1H-Imidazolium, 3-ethyl-1-methyl-, chloride (1:1)

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

Skin irritation: not irritating (BASF, 2007)
Eye irritation:slightly irritating (BASF, 2007)

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Skin irritation / corrosion

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

no adverse effect observed (not irritating)

Eye irritation

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed (irritating)

Additional information

Skin irritation

The potential of 1-Ethyl-3-methyl-1-imidazolium chloride (EMIM CI) to cause acute dermal irritation or corrosion was assessed by a single topical application of an amount of 0.5 g of the test substance for 4 hours to the intact skin of three White New Zealand rabbits, using a patch of 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm, covered with semiocclusive dressing. After removal of the patch the application area was washed off. The cutaneous reactions were assessed immediately after removal of the patch, approximately 1, 24, 48 and 72 hours after removal of the patch. Slight or moderate erythema was observed in all animals during the course of the study. The cutaneous reactions were reversible in all animals within 72 hours after removal of the patch at latest. The average score (24 to 72 hours) for irritation was calculated to be 0.6 for erythema and 0.0 for edema. Considering the described cutaneous reactions as well as the average score for irritation, 1-Ethyl-3-methyl-1-imidazolium chloride (EMIM CI) does not show a skin irritation potential under the test conditions chosen (BASF, 2007).

Eye irritation

The potential of 1-Ethyl-3-methyl-1-imidazolium chloride (EMIM CI) to cause damage to the conjunctiva, iris or cornea was assessed by a single ocular application of 0.1 mL bulk volume (about 74 mg) of the test substance to one eye of three White New Zealand rabbits (stepwise procedure starting with one animal and supplementing two additional animals).

About 24 hours after application the eye was rinsed with tap water. The ocular reactions were assessed approximately 1, 24, 48 and 72 hours after application and on day 7. Moderate iritis, moderate conjunctival redness, slight to marked conjunctival chemosis and

slight to severe discharge were observed in the animals during the course of the study. Additional findings like contracted pupil and injected scleral vessels in a circumscribed area or circular were noted in the animals during the observation period.

The ocular reactions were reversible in all animals within 7 days after application. The average score (24 to 72 hours) for irritation was calculated to be 0.0 for corneal opacity, 0.1 for iris, 2.0 for conjunctival redness and 1.1 for chemosis.

Considering the described ocular reactions as well as the average score for irritation, 1-Ethyl-3-methyl-1-imidazolium chloride (EMIM CI) shows a slight eye irritation potential under the test conditions chosen (BASF, 2007).

Justification for selection of skin irritation / corrosion endpoint:
only available study

Justification for selection of eye irritation endpoint:
only available study

Effects on eye irritation: slightly irritating

Justification for classification or non-classification

Based on the available studies data on skin and eye irritating properties the test item would have to be classified as eye irritating cat. 2 (H319) according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP).