ACETYL BROMIDE

A colorless fuming liquid with a pungent odor. Vapors irritate eyes and mucous membranes. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Density 13.9 lb / gal.

• Water-Reactive
• Air-Reactive

Fumes in air. Reacts violently with water producing heat and acidic fumes [Haz. Chem. Data. 1966].

Acetyl bromide reacts vigorously with water to generate gaseous HBr. Based on a scenario where the chemical is spilled into an excess of water (at least 5 fold excess of water), half of the maximum theoretical yield of Hydrogen Bromide gas will be created in 0.08 minutes. Experimental details are in the following: "Development of the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Distances for the 2008 Emergency Response Guidebook", ANL/DIS-09-2, D.F. Brown, H.M. Hartmann, W.A. Freeman, and W.D. Haney, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, June 2009.

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic and irritating hydrogen bromide fumes may form in fires.

Behavior in Fire: Do not apply water to adjacent fires. Reacts with water to produce toxic and irritating gases. (USCG, 1999)

Inhalation produces primary irritation of the respiratory tract; symptoms of lung damage may be delayed. Contact with liquid produces primary irritation of eyes and severe skin damage; delayed blistering is not uncommon. INGESTION: Sore throat, abdominal pain, and vomiting. (USCG, 1999)

ACETYL BROMIDE decomposes violently upon contact with water, steam, methanol or ethanol to form hydrogen bromide gas and acetic acid. Reacts vigorously with bases, both organic and inorganic. Incompatible with oxidizing agents and alcohols. Produces highly toxic fumes of bromine and carbonyl bromide when heated to decomposition [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 34]. Vapor forms an explosive mixture with air [Kirk-Othmer, 3rd ed., Vol. 1, 1978, p. 162]. May react vigorously or explosively if mixed with diisopropyl ether or other ethers in the presence of trace amounts of metal salts [J. Haz. Mat., 1981, 4, 291].

• Acyl Halides, Sulfonyl Halides, and Chloroformates

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents
• Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
• Dirt/Earth

Excerpt from ERG Guide 156 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1716 datasheet.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 156 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:

Note: Most foams will react with the material and release corrosive/toxic gases. CAUTION: For Acetyl bromide (UN1716), use CO2 or dry chemical only.

SMALL FIRE: CO2, dry chemical, dry sand, alcohol-resistant foam.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. FOR CHLOROSILANES, DO NOT USE WATER; use alcohol-resistant foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 156 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. FOR CHLOROSILANES, use alcohol-resistant foam to reduce vapors. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. (ERG, 2024)

NIOSH approved respirator; impervious protective clothing; chemical safety goggles; gloves; adequate ventilation; provisions for flushing eyes or skin with water (USCG, 1999)

No information available.

INHALATION: remove victim from exposure; if breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration; if breathing is difficult, give oxygen; watch for delayed lung damage.

EYES: flush with water for at least 15 min.; get medical attention.

SKIN: flush with soap and water; treat burns as needed. (USCG, 1999)

• ACETYL BROMIDE