Material Safety Data Sheet: Cobalt Chloride Hexahydrate

Identification

Product Name: Cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate
Synonyms: Cobalt dichloride hexahydrate, Cobaltous chloride hexahydrate
Chemical Formula: CoCl₂·6H₂O
CAS Number: 7791-13-1
Use: Laboratory reagent, humidity indicator, synthesis of cobalt compounds, catalyst, pigment manufacture
Supplier Details: Typically listed on invoice or label, with contact info, address, phone, emergency phone

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), skin irritant, eye irritant, suspected carcinogen, specific target organ toxicity after repeated exposure, hazardous to aquatic environment (acute and chronic)
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin; may cause allergic skin reaction; suspected of causing cancer; prolonged or repeated exposure may damage organs; very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Symbol(s): GHS07 (Exclamation mark), GHS08 (Health hazard), GHS09 (Environment)
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, use protective equipment, prevent release to environment; wash hands thoroughly after handling

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate: 98–100%
Chemical Formula: CoCl₂·6H₂O
CAS Number: 7791-13-1
EC Number: 231-589-4
Impurities: Trace moisture, minor contaminants depending on grade

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep at rest; seek medical attention for persistent cough, shortness of breath, dizziness
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical help for irritation or rash
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy, continue rinsing, get medical advice if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, give water to drink if conscious, call physician or poison center promptly
Common Symptoms: Burning sensation, cough, sore throat, rash, eye redness or pain, abdominal cramps after swallowing

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None specified for product, avoid high-pressure water jets directly
Specific Hazards: Toxic fumes (cobalt oxides, hydrogen chloride) may form under fire conditions
Protective Equipment: Firefighters wear self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective suit
Advice: Evacuate area, prevent runoff from fire control methods from entering drains or waterways, use water spray to cool containers

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Ventilate area, avoid raising dust, avoid inhalation or direct contact
Protective Equipment: Dust mask or respirator, chemical-resistant gloves, lab coat, eye protection
Spill Cleanup Methods: Pick up and collect without generating dust; sweep with damp material, place in suitable closed container; wash contaminated area with water
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage, do not allow to reach drains, surface water, soil; notify authorities if product enters environment in large quantities
Disposal: Dispose contaminated material as hazardous waste in accordance with local and national regulations

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid formation of dust, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; wash hands thoroughly after handling; keep away from incompatible materials such as strong acids and bases
Storage: Keep in tightly closed container in cool, dry, well-ventilated location, away from incompatible substances and direct sunlight; segregate from oxidizers and food items, label all storage containers clearly with product name and hazard warnings

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL): Consult national regulations; ACGIH TLV (USA): 0.02 mg/m³ (as cobalt, inhalable fraction)—contact local authorities for updates
Engineering Controls: Use fume hood or local exhaust; keep containers closed; provide emergency eyewash and shower stations
Personal Protective Equipment: Lab coat, chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses or goggles; NIOSH-approved respirator for dust if airborne concentrations exceed limits
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas; wash hands before eating, after handling; change contaminated clothing; clean protective gear regularly

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Purple, pinkish, or red crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
Molecular Weight: 237.93 g/mol
Melting Point: Loses water starting at 86°C, decomposes at higher temperatures
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol
Density: 1.92 g/cm³ at 20°C
pH (1% solution): Approx. 4.0-5.0
Other Data: Deliquescent, changes color on exposure to air due to hydration changes

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions, sensitive to moisture and air
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids, bases; forms toxic gases with oxidizing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, incompatible materials
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Thermal decomposition yields cobalt oxides, hydrogen chloride
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, ammonia, sodium hypochlorite

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eyes, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled; LD₅₀ (oral, rat): approx. 766 mg/kg
Chronic Effects: Skin sensitizer; repeated exposure may cause lesions, bronchial asthma, nasal septum perforations, possible cancer hazard
Carcinogenicity: IARC: Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans)
Other Effects: Allergic reactions, dermatitis, asthmatic symptoms, potential impact on blood, thyroid, heart with repeated high exposure
Symptoms of Overexposure: Shortness of breath, chest tightness, fatigue, skin rash

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, long-lasting harmful effects on water environments
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic compound, does not degrade readily
Bioaccumulation Potential: Accumulates in aquatic life
Mobility in Soil: Moderate mobility, may leach to groundwater
Additional Information: Prevent release into waterways, sewer, environment; inform local authorities in case of large spill

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment: Collect and label waste for hazardous disposal, keep in marked, sealed container
Disposal Methods: Hand over to licensed hazardous waste contractor; do not pour down drain or bury
Legal Requirements: All handling, storage, and disposal must comply with local, national, and regional regulations for hazardous chemicals

Transport Information

UN Number: 3288
Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (Cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Transport Label: Toxic, Environmentally Hazardous Substance
Additional Handling: Keep containers sealed, avoid breakage, inform carriers about hazards, special handling instructions apply for air, road, and sea transport

Regulatory Information

Labeling: GHS (Global Harmonized System) label—includes hazard pictogram, signal word, hazard statements, precautionary statements
Regulatory Lists: Listed on TSCA, REACH, EINECS, DSL inventories
Restrictions: Use and supply regulated under chemical safety and workplace safety laws—carcinogen handling protocols required
Other Requirements: Exemptions or extra regulations may apply in some regions for carcinogens or aquatic toxins; ensure risk assessment and management plans are in place