TRIMETHYLACETIC ACID is a colored crystalline solid of low toxicity that is soluble in water, ethyl alcohol and diethyl ether.

none

With mixing, water soluble.

COMBUSTIBLE. Produces vapors irritating to eyes and skin. Decomposes to produce acrid smoke and fumes. (USCG, 1999)

CALL FOR MEDICAL AID. SOLID: Irritating to eyes and skin. Harmful if swallowed. IF IN EYES OR ON SKIN, flush with running water for at least 15 minutes; hold eyelids open if necessary. Wash skin with soap and water. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes at the site. If SWALLOWED and victim is UNCONSCIOUS OR HAVING CONVULSIONS, do nothing except keep victim warm. Because of low volatility, it is relatively harmless when inhaled at normal ambient temperature (around 20°C). It is slightly toxic by ingestion or skin absorption. The vapor is irritating at elevated temperatures. Can cause considerable discomfort by oral routes; may cause reversible or irreversible changes to exposed tissue, not permanent injury or death. (USCG, 1999)

TRIMETHYLACETIC ACID is a carboxylic acid. Carboxylic acids donate hydrogen ions if a base is present to accept them. They react in this way with all bases, both organic (for example, the amines) and inorganic. Their reactions with bases, called "neutralizations", are accompanied by the evolution of substantial amounts of heat. Neutralization between an acid and a base produces water plus a salt. Carboxylic acids with six or fewer carbon atoms are freely or moderately soluble in water; those with more than six carbons are slightly soluble in water. Soluble carboxylic acid dissociate to an extent in water to yield hydrogen ions. The pH of solutions of carboxylic acids is therefore less than 7.0. Many insoluble carboxylic acids react rapidly with aqueous solutions containing a chemical base and dissolve as the neutralization generates a soluble salt. Carboxylic acids in aqueous solution and liquid or molten carboxylic acids can react with active metals to form gaseous hydrogen and a metal salt. Such reactions occur in principle for solid carboxylic acids as well, but are slow if the solid acid remains dry. Even "insoluble" carboxylic acids may absorb enough water from the air and dissolve sufficiently in it to corrode or dissolve iron, steel, and aluminum parts and containers. Carboxylic acids, like other acids, react with cyanide salts to generate gaseous hydrogen cyanide. The reaction is slower for dry, solid carboxylic acids. Insoluble carboxylic acids react with solutions of cyanides to cause the release of gaseous hydrogen cyanide. Flammable and/or toxic gases and heat are generated by the reaction of carboxylic acids with diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, and sulfides. Carboxylic acids, especially in aqueous solution, also react with sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates (to give H2S and SO3), dithionites (SO2), to generate flammable and/or toxic gases and heat. Their reaction with carbonates and bicarbonates generates a harmless gas (carbon dioxide) but still heat. Like other organic compounds, carboxylic acids can be oxidized by strong oxidizing agents and reduced by strong reducing agents. These reactions generate heat. A wide variety of products is possible. Like other acids, carboxylic acids may initiate polymerization reactions; like other acids, they often catalyze (increase the rate of) chemical reactions.

• Acids, Carboxylic

No information available.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

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: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck 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, 2020)

Extingiush small fires: dry chemical, CO2, water spray or foam; large fires: water spray, fog or foam. (USCG, 1999)

Avoid contact with solid and dust. Keep people away. Wear self-contained positive pressure breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. Stop discharge if possible. Shut off ignition sources. Call fire department. Isolate and remove discharged material. Notify local health and pollution control agencies. Issue warning - water contaminant Should be removed. Chemical and physical treatment. Dangerous to aquatic life in high concentrations. May be dangerous if it enter water intakes. Notify local health and wildlife officials. Notify operators of nearby water intakes. (USCG, 1999)

Wear self-contained positive breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. (USCG, 1999)

No information available.

INHALATION: Remove victim to fresh air, get medical attention if irrtation persists.

EYES: Hold eyelids open and flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and get medical attention.

SKIN: Contaminated skin should be washed with soap and water. (USCG, 1999)

• ALPHA, ALPHA-DIMETHYL-PROPIONIC ACID
• ALPHA,ALPHA-DIMETHYLPROPIONIC ACID
• 2,2-DIMETHYLPROPANOIC ACID
• 2,2-DIMETHYLPROPIONIC ACID
• NEOPENTANOIC ACID
• PIVALIC ACID
• PROPANOIC ACID, 2,2-DI-METHYL-
• TERT-PENTANOIC ACID
• TRIMETHYLACETIC ACID
• 2,2,2-TRIMETHYLACETIC ACID
• TRIMETHYLMETHANECARBOXYLIC ACID
• VERSATIC 5 ACID