Substance profile
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane is a yellowish, heavy liquid with an odor of camphor and iodoform.
01 · Identification
What 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane is
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane is a yellowish, heavy liquid with an odor of camphor and iodoform. Its molecular formula is C2H2Br4 and its molecular weight is 345.65 g/mol. It boils at 244 °C, melts at 0 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as reactive agents - 1st degree.
02 · Identifiers
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane identifiers and molecular data
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane CAS number and EC number
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane molecular formula and molecular weight
03 · GHS classification
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane pictograms and signal word
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute toxicity - inhalation GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 1 or 2 | H330 | GHS06 |
| Serious eye damage/eye irritation GHS chapter 3.3 | Category 2A | H319 | GHS07 |
| Hazardous to the aquatic environment - chronic GHS chapter 4.1 | Category 3 | H412 | — |
Where two values are shown with “or”, the hazard statement is shared by more than one category or by more than one class, and the code alone does not say which. H272, for example, belongs to oxidising liquids and to oxidising solids — the physical state decides. The binding answer for a specific entry is in the CLP Annex VI table itself.
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
| H412 | Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane. The full reference lives on the hazard statements hub, the precautionary statements hub and the GHS pictograms hub.
Safety Data Sheet
Getting an SDS for 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane
A Safety Data Sheet is written for a product, not for a substance: the supplier of the grade you actually buy issues it, so two suppliers of 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoetha… issue two different sheets. That is why there is no single authoritative SDS for a substance to download — what there is, is the job of collecting the sheets for the products you hold and keeping them current as suppliers revise them.
04 · Precautionary statements
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 12 precautionary statements to 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane. They are grouped the way a label groups them: what to do before handling, what to do when something has already happened, how to store it and how to dispose of it.
Prevention
What to do before and during handling so the hazard never happens.
Response
What to do once exposure, spillage or fire has already happened.
Disposal
What has to happen to the contents and the empty container.
Reading the notation. … is a blank the supplier fills in — not a truncated sentence.· [square brackets] mark a part printed only when it applies.
05 · Names in the regulation
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane name in 23 EU languages
CLP Annex VI Part 3 is published in every language edition of the regulation, and the identification column is written out in each of them. Nothing below is translated by us: each line is the name as that edition prints it. Under Art. 18(2) the substance name from Annex VI is a lawful product identifier, so this is the wording to put on a label going to that market — and where the cell lists several designations, any one of them qualifies.
| Language | Name in CLP Annex VI Part 3 |
|---|---|
| Bulgarian български | 1,1,2,2-тетрабромоетан |
| Spanish español | 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoetano |
| Czech čeština | 1,1,2,2-tetrabromethan |
| Danish dansk | 1,1,2,2-tetrabromethan |
| German Deutsch | 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromethan Acetylentetrabromid |
| Estonian eesti | 1,1,2,2-tetrabromoetaan |
| Greek ελληνικά | 1,1,2,2-τετραβρωμοαιθάνιο |
| English English | 1,1,2,2-tetrabromoethane |
| French français | 1,1,2,2-tétrabromoéthane |
| Croatian hrvatski | 1,1,2,2-tetrabrometan |
| Italian italiano | 1,1,2,2-tetrabromoetano |
| Latvian latviešu | 1,1,2,2-tetrabrometāns |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | 1,1,2,2-tetrabrometanas |
| Hungarian magyar | 1,1,2,2-tetrabrómetán |
| Maltese Malti | 1,1,2,2-tetrabromoetan |
| Dutch Nederlands | 1,1,2,2-tetrabroomethaan |
| Polish polski | 1,1,2,2-tetrabromoetan tetrabromek acetylenu |
| Portuguese português | 1,1,2,2-tetrabromoetano |
| Romanian română | 1,1,2,2-tetrabromoetan |
| Slovak slovenčina | 1,1,2,2-tetrabrómetán |
| Slovenian slovenščina | 1,1,2,2-tetrabromoetan |
| Finnish suomi | 1,1,2,2-tetrabromietaani |
| Swedish svenska | 1,1,2,2-tetrabrometan |
All 23 language editions of Annex VI carry this entry. Irish is the twenty-fourth official EU language and has no line here for a different reason: no consolidated CLP text has ever been published in Irish, so there is no Irish edition of Annex VI to quote a name from. Source: consolidated CLP, CELEX 02008R1272, language editions. © European Union, https://eur-lex.europa.eu — only the electronic Official Journal of the European Union is authentic.
