General Description
A yellowish liquid with a pungent odor, much like camphor. Irritates skin. Ingestion or inhalation may produce irritation or a narcotic effect. Chronic exposure may damage liver. Noncombustible, but decomposes at 374°F, releasing flammable and toxic fumes. Much denser than water. Used as a solvent for fats, oils and waxes.
Reactivity Profile
ACETYLENE TETRABROMIDE(79-27-6) is incompatible with strong bases and chemically active metals. Incompatible with hot iron, aluminum and zinc in the presence of steam. May react with magnesium. Softens or destroys most plastics and rubber .
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Health Hazard
Inhalation of vapors or dust is extremely irritating. May cause burning of eyes and flow of tears. May cause coughing, difficult breathing and nausea. Brief exposure effects last only a few minutes. Exposure in an enclosed area may be very harmful. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
Potential Exposure
Acetylene tetrabromide is used as a solvent; a gauge fluid, and as a refractive index liquid in microscopy.
Fire Hazard
Some of these materials may burn, but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of salt water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
Shipping
UN2504 Tetrabromoethane, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials
Incompatibilities
Chemically active metals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc), strong caustics; hot iron. Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fire and explosions.
Chemical Properties
Acetylene tetrabromide is a combustible, colorless to yellow liquid. Strong odor.
Chemical Properties
yellowish heavy liquid with odour of camphor and
Waste Disposal
Incineration in admixture with combustible fuel and with scrubber to remove halo acids produced.
Physical properties
Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent odor resembling camphor and iodoform
Uses
Gauge fluid; solvent; refractive index
liquid in microscopy
Uses
Heavy liquid used for the separation of minerals
Uses
In microscopy, as solvent, separating minerals by density.
Purification Methods
Wash it successively with conc H2SO4 (three times) and H2O (three times), dry it with K2CO3 and CaSO4 and distil it in a vacuum or at ~760mm. [Beilstein 1 IV 162.]
