Product Name: Tetrachloroterephthalonitrile
Other Names: TCTN, Dacthal
Chemical Formula: C8Cl4N2
CAS Number: 117-18-0
Use Category: Pesticide intermediate, specialty chemical
Supplier Information: Company address, emergency phone contacts, and email for safety inquiries
Recommended Use: Industrial chemical for herbicide production
Restrictions: Not suitable for personal or household application
Hazard Classification: Acute toxicity, aquatic chronic hazard
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if inhaled or swallowed, may irritate eyes and skin, toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, aquatic toxicity symbol
Precautionary Statements: Wash hands after handling, avoid breathing dust or vapor, wear protective gloves, do not release to environment intentionally
Potential Health Effects: Eye redness, skin rashes, throat irritation, headache, nausea with exposure
Contact Routes: Skin, inhalation, ingestion
Chemical Name: Tetrachloroterephthalonitrile
CAS Number: 117-18-0
Concentration: 98% or greater by weight
Minor Components: Impurities <2% may include structurally related chlorinated compounds
Synonyms: DCPA, Chlorthal-dimethyl precursor
Inhalation: Move to fresh air at once, loosen tight clothing, support breathing if effects appear, consult a doctor if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical advice if rash or pain continues
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently for several minutes, lift eyelids to remove substance, get immediate professional attention if irritation does not go away
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, avoid inducing vomiting, give water only if conscious, seek urgent care
Special Advice for Doctors: Symptom treatment, monitor for respiratory distress and irritation signs
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, CO2
Special Hazards: Thermal decomposition releases toxic, corrosive fumes such as hydrogen chloride, cyanide gases
Protective Equipment: Firefighters wear full gear with self-contained breathing apparatus
Advice for Responders: Stay upwind, keep containers cool, avoid water runoff to sewers
Explosion Risk: May develop hazardous vapors under heat or flame, dust can explode if dispersed and ignited
Personal Precautions: Ventilate area, put on respirator and chemical-resistant gloves, keep people out
Spill Containment: Scoop spilled material for disposal, prevent dispersal to environment
Clean-Up: Use absorbent materials, collect in labeled containers, wash area with water and detergent
Environmental Protection: Avoid washing into sewers, control run-off with barriers
Handling: Only handle in well-ventilated spaces, wear face mask, goggles, gloves, avoid making dust
Storage: Keep in tightly sealed containers, store in cool, dry, low light, and well-ventilated space
Separation: Store away from reactive agents, strong alkalis, acids, and oxidizers
Special Advice: No smoking or eating during operation, clean hands after work
Incompatible Materials: Hot or alkaline water, strong bases, sources of ignition
Occupational Exposure Limit: No specific OSHA PEL, common workplace controls apply
Ventilation: Local exhaust, keep airborne levels as low as possible
Protective Gear: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), splash-proof goggles, protective lab coat, dust mask or respirator for airborne particles
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands, arms, exposed skin before breaks and at end of shift, remove work clothes before breaks
Appearance: Off-white or yellowish crystalline powder
Odor: Mild chemical
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Melting Point: 262–265°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents
Density: About 1.7–1.8 g/cm3
Vapor Pressure: Low at normal temperatures
Flash Point: Not easily ignited
Explosive Properties: Dust forms may ignite
Other Information: Decomposition may release toxic fumes
Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature and pressure
Conditions to Avoid: Strong sunlight, open flame, temperatures above 250°C
Incompatible Materials: Strong bases, acids, oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition: Thermal breakdown releases HCl, chlorine gas, nitrogen oxides, cyanides
Polymerization: No risk of hazardous polymerization expected
Probable Routes: Absorption through skin, inhalation, accidental ingestion
Acute Effects: Irritation to respiratory tract, eyes, skin, GI upsets if swallowed
Chronic Effects: Skin sensitization, potential liver and kidney impact on heavy, lasting exposure
Carcinogenicity: No clear IARC or NTP human evidence; animal data limited; EPA lists as possible concern
Other Risks: Mild depressant effect on central nervous system with high doses
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Very high risk to fish and aquatic invertebrates
Persistence: Lingers in soil and water for long periods, slow natural breakdown
Bioaccumulation: Tends to build up in animal tissues
Soil Impact: Binds strongly to soil, can move with erosion or runoff
Airborne Spread: Not volatile, risk mainly from contaminated dust
Decomposition: Byproducts also show toxicity toward wildlife
Waste Treatment: Incinerate in licensed chemical waste facility, avoid dumping in landfills
Environmental Caution: No dumping to water, soil, municipal sewers
Packaging: Triple-rinse containers before disposal; puncture to prevent reuse
Regulation: Must follow local and federal hazardous waste controls
UN Number: 3077
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (Tetrachloroterephthalonitrile)
Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances)
Packing Group: III
Transport Label: Environmentally hazardous
Special Precautions: Protect from moisture, separate from oxidizers, notify authorities of leaks during transit
Local Laws: Covered by national and local environmental, workplace, and transport rules for hazardous substances
US Regulations: Listed under FIFRA (for pesticide intermediates), TSCA
Europe: REACH registered, hazardous chemical notification required
Labeling: Container must list identity, hazards, supplier contact, and emergency response
Other Compliance: Requires safety training for workers and records of use, storage, and disposal