06 · Label elements
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane
- Fatal if inhaled.
- Causes serious eye irritation.
- Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
- Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
- Wash … thoroughly after handling.
- Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- Avoid release to the environment.
- Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/…
- IF INHALED:
- IF IN EYES:
- Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…
- Get medical advice/attention.
- If eye irritation persists:
- Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
- Dispose of contents/container to …
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane health hazards and exposure limits
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane hazard summary
Some animals exposed at 4 ppm for 180 days show mild lung and liver injury. At an average exposure of 14 ppm for 100 to 106 days, tetrabromoethane produced some degree of pulmonary edema and slight fatty degeneration of the liver. One nearly fatal human case with prominent liver injury was reported. The exposure was estimated at 16 ppm for 10 minutes. Other chemicals may have been involved. Findings in another human case were that of solvent-induced encephalopathy. Direct skin contact can cause second degree burns. [ACGIH] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations may cause CNS effects and liver damage; [ICSC]
Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 1.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| PEL | 1 ppm (14 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| PEL | TWA 1 ppm (14 mg/m3) | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 8 ppm (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 8.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| IDLH | 8 ppm | Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) |
These are United States values. The European Union sets its own indicative and binding limits, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation — not the one shown here.
08 · Physical and chemical properties
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 243.89 °C (471 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
| 243.5 °C (470.3 °F) | ICSC | ||
| 245.56 °C (474 °F) | decomposes | NIOSH |
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | 0 °C (32 °F) | HSDB | |
| -1.11 °C (30 °F) | CAMEO |
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.97 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 2.9656 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in acetone | HSDB | |
| Miscible in ethanol, ethyl ether, chloroform, aniline, acetic acid; soluble in benzene; slightly soluble in carbon tetrachloride. | HSDB | ||
| In water, 678 mg/l @ 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB |
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 0.02 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 0.1 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 0.02 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane flash point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | -18 °C (-0.4 °F) | closed cup | HSDB |
| 335 °C (635 °F) | CAMEO |
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane autoignition temperature
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoignition temperature | 335 °C (635 °F) | HSDB |
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Noncombustible Liquid | NIOSH |
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 11.9 (air = 1) | HSDB |
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane corrosivity
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosivity | ... Will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane fire and explosion behaviour
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane fire potential
Non combustible.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
10 · Handling and storage
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane storage and handling
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane safe storage
Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases and food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Ventilation along the floor.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane storage conditions
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from oxidizing materials and alkalies.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane incompatible materials
Tetrabromoethane is chemically incompatible with active metals, strong caustics, hot iron, aluminum, or zinc in the presence of steam.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane reactivity
ACETYLENE TETRABROMIDE 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 (NTP, 1992).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Questions
1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane?
The CAS number of 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane is 79-27-6. Its EC number is 201-191-5.
What is the chemical formula of 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane?
The molecular formula of 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane is C2H2Br4 and its molecular weight is 345.65 g/mol.
What does a 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane carries the pictogram Skull and crossbones and the signal word is Danger.
Is 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane flammable?
CLP Annex VI assigns 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane no flammability hazard class. That is not a statement that it cannot burn: the harmonised list only records the hazards that were assessed for it. The flash point reported for it is -18 °C (-0.4 °F), closed cup (HSDB).
Is 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane a carcinogen?
CLP Annex VI records no harmonised carcinogenicity classification for 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane. Annex VI is a list of agreed classifications, not a list of substances found safe, so this is an absence of a classification rather than a clean bill of health.
What is the exposure limit for 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane is 1.0 [ppm] (Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases). Limits differ by country: the EU sets its own indicative and binding values, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation.
What is the boiling point of 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane?
The boiling point reported for 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane is 243.89 °C (471 °F), at 760 mmHg (CAMEO).
What is the melting point of 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane?
The melting point reported for 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane is 0 °C (32 °F) (HSDB).
How should 1,1,2,2-Tetrabromoethane be stored?
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from oxidizing materials and alkalies. (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
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