Product Name: Tetrakis Hydroxymethyl Phosphonium
Synonyms: THPS, Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride
Chemical Formula: C4H12O4P
Molecular Weight: 172.11 g/mol
Recommended Use: Biocide, flame retardant, textile finishing, water treatment
Manufacturer: Refer to company-specific manufacturer data
Emergency Phone Number: Refer to regional poison control centers or local emergency services
GHS Classification: Acute oral toxicity - Category 3, Skin corrosion - Category 1B, Eye damage - Category 1, Aquatic chronic toxicity - Category 2
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and serious eye damage. Harmful if swallowed. Toxic to aquatic organisms with long lasting effects.
Pictograms: Corrosive, exclamation mark, environment
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Symptoms: Blistering and burns on skin, irritation and pain in eyes, sore throat and difficulty breathing if inhaled, nausea and vomiting if ingested
Chemical Name: Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride
Concentration: Typically 75% solution
CAS Number: 124-64-1
Additional Components: Water (as diluent), minor impurities traced to manufacturing process
Impurity Information: No additional hazardous ingredients present above threshold limits
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin immediately with plenty of water for 15-20 minutes, seek medical attention
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, seek immediate medical attention
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing, consult a physician if symptoms develop
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, immediately get medical help
Notes for Doctors: Treat burns or irritation symptomatically, maintain airway integrity, symptomatic treatment for ingestion; avoid neutralizing agents due to potential for exothermic reactions
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid straight streams of water due to splash hazard
Hazardous Combustion Products: Phosphorus oxides, carbon oxides, hydrogen chloride gas
Firefighter Protection: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Specific Hazards: Substance itself is not highly flammable but decomposition from heating generates toxic and corrosive fumes
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, isolate leak, ensure adequate ventilation, wear proper personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, goggles, and face shield
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements, and confined areas; alert local environmental authorities if product contaminates soil or water
Spill Cleanup Methods: Contain and absorb spill with inert, non-combustible material (sand, earth, vermiculite), collect in labeled containers for disposal under local regulations, wash spill site after material pick-up
Disposal of Cleanup Materials: Dispose in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations; avoid water contamination
Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, wear appropriate PPE, do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling, use chemical fume hood if possible
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers, keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, store away from incompatible substances such as strong bases, oxidizers, metals, avoid exposure to heat and direct sunlight
Incompatibilities: Alkaline substances, strong oxidizing agents, reducing agents, metals (such as aluminum and steel)
Engineering Controls: Facilities using or storing this product should be equipped with eyewash stations and safety showers, use local exhaust ventilation to limit exposure
Personal Protective Equipment: Protective gloves (nitrile, neoprene), chemical-resistant clothing, safety goggles, full-face shield, lab apron or coveralls, closed footwear
Respiratory Protection: Use respirator with appropriate filter if handling generates vapors, mists, or aerosols above exposure limits
Occupational Exposure Limits: No OSHA PELs or ACGIH TLVs established; limit exposure by controlling airborne levels
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow, clear liquid (in solution)
Odor: Slight, formaldehyde-like
pH: 3-5 (as supplied, 75% solution)
Boiling Point: Above 100°C (decomposes)
Melting Point: Not applicable (liquid)
Flash Point: Not flammable
Solubility: Miscible with water
Vapor Pressure: Low at ambient temperature
Density: 1.2-1.3 g/cm³ (as solution)
Partition Coefficient: Not available
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactive Materials: Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, metals
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid excessive heat, direct sunlight, contact with incompatible materials
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Thermal decomposition can produce hazardous fumes such as phosphorus oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride
Polymerization: Will not occur under normal storage and use
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 400 mg/kg; LD50 (dermal, rabbit): data varies but considered moderate to high toxicity
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Severe corrosive effects on skin; may cause blistering, ulcers, and permanent scarring
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes serious, potentially irreversible eye injury
Sensitization: No data on skin sensitization available
Chronic Effects: Repeated or prolonged skin contact may lead to dermatitis or other chronic skin disorders
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity/Reproductive Toxicity: No current data indicate carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive risk; not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as a carcinogen
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Toxic to aquatic organisms, can cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Persistence and Degradability: Expected to be biodegradable under aerobic conditions, but persistence possible in low-oxygen environments
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low likelihood of bioaccumulation due to rapid hydrolysis and breakdown
Mobility in Soil: High mobility due to high water solubility, potential for contaminating groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Runoff from improper disposal or accidents can affect water treatment plants and natural ecosystems; efforts to minimize environmental exposure remain necessary
Waste Disposal Methods: Any material deemed as waste should be incinerated or disposed of through licensed chemical disposal companies following governmental and local environmental guidelines
Container Disposal: Containers should be rinsed thoroughly and rendered unusable before disposal; never reuse empty containers for other purposes
Spill Residue Disposal: Collect absorbents and contaminated materials for hazardous waste disposal
Regulatory Notes: Do not discharge into sewers, surface water, or groundwater; avoid landfill unless approved for hazardous waste
UN Number: UN 2922
UN Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive liquid, toxic, n.o.s. (contains Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride)
Transport Hazard Classes: 8 (Corrosive), 6.1 (Toxic)
Packing Group: II
Labeling Requirements: Corrosive (8), Toxic (6.1)
Special Precautions: Transport in compliance with local and international regulations, keep containers tightly sealed, record all movement, limit handling during transit, emergency contact information must be available
Environmental Hazards: Classified as marine pollutant; must not be transported with foodstuffs or animal feed
OSHA: Regulated hazardous substance
EPA: Regulated under TSCA, SARA Title III, Section 313 if present above thresholds
EU REACH: Registration may be required, subject to EU-wide restrictions for biocides
WHMIS (Canada): Classified as Class E (Corrosive), Class D2B (Toxic)
Labeling Requirements: GHS pictograms, hazard statements, safety precautions as per jurisdiction
Restrictions: Must follow regional, national, and international regulations related to supply, storage, use, and disposal of hazardous material
