Product Safety Assessment
QPS™ Catalysts
Product Safety Assessment documents are available at www.dow.com/productsafety/finder/.
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Names
Product Overview
Manufacture of Product
Product Description
Product Uses
Exposure Potential
Health Information
Environmental Information
Physical Hazard Information
Regulatory Information
Additional Information
References
Names
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QPS catalysts
Benzyltriphenylphosphonium chloride
Ethyltriphenylphosphonium acid acetate
Ethyltriphenylphosphonium iodide
Tetrabutylphosphonium acid acetate
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BzTPPCl
ETPPAAc
ETPPI
TBPAAc
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CAS No. 1100-88-5
CAS No. 35835-94-0
CAS No. 4736-60-1
CAS No. 30345-49-4
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Product Overview
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QPS™ catalysts are a family of high-purity quaternary phosphonium salts. Most are white,
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crystalline powders, but some are also available as solutions in methanol or ethanol. For
further details, see Product Description.
QPS™ catalysts are used to accelerate the cure of phenolic-based epoxy resins, certain
fluoroelastomer resins, and thermosetting powder coatings. They are also used as catalysts
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in the synthesis of certain organic compounds. For further details, see Product Uses.
Those working with QPS™ catalysts in manufacturing operations could be exposed during
maintenance, sampling, testing, or other procedures. Each manufacturing facility should have
a thorough training program for employees and appropriate work processes, ventilation, and
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safety equipment in place to limit exposure. For further details, see Exposure Potential.
Eye contact with these products can cause severe irritation, conjunctivitis, burns, corneal
damage and opacity, or possible permanent injury. Skin contact can cause moderate to
severe irritation, burns, or permanent damage. Products can be absorbed through the skin in
harmful amounts and sensitization is possible. Inhalation can cause moderate to severe
irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs, as well as headache, nausea, dizziness, abdominal
pain, dilated pupils, central nervous system effects, lack of coordination, clouded vision,
delirium, blindness, and convulsions. Products are harmful if swallowed. Swallowing can
cause burning and swelling of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. Repeated or prolonged
exposure to the solvents in some formulations can cause kidney damage, central nervous
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system effects, blindness, and possible effects on the fetus For further details, see Health
Information.
QPS™ catalysts are not persistent and are expected to biodegrade in the environment. They
exhibit low to moderate potential to accumulate in the food chain and have predicted toxicities
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Revised: January 21, 2015
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Page 1 of 6
Product Safety Assessment: QPS™ Catalysts
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in the range from practically non-toxic to highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms. For
further details, see Environmental Information.
QPS™ catalysts are stable at normal storage and use temperatures, but can decompose at
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elevated temperatures. Products containing solvent are flammable. For further details, see
Physical Hazard Information.
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Manufacture of Product
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Capacity – The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) produces QPS™ catalysts at facilities
located in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Process – QPS™ catalysts are produced by Dow using proprietary materials and processes.
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Product Description1,2
QPS™ catalysts are a family of high-purity quaternary phosphonium salts manufactured by Dow.
A variety of compounds and salts are available (chloride, iodide, acid/acetate). Most are white,
crystalline, water-soluble powders, but some are also available as solutions in methanol or
ethanol.
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Product Uses3,4
QPS catalysts are used for a variety of specialized applications, including cure accelerator for
phenolic-based epoxy resins, certain fluoroelastomer resins, and thermosetting powder coatings.
They are also used as phase-transfer catalysts in the synthesis of certain organic compounds.
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Exposure Potential1,2
QPS™ catalysts are used in the production of industrial products. Based on the uses for these
catalysts, the public could be exposed through:
 Workplace exposure – Exposure can occur either in a facility that manufactures
QPS™ catalysts or in the various industrial or manufacturing facilities that use them. They
are produced, distributed, stored, and consumed in closed systems. Those working with
QPS™ catalysts in manufacturing operations could be exposed during maintenance,
sampling, testing, or other procedures. Each manufacturing facility should have a thorough
training program for employees and appropriate work processes, ventilation, and safety
equipment in place to limit exposure. See Health Information.
 Consumer exposure to products containing QPS™ catalysts – Dow does not sell QPS™
catalysts for consumer use, so consumer contact is unlikely. See Health Information.
