Cobalt Acetate - Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Identification

Product Name: Cobalt(II) Acetate Tetrahydrate
Chemical Formula: C4H6CoO4·4H2O
Synonyms: Cobalt diacetate, Cobaltous acetate
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, catalyst in industrial applications, pigment manufacturing
Manufacturer Information: Manufacturer name, address, telephone, emergency contact number

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), Skin sensitization, Carcinogenicity (Group 2B: possibly carcinogenic to humans), Specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure)
Label Elements: Warning signal word, Skull and Crossbones pictogram, Exclamation mark, Health hazard
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, causes skin irritation, may cause allergic skin reaction, suspected of causing cancer, toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or fumes, wash thoroughly after handling, wear protective clothing, face and eye protection, avoid release to the environment

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Cobalt(II) Acetate Tetrahydrate
CAS Number: 6147-53-1
EC Number: 206-109-5
Concentration: More than 98% by weight
Impurities: Trace heavy metals, moisture content up to 17%

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water, remove contact lenses if easy to do, continue rinsing for at least 15 minutes, seek immediate medical attention
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected skin with plenty of soap and water, get medical advice for irritation or allergic reaction
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing, provide artificial respiration if not breathing, contact poison center or doctor
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person, seek immediate medical attention, do not induce vomiting

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, foam
Unsuitable Media: Straight water jets can spread spilled material
Specific Hazards: Fire may produce irritating, toxic, or corrosive gases including cobalt and carbon oxides
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Precautions: Move containers away from fire area if safe, keep run-off water out of sewers and drains

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate personnel, ventilate area, use personal protective equipment including gloves and goggles to prevent contact with skin and eyes
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into environment, avoid entering waterways, drains, or soil
Containment Methods: Collect material using tools that minimize dust generation, cover with inert absorbent material like sand or vermiculite
Cleanup Procedures: Sweep up, place in suitable disposal containers, clean contaminated surfaces with water and detergent

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling Practices: Handle in well-ventilated spaces, avoid inhalation or contact with eyes, skin, wear proper PPE, wash hands before breaks and after work
Storage Requirements: Keep container tightly closed and dry, store in cool, well-ventilated area, away from incompatible materials
Incompatibility: Strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis
Storage Temperature Range: 2°C to 8°C recommended

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 0.1 mg/m³ (Cobalt compounds, as Co), ACGIH TLV: 0.02 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Exhaust ventilation, fume hoods
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles, lab coat, NIOSH-approved respirator for dusty environments
Hygiene Measures: Change contaminated clothing, wash hands thoroughly, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in work areas

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Pink to red crystals
Odor: Slight acetic acid
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH (1% solution): 7.2–8.2
Melting Point: 140°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility (Water): Soluble (43 g/100 mL at 20°C)
Vapor Pressure: Not available
Relative Density: 1.7 (water = 1)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Not available
Decomposition Temperature: >140°C
Evaporation Rate: Not available
Flammability: Not flammable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong oxidizing agents to produce heat and hazardous gases
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, humidity, contact with acids or bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, cobalt oxide fumes, acetic acid

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity Data: Oral LD50 (rat): 550 mg/kg
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged inhalation may cause respiratory irritation, asthma, dermatitis, possible cancer risk due to cobalt compounds
Symptoms of Overexposure: Nausea, vomiting, cough, shortness of breath, skin redness, allergic rash
Carcinogenicity: IARC Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans
Other Effects: Sensitization to skin, possible reproductive effects at high doses

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects, LC50 (fish): 1.5 mg/L (96 h, zebra fish)
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic compounds not readily biodegradable
Bioaccumulation Potential: Cobalt may bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Moderate mobility, risk of leaching to groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Long-term environmental impact due to persistence of cobalt ions

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose as hazardous waste according to local, regional, and national regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse containers, dispose as hazardous material
Precautions: Do not discharge to sewers, soil, or waterways
Recommended Disposal Method: Incineration or chemical recovery by permitted hazardous waste contractor

Transport Information

UN Number: 3288
UN Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (contains Cobalt Acetate)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Transport in compliance with local and international rules, keep away from food and feed

Regulatory Information

TSCA (US): Listed
DSL (Canada): Listed
REACH (EU): Registered, subject to authorization and restriction
OSHA: Target organ effects, carcinogen
SARA 313: Subject to reporting under SARA Title III, Section 313
California Proposition 65: Listed as a chemical known to the state to cause cancer
WHMIS (Canada): D1A, D2A – Very toxic and carcinogenic