Material Safety Data Sheet: Trimethylolpropane Triacrylate (TMPTA)

Identification

Product Name: Trimethylolpropane Triacrylate
Chemical Formula: C15H20O6
Synonyms: TMPTA, 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-2-(2-methylprop-1-yloxy)methyl-1,3-propanediol, Triacrylate ester
CAS Number: 15625-89-5
Manufacturer: Chemicals manufacturers and suppliers commonly distribute this industrial monomer
Recommended Use: Used in ultraviolet (UV) curable coatings, inks, adhesives, and as a crosslinking agent in polymer formulation
Contact Details for Emergency: Refer to specific supplier or local poison control center

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Skin Irritation (Category 2), Eye Irritation (Category 2A), Skin Sensitizer (Category 1), Acute Toxicity (Oral, Category 5), Aquatic Chronic Hazard (Category 2)
Signal Word: Warning
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, health hazard, aquatic environment
Hazard Statements: Causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, may cause allergic skin reaction, harmful if swallowed, toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves, wash thoroughly after handling, avoid breathing vapors, use only outdoors or in well-ventilated area, avoid release to the environment, call a poison center if feeling unwell
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, eye contact
Health Effects: Prolonged exposure causes redness, itching, inflammation. Cases of sensitization or allergic dermatitis reported among exposed workers. Risk increases for asthmatics and those with skin disorders.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Trimethylolpropane Triacrylate
Common Name: TMPTA
Concentration: > 95%
Impurities: Traces of hydroquinone monomethyl ether (as an inhibitor < 250 ppm), possible acrylic acid residue, minor diacrylate and monoacrylate byproducts
Molecular Weight: 296.32 g/mol
REACH Registration No: Consult supplier, varies by source

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move individual to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical attention if symptoms persist such as cough, dizziness, or headache
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with plenty of water and soap for at least 15 minutes, consult physician if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, seek immediate medical help if irritation lingers
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not give anything by mouth to unconscious person, seek immediate medical attention, avoid inducing vomiting

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, foam, water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet might spread burning material
Hazards from Combustion: Burns to release acrid smoke, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possible traces of aldehydes and organic acids
Protective Actions: Evacuate area, wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing, keep containers cool with water spray to prevent pressure buildup
Explosion Hazards: Vapors heavier than air, form explosive mixtures with air above the flash point, static discharge may ignite vapor

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unprotected personnel, ensure proper ventilation, use PPE including gloves, goggles, apron, respirator
Environmental Precautions: Avoid discharge into drains, surface water, or soil, contain spill with inert absorbent (sand, earth), block further leakage safely
Methods for Cleaning Up: Scoop up with non-sparking tools, place in suitable labeled containers for disposal, clean area thoroughly with water and detergent, ventilate space after cleanup, manage contaminated absorbents as hazardous waste

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Use in well ventilated locations, wear chemical resistant gloves, goggles, long sleeves, avoid any skin or eye contact, ground all equipment to avoid static discharge, keep away from sparks and flames
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed original containers, away from light and heat sources, keep at 2 °C to 25 °C, ensure temperature stability to minimize self-polymerization risk, segregate from acids, alkalis, oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids and bases, free radical initiators or reducing agents
Packaging Requirements: Use inert gas pad in head space for large containers, UV-opaque drums preferred, ensure all labels remain intact

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limit values established for TMPTA in most regions, but observe standard limits for nuisance dust/vapors (ACGIH TLV, OSHA PEL)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, process in closed systems where possible, monitor vapor levels regularly
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, splash-proof safety goggles, chemical apron, long sleeves, use respirator (A-P3/P2 filter) for handling powders or large quantities, ensure eyewash stations and showers are nearby

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Slight, characteristic acrylate smell
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point/Freezing Point: < -20 °C
Boiling Point: 110–120 °C (decomposition occurs before boiling at atmospheric pressure)
Flash Point: > 100 °C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Slow
Flammability: Combustible
Vapor Pressure: < 0.01 mmHg (25 °C)
Vapor Density: Heavier than air
Relative Density: 1.1–1.13 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in common organic solvents (alcohols, ethers, ketones)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Estimated 2.3–2.7
Auto-Ignition Temperature: > 250 °C
Decomposition Temperature: Elevated temperatures cause hazardous polymerization and decomposition
Viscosity: 80–125 mPa·s at 25 °C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions, risk of hazardous polymerization increases with exposure to heat, UV, or radical initiators
Hazardous Reactions: Spontaneous rapid polymerization is possible at elevated temperatures or if contaminated
Conditions to Avoid: UV light, heat, free radical sources, contact with incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Acids, alkalis, oxidizers, peroxides
Decomposition Products: Acrid smoke, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, potential organic acids, trace toxic fumes during fire or thermal breakdown

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): > 5000 mg/kg, low toxicity by oral or dermal exposure, may cause stomach upset, nausea, headache
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes moderate to severe skin irritation, risk of chemical burns on repeated or prolonged contact
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes eye irritation or damage, may result in redness or tearing
Respiratory Sensitization: Cases documented of sensitization asthma in individuals exposed to TMPTA fumes
Skin Sensitization: Sensitizer, contact dermatitis, rashes possible for sensitized workers
Chronic Toxicity: Long-term repeated exposure leads to skin defatting, increased sensitivity, allergic responses, evidence for no carcinogenicity but workplace monitoring essential to protect worker health
Mutagenicity: Test in bacteria shows weak mutagenicity, expert assessment finds negligible risk under controlled conditions
Reproductive Toxicity: Studies do not indicate reproductive risk for TMPTA, but good practice recommends that pregnant workers avoid unnecessary exposure

Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, EC50 (daphnia, 48h): 1–10 mg/L, long term hazard persists due to slow degradability
Persistence and Degradability: Low biodegradation potential, some breakdown occurs via sunlight/photo-oxidation, but primary removal route by sediment binding or volatilization
Bioaccumulative Potential: Log Kow suggests moderate potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic life
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility, binds to organic material in soils and sediments
Other Adverse Effects: Runoff and spills threaten water systems, responsible waste management and emergency protocols prevent significant contamination

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Incineration in approved chemical waste facility preferred, small quantities absorbed in inert material and taken as hazardous chemical waste, avoid landfill or sewage disposal
Contaminated Packaging: Fully empty containers before recycling, triple rinse then offer for recycling or reconditioning, otherwise treat as hazardous waste
Special Precautions: Follow all local, regional, national, and international regulations for hazardous material disposal, do not mix with household or inert waste

Transport Information

UN Number: 3082
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, liquid, n.o.s. (contains Trimethylolpropane Triacrylate)
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous Dangerous Substance)
Packing Group: III
Label Required: Environmentally hazardous, Marine Pollutant
Special Precautions: Protect package from direct sunlight, keep away from food and feedstuffs, secure containers to prevent movement and leaks
Transport in Bulk: The substance is not recommended for transport in bulk according to Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 and the IBC Code

Regulatory Information

EU Regulation: Classified under EC No. 1272/2008 (CLP) as hazardous, subject to REACH registration
USA (OSHA): Classified as hazardous, listed on TSCA Inventory
Canada (WHMIS): Controlled Product, Class D2B (skin/eye irritant)
Japan: Law for PRTR and Promotion of Chemical Management, Class I Designated Chemical
Australia: Listed on AICS, subject to workplace and environmental safety regulations
Specific Restrictions: Regulations require clear labeling, SDS provision for shipments, and proven worker training for safe handling
Advice for Workers: Employees working with TMPTA must receive regular safety training, keep up-to-date on latest control measures, and participate in routine health monitoring both to comply with regulations and diminish health risks