 Environmental releases – Small quantities of the QPS™ catalysts may be released into the
environment if products that contain them are spilled or discarded. If released to the
environment, some QPS™ catalysts will tend to remain in water while the others will tend to
bind to soil and sediment. Because the compounds are biodegradable, they will likely be
removed from water and soil environments, including sewage treatment plants. In the event
of a spill, the focus is on containing the spill to prevent contamination of soil and surface or
ground water. Respiratory protection is necessary for cleaning up spills and leaks. For
solvent-based products, eliminate all ignition sources immediately. For small spills, QPS™
catalyst solutions should be absorbed with materials such as sand. Powders can be swept up
for disposal. (See Environmental, Health, and Physical Hazard Information.
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January 21, 2015
The Dow Chemical Company
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Product Safety Assessment: QPS™ Catalysts
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Large release – Industrial spills or releases are infrequent and generally contained. If a large
spill does occur, the material should be captured, collected, and reprocessed or disposed of
according to applicable governmental requirements. An approved respirator is recommended
for emergency work. For solvent-based products, eliminate all ignition sources immediately.
Use only explosion-proof equipment; ground and bond all containers and handling equipment.
See Environmental, Health, and Physical Hazard Information.
In case of fire – Deny any unnecessary entry into the area and consider the use of
unmanned hose holders. Use water spray, carbon-dioxide or dry-chemical extinguishers, or
foam to fight the fire. Alcohol-resistant foams are preferred. Firefighters should wear positivepressure, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and protective firefighting clothing.
Contain fire-water runoff to minimize the potential for environmental damage. Follow
emergency procedures carefully. See Environmental, Health, and Physical Hazard
Information.
For more information, download individual Safety Data Sheets by following the appropriate links
from the Product Information page for QPS™ catalysts or request them from the Dow Customer
Information Group.
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Health Information1,2
Health information for QPS catalysts is summarized on the relevant Safety Data Sheets. It is
important to note that health risks associated with individual products may vary based on their
formulation or intended use. These materials may contain minor components or additives that
have additional health risks. The Safety Data Sheet is the preferred source for specific health
information.
Eye contact – Contact can cause severe eye irritation, conjunctivitis, burns, corneal damage and
opacity, or possible permanent eye injury.
Skin contact – Contact can cause moderate to severe skin irritation, burns, or permanent skin
damage. Products can be absorbed through the skin in harmful amounts. Prolonged contact with
products containing methanol or ethanol can lead to defatting and drying of the skin and possible
blistering. The solvents in some products can be absorbed through intact skin.
Inhalation – Inhalation of vapor or mist can cause moderate to severe irritation of the nose,
throat, and lungs, as well as headache or nausea. Prolonged excessive inhalation of solvent may
also cause dizziness, abdominal pain, dilated pupils, central nervous system effects, lack of
coordination, clouded vision, delirium, blindness, and convulsions. High solvent vapor
concentrations can cause coma or death.
Ingestion – Products are harmful if swallowed. Swallowing can cause burning and swelling of the
mouth, throat, and digestive tract. Ingestion of the solvents in some products can cause nausea,
gastrointestinal irritation, diarrhea, blindness, or even death.
Acute Toxicity – The rat acute oral toxicity of these materials is classified as moderate to high.
Genetic Toxicity – Methyltriphenylphosphonium chloride, a close structural analogue of the QPS
family of products, was not active in in vitro genetic toxicity tests.
Repeated exposure – Repeated or prolonged exposure to the solvents in some of the products
can cause kidney damage, central nervous system effects, blindness, and possible effects on the
fetus.
®
Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
January 21, 2015
The Dow Chemical Company
Page 3 of 6
Product Safety Assessment: QPS™ Catalysts
For more information, download individual Safety Data Sheets by following the appropriate links
from the Product Information page for QPS™ catalysts or request them from the Dow Customer
Information Group.
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Environmental Information1,2
QPS™ catalysts have a low volatility and are slightly to moderately soluble in water. If released to
the environment, some QPS™ catalysts will tend to remain in water while the others will tend to
bind to soil and sediment.
QPS™ catalysts are unlikely to persist in the environment. The compounds are expected to
biodegrade which suggests they will be removed from water and soil environments, including
biological wastewater treatment plants
QPS™ catalysts exhibit low to moderate potential to accumulate in the food chain and have
predicted toxicities in the range from practically non-toxic to highly toxic to fish and aquatic
organisms.
For more information, download individual Safety Data Sheets by following the appropriate links
from the Product Information page for QPS™ catalysts or request them from the Dow Customer
Information Group.
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Physical Hazard Information1,2
QPS catalysts are stable at normal storage and use temperatures, but can decompose at
elevated temperatures. Avoid contact with acids, bases, and strong oxidizers.
Products containing solvents are flammable. Avoid contact with potential ignition sources.
For more information, download individual Safety Data Sheets by following the appropriate links
from the Product Information page for QPS™ catalysts or request them from the Dow Customer
Information Group.
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Regulatory Information
Regulations may exist that govern the manufacture, sale, transportation, use, and/or disposal of
QPS™ catalysts. These regulations may vary by city, state, country, or geographic region.
Information may be found by consulting the relevant Safety Data Sheet, Technical Data Sheet, or
Contact Us.
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Additional Information
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®
For more information, download individual Safety Data Sheets by following the appropriate
links from the Product Information page for QPS™ catalysts or request them from the Dow
Customer Information Group.
Contact Us (www.dow.com/assistance/thoughts.htm)
Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
January 21, 2015
The Dow Chemical Company
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Product Safety Assessment: QPS™ Catalysts
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BzTPPCl Benzyltriphenylphosphonium Chloride, Technical Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical
Company
(www.dow.com/assets/attachments/business/process_chemicals/qps_catalysts/bztppcl/tds/b
ztppcl.pdf)
QPS™ ETPPAAc Solid Ethyltriphenylphosphonium Acid Acetate, Technical Data Sheet, The
Dow Chemical Company
(www.dow.com/assets/attachments/business/process_chemicals/qps_catalysts/ettppaac_soli
d/tds/qps_etppaac_solid.pdf)
ETPPAAc Solutions, Ethyltriphenylphosphonium Acid Acetate, Technical Data Sheet, The
Dow Chemical Company
(www.dow.com/assets/attachments/business/process_chemicals/qps_catalysts/etppaac_70_
percent_in_methanol/tds/etppaac_solutions.pdf)
QPS™ ETPPI Ethyltriphenylphosphonium Iodide, Technical Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical
Company
(www.dow.com/assets/attachments/business/soa/qps_catalysts/qps_etppi/tds/qps_etppi.pdf)
QPS™ TBPAAc SOLUTION: Tetrabutylphosphonium Acid Acetate, Technical Data Sheet,
The Dow Chemical Company
(www.dow.com/assets/attachments/business/soa/qps_catalysts/qps_tbpaac_solution/tds/qps
_tbpaac_solution.pdf)
“Phosphonium, triphenyl(phenylmethyl)-, chloride,” Ecological Categorization Results from
the Canadian Domestic Substance List, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD), web site accessed 6/20/2011
(http://webnet.oecd.org/CCRWEB/ChemicalDetails.aspx?ChemicalID=f9f78b42-7c82-45b68f3a-9fa86cd38a47)
“Phosphonium, ethyltriphenyl-, acetate,” Ecological Categorization Results from the Canadian
Domestic Substance List, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD), web site accessed 6/20/2011
(http://webnet.oecd.org/CCRWEB/ChemicalDetails.aspx?ChemicalID=f1bd467b-2670-4b98adfb-ad9ea6d23045)
“Phosphonium, ethyltriphenyl-, iodide,” Ecological Categorization Results from the Canadian
Domestic Substance List, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD), web site accessed 6/20/2011
(http://webnet.oecd.org/CCRWEB/ChemicalDetails.aspx?ChemicalID=eb8c5235-0ec7-486c8cff-0d5f2e81fbc5)
For more business information about QPS™ catalysts, visit the Product Information page for
QPS™ catalysts at www.dow.com/products/product_line_detail.page?product-line=1120138.
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References
1
ETPPAAC—70% in Methanol Material Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company
BTPPCl Material Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company
3
ETPPAAc Solutions, Ethyltriphenylphosphonium Acid Acetate, Technical Data Sheet, The Dow
Chemical Company
4
BzTPPCl Benzyltriphenylphosphonium Chloride, Technical Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical
Company
2
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®
Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
January 21, 2015
The Dow Chemical Company
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Product Safety Assessment: QPS™ Catalysts
NOTICES:
As part of its 2015 Sustainability Goals, Dow has committed to make publicly available safety
assessments for its products globally. This product safety assessment is intended to give general
information about the chemical (or categories of chemicals) addressed. It is not intended to
provide an in-depth discussion of health and safety information. Additional information is available
through the relevant Safety Data Sheet, which should be consulted before use of the chemical.
This product safety assessment does not replace required communication documents such as
the Safety Data Sheet.
The information herein is supplied upon the condition that the persons receiving same will make
their own determination as to its suitability for their purposes prior to use. In no event will Dow be
responsible for damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance upon the
information herein or the product to which that information refers.
Nothing contained herein is to be construed as a recommendation to use any product, process,
equipment or formulation in conflict with any patent, and Dow makes no representation or
warranty, express or implied, that the use thereof will not infringe any patent.
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January 21, 2015
The Dow Chemical Company
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