Material Safety Data Sheet: Butanesulfonic Acid

Identification

Product Name: Butanesulfonic Acid
Chemical Formula: C4H10O3S
Synonyms: 1-Butanesulfonic acid, n-Butylsulfonic acid
CAS Number: 4261-68-1
Recommended Use: Industrial applications including surfactant production and intermediate for organic synthesis
Supplier Details: Manufacturer and distributor information available on container label
Emergency Contact Information: Use local emergency services or supplier’s 24-hour hotline identified on shipping papers

Hazard Identification

Classification: Eye damage/irritation, Skin corrosion/irritation
GHS Label Elements: Corrosive symbol, Danger signal word
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; may damage the mucosa of respiratory pathways
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye/face protection; avoid ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact
Pictograms: Corrosion pictogram on label
Other Hazards: Material is corrosive to tissue; can release toxic gases under certain conditions such as contact with strong oxidizing agents
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, dermal, ingestion, eye contact

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Butanesulfonic Acid
Concentration: Greater than 98%, remaining content is trace moisture
Impurities: May contain minimal levels of inorganic salts
Other Components: Product does not contain stabilizers or other additives
CAS Number: 4261-68-1
Molecular Weight: 138.18 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air, keep them comfortable; seek immediate medical attention if symptoms like coughing, sore throat, or shortness of breath persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and footwear, rinse affected skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, seek medical attention for felt irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with water for 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open, remove contact lenses if present, obtain medical care as soon as possible
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth thoroughly with water, drink a small quantity of water if victim is conscious, get medical help immediately
Immediate Medical Attention: Needed in cases of serious exposure or persistent symptoms such as burns, irritation, or breathing difficulty
Special Notes for Physicians: Treat symptomatically for corrosive chemical exposure; ensure airway and breathing are maintained

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry powder, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet may cause chemical splattering
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic fumes under fire conditions including sulfur oxides
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus and full fire-resistant protective clothing
Fire Fighting Instructions: Apply water to cool containers, avoid inhalation of combustion gases, approach from upwind to avoid chemical vapors
Explosion Hazards: Not explosive under normal handling or storage conditions, but heating can increase pressure inside containers

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Put on appropriate personal protective equipment, including chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent from entering drains, surface water, or groundwater; notify local authorities if release is significant
Methods for Cleaning Up: Absorb spill with inert material such as sand, soil, or vermiculite, collect in suitable containers for waste disposal
Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in area of spill
Decontamination: Wash spill site with large amounts of water after removal; neutralize small spills with dilute alkaline solutions

Handling and Storage

Handling: Wear chemical splash goggles, gloves, and suitable protective clothing; handle in fume hood if possible; avoid splashing and generation of aerosols
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse, avoid eating or drinking during use
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers, in a cool, dry, ventilated area away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizing agents
Incompatibilities: Avoid contact with bases, strong oxidizers, strong reducing agents, and materials such as ammonia
Special Packaging: Use corrosion-resistant containers such as glass or high-grade plastics that resist acid attack

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No ACGIH, OSHA, or NIOSH limits established for this compound
Engineering Controls: Use with local exhaust ventilation or chemical fume hood
Personal Protective Equipment: Respirator (NIOSH-approved) in case of dust or fume, safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, long sleeve laboratory coat
Environmental Controls: Prevent environmental contamination by using spill trays, waste collection systems, monitor air quality as needed
Other Protections: Eye wash fountain and safety shower should be accessible in work area

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid
Odor: Slight sulfurous odor, may not be pronounced
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: Strongly acidic in solution
Melting Point: 104–106°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not applicable
Flammability: Non-flammable under normal conditions
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, soluble in alcohols
Vapor Pressure: Not available
Relative Density: About 1.28–1.32 (20°C)
Partition Coefficient: Not determined
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not self-igniting
Explosive Properties: Lacks explosive characteristics
Viscosity: Not available

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Extreme heat, exposure to moisture, incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong bases, reducing agents, ammonia, certain metals
Decomposition: Heating may produce hazardous gases such as sulfur oxides
Polymerization: No dangerous polymerization expected
Corrosivity: Corrosive to many metals and organic tissues

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, dermal, ingestion, eye contact
Acute Effects: Causes severe irritation and burns to skin and eyes, inhalation leads to respiratory distress, ingestion causes burns to mouth, throat, stomach
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may cause dermatitis, chronic respiratory or gastrointestinal issues
Toxicity Data: No established LD50 or LC50 for humans; animal studies suggest corrosivity at moderate doses
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as a carcinogen
Sensitization: No data indicating sensitization in animal or human studies
Other Information: Symptoms of overexposure involve coughing, difficulty breathing, burns, severe pain, vision loss (eye contact)

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms; acidic solution can alter pH, leading to detrimental effects on aquatic life
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable through standard biological treatment processes
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate in organisms
Mobility in Soil: High mobility in water; may contaminate groundwater if released
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid significant discharge to environment, as sulfur compounds can contribute to acidification and eutrophication

Disposal Considerations

Waste Handling: Collect and deliver waste chemicals to licensed hazardous waste disposal company
Neutralization: Neutralize small residues with dilute alkali before disposal, follow institutional guidance
Container Disposal: Rinse container thoroughly, dispose according to local, state, and federal regulations
Regulatory Waste Codes: Dispose of as hazardous waste; refer to applicable EPA or country-specific regulations
Environmental Precautions: Avoid discharge to natural waters or public sewers

Transport Information

UN Number: 3265
Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive liquid, acidic, organic, n.o.s. (contains Butanesulfonic Acid)
Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)
Packing Group: II
Label Requirements: Corrosive label on transportation package
Special Transport Precautions: Package in corrosion-resistant containers, keep upright, protect from tipping or leak during transportation
Marine Pollutant: Not designated as marine pollutant, but do not allow to enter waterways during transit

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Classified as hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
SARA Title III: No SARA 302 or 313 components identified
TSCA Status: Listed on US Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) inventory
REACH Registration: Complies with EU REACH regulation when supplied within European Union markets
Other Regional Regulations: Refer to regional chemical safety requirements including Canada’s WHMIS and European CLP
Labeling Requirements: Follow GHS and local labeling standards for containers and shipping