidneys, chronic respiratory irritation possible
Skin Irritation: Contact leads to redness, itching, burns in severe cases
Eye Effects: Severe irritation, tearing, redness
Sensitization: Not established, similar compounds trigger skin sensitivity in some people
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity/Reproductive Toxicity: No conclusive data found in existing literature

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic life, causes long-lasting harmful effects
Environmental Fate: Not readily biodegradable, potential to bioaccumulate, floats on water
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility, adsorbs to sediments
Persistence: Stays in environment for long periods, not easily broken down
Other Information: Avoid large and repeated environmental releases, no established safe levels in water bodies

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Dispose of through licensed hazardous waste contractor, do not pour down drains or discharge into waterways
Container Disposal: Rinse containers thoroughly, puncture or crush then send for proper landfill or incineration with approval
Regulatory Framework: Follow all local, regional, national, and international waste management regulations, persistent substances require special handling

Transport Information

UN Number: 1993
Proper Shipping Name: Flammable liquid, n.o.s. (contains T-Dodecyl Mercaptan)
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: III
Labels Required: Flammable liquid symbol
Special Provisions: Secure containers, transport away from foodstuffs, prevent cargo shifting, comply with IMDG, IATA, DOT transport codes
Marine Pollutant: Yes, as per GHS criteria

Regulatory Information

TSCA: Listed on United States TSCA Inventory
REACH: Pre-registered/substance evaluation may be required by manufacturers or importers in Europe
OSHA: Regulated under the Hazard Communication Standard as a hazardous chemical
SARA Title III: Listed under section 313 for chemical release reporting
Canadian WHMIS: Classified as hazardous
Other International Inventories: Compliance required with regulations in countries of transport, sale, or usage (such as AICS, NZIoC, ENCS, PICCS, KECI, IECSC)
Labelling Demands: GHS label with hazard statements, manufacturer information always attached to containers, safety and environmental warnings clear and readable at every stage of use and transit