Material Safety Data Sheet – Cobalt Acetate Tetrahydrate

Identification

Product Name: Cobalt Acetate Tetrahydrate
Chemical Formula: Co(CH₃COO)₂·4H₂O
CAS Number: 6147-53-1
Synonyms: Cobaltous Acetate Tetrahydrate, Cobalt (II) Acetate Tetrahydrate
Recommended Use: Laboratory chemical, manufacturing of catalysts, pigments, drier for paints and varnishes
Supplier Information: Company name, address, phone number, email
Emergency Contact: Phone number for chemical spill response or medical incident

Hazard Identification

Classification (GHS): Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation), Carcinogen category 2, Skin sensitization category 1, Eye irritant category 2A
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed; May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled; May cause allergic skin reaction; Suspected of causing cancer; Causes serious eye irritation
Pictograms: Health hazard, exclamation mark
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, eye contact
Target Organs: Respiratory system, skin, eyes
Symptom Overview: Irritation of eyes, nose, throat, cough, shortness of breath, skin redness and rash with repeated contact

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Cobalt Acetate Tetrahydrate
CAS Number: 6147-53-1
EC Number: 206-596-5
Concentration: 98-100%
Impurities: Traces of other cobalt compounds, water of crystallization

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms develop
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, get medical advice for irritation or rash
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes carefully with plenty of water for 15 minutes, lift eyelids, consult a physician
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink plenty of water if conscious, do not induce vomiting, seek medical help
Important Symptoms: Chest tightness, coughing, allergic reaction signs, headache, stomach pain
Advice for Medical Responders: Provide oxygen if breathing is difficult, treat symptomatically, inform about potential for allergic and toxic effects

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Extinguishing Media to Avoid: High-pressure water jets
Special Hazards: Releases toxic and irritating fumes (cobalt oxides, carbon oxides) on heating or fire
Protective Equipment: Firefighters wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Firefighting Techniques: Keep containers cool by spraying water, prevent firefighting runoff from entering drains
Explosion Hazard: Not classified as explosive, but dust may form combustible mixture with air in rare cases

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ventilate, prevent dust formation, avoid breathing dust, use appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, respirator
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering watercourses, drains, or soil
Containment and Cleanup: Sweep up using methods that minimize dust, place in labeled, sealed containers, wash site of spill with water, dispose of as hazardous waste
Decontamination Procedures: Ventilate area, clean with damp cloth or mop to minimize airborne particles

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Handle in well-ventilated areas, avoid skin and eye contact, no eating, drinking, or smoking where product is used, use proper storage and clean-up policies to limit exposure
Storage Conditions: Keep tightly closed in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place, away from strong acids, oxidizers, and incompatible materials
Storage Container Requirements: Store in corrosion-proof containers with secure lids, label clearly
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, oxidizers, moisture (to prevent caking and release of acetic acid fumes)

Exposure Controls / Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: 0.02 mg/m³ (as cobalt, inhalable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, process enclosures, or other engineering measures to control airborne concentrations
Personal Protection: Respiratory protection (NIOSH-approved mask or respirator), chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles or face shield, protective lab coat or overalls
Hygiene Measures: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, wash hands thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing and wash before use

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Purple-red crystalline solid
Odor: Slight acetic acid smell
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: 7 (1% solution)
Melting Point: 140°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Flash Point: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not available
Flammability: Non-flammable solid
Vapor Pressure: Not available
Vapor Density: Not available
Relative Density: 1.7–1.8 (water = 1)
Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not self-igniting
Decomposition Temperature: Above 140°C (gives off acetic acid vapor)
Viscosity: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids to produce acetic acid fumes; incompatible with strong oxidizers
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Not known under normal conditions, but contact with oxidizers or acids increases risk
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Cobalt oxides, carbon oxides, acetic acid vapors
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, moisture, strong acids, incompatible materials
Polymerization: Will not occur

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, ingestion, eye contact
Acute Toxicity: LD₅₀ (oral, rat): 2,913 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause irritation or allergic reaction after prolonged/repeated contact
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes moderate to severe irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: May cause asthma or difficulty breathing in sensitive individuals
Skin Sensitization: Sensitization possible with repeated exposure
Carcinogenicity: Listed as possible human carcinogen (IARC Group 2B)
Mutagenicity: Evidence from animal studies
Other Effects: Chronic exposure may impair heart function, thyroid, cause polycythemia
Medical Conditions Aggravated: Pre-existing respiratory, skin, or heart conditions may worsen

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in aquatic environment
Persistence and Degradability: Cobalt does not degrade, persists and accumulates in soils/sediments
Bioaccumulative Potential: High, cobalt accumulates in aquatic species
Mobility in Soil: Moderately mobile under certain conditions
Other Adverse Effects: May disrupt aquatic life cycles, damage environmental microbiota
Regulatory Reference: Not expected to undergo rapid degradation, should not be disposed into sewers or waterways

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect and contain waste in labeled containers, consult local hazardous waste disposal regulations
Disposal of Product: Handled as hazardous waste, incinerate or landfill at licensed facility according to local rules
Disposal of Contaminated Packaging: Disposal in accordance with regulations, containers should not be reused, triple rinse and puncture before disposal or recycling
Sewage Disposal: Avoid release into drains or water sources

Transport Information

UN Number: 3288
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (contains Cobalt Acetate Tetrahydrate)
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant
Transport Labeling Requirements: Keep in tightly closed container; ensure labeling meets IATA, DOT, IMDG guidelines
Special Precautions for Transport: Prevent rupture, leaks, use shipping documents to communicate hazards, carry emergency instructions

Regulatory Information

Classification: Subject to OSHA, TSCA, REACH, IARC, WHMIS regulations
Labeling: Required pictograms and signal words listed; hazard and precautionary statements prescribed by GHS, OSHA HCS
Safety Assessment: Mandatory workplace safety data management, staff training on safe handling
Community Right-to-Know: TRI listed in the United States; subject to reporting in the European Union under REACH
Other Requirements: Annual inventory, exposure monitoring in occupational settings, emergency response protocol availability