Carbon tetrabromide
Agent Name
Carbon tetrabromide
Alternative Name
Tetrabromomethane
CAS Number
558-13-4
Formula
C-Br4
Major Category
Solvents
Synonyms
Carbon bromide; Methane tetrabromide; Tetrabromomethane; [NIOSH] UN2516
Category
Brominated Solvents
Description
Colorless to yellow-brown crystals with a slight odor; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used in organic syntheses; [ACGIH]
Comments
In an acute study of mice, carbon tetrabromide was determined to be 2.2 times more toxic to the liver than carbon tetrachloride. It causes significant eye irritation (tearing) in workers even at lower exposure levels. [ACGIH] A lachrymator; [HSDB] Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression; Causes corrosive burns to eyes [ICSC]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
0.1 ppm
STEL (ACGIH)
0.3 ppm
Vapor Pressure
0.72 mm Hg
Explanatory Notes
VP from HSDB;
Half Life
For bromide (depends on compound and route of administration) whole body: 1 hour to 12 days; [TDR, p. 214]
Adverse Effects
Lachrymator
Yes
Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome
Hepatotoxin
Occupational hepatotoxin (principal effect)
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: