Substance profile
Tetraethyl silicate
Tetraethyl silicate is a colorless liquid with a sharp, ester-like odor.
01 · Identification
What Tetraethyl silicate is
Tetraethyl silicate is a colorless liquid with a sharp, ester-like odor. Its molecular formula is C8H20O4Si and its molecular weight is 208.33 g/mol. It boils at 169 °C, melts at -82.5 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for Tetraethyl silicate
- ethyl silicate
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H226 | Flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P264, P271, P280, P304, P305, P312, P313, P337, P338, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Tetraethyl silicate 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.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 168.8 °C (335.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 168.89 °C (336 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 168.89 °C (336 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -82.5 °C (-116.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| -82.78 °C (-117 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -85.5 °C (-121.9 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.93 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.933 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 7.8 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Soluble in ether | HSDB | |
| Slightly soluble in benzene | HSDB | ||
| Decomposes in water | decomposes | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 1 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 1 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.88 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 51.67 °C (125 °F) | HSDB | |
| 37.22 °C (99 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 37 °C (98.6 °F) | HSDB | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.3 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 23 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 7.22 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | 85 ppm | HSDB | |
| Water: decomposes in water; air: 17 uL/L; odor safety class D; D = 10-50% of distracted persons can detect TLV concn in the air. | decomposes | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 3.6 [ppm] | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Tetraethyl silicate
Storage conditions
Ethyl silicate must be stored to avoid contact with strong oxidizers (such as chlorine, bromine, and fluorine) since violent reactions occur. Before entering confined space where this chemical may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from water. Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where ethyl silicate is handled, used, or stored. Metal containers involving the transfer of five gallons or more of ethyl silicate should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Use only non-sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of ethyl silicate.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Strong oxidizers, water [Note: Reacts with water to form a silicone adhesive (a milky-white mass)].
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
ETHYL SILICATE reacts exothermically with acids Strong oxidizing acids may cause a reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. May generate with caustic solutions. May generate flammable hydrogen with alkali metals and hydrides.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Tetraethyl silicate in the storage compatibility matrix →