Cobalt Chloride Tetrahydrate – Material Safety Data Sheet

Identification

Product Name: Cobalt Chloride Tetrahydrate
Chemical Formula: CoCl₂·4H₂O
Synonyms: Cobaltous chloride, Cobalt (II) chloride tetrahydrate
CAS Number: 7791-13-1
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, humidity indicator, chemical intermediate
Supplier Information: Chemical supply companies, laboratories, industrial distributors
Emergency Contact: Refer to local poison control centers or dedicated workplace emergency lines for assistance with exposures or spills

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), Skin sensitizer, Carcinogenicity, Eye and respiratory tract irritation
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin; may cause allergic skin reactions; cancer risk through prolonged or repeated exposure; environmental hazard to aquatic life
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, health hazard, exclamation mark, environment
Signal Word: Danger
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wash exposed skin, wear protective gear, prevent release to the environment

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Cobalt Chloride Tetrahydrate
CAS Number: 7791-13-1
Percentage: 100%
Impurities: Trace metals (nickel, iron, copper), typically very low concentrations from industrial synthesis or storage conditions

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, loosen restrictive clothing, seek medical attention if irritation or difficulty breathing persists
Skin Contact: Rinse skin immediately with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical care if symptoms develop
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water, lifting upper and lower eyelids intermittently, continue flushing for at least 15 minutes, get medical evaluation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical professionals, get urgent medical assistance
Symptoms and Effects: Potential effects include nausea, vomiting, skin rash, shortness of breath, allergic response, or persistent coughing

Fire-Fighting Measures

Flammability: Material itself is not classified as flammable, but decomposition may release toxic fumes
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, or water spray for surrounding fire
Hazardous Combustion Products: Cobalt oxides, hydrochloric acid fumes, chlorine compounds
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Specific Methods: Use water spray to cool exposed containers, prevent water or runoff from entering drains and waterways

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, restrict access, ventilate affected area, avoid dust generation
Protective Equipment: Use respirators, gloves, chemical splash goggles, and protective clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from reaching soil, waterways, or drains, report releases to environmental authorities
Cleanup Methods: Scoop or sweep up spilled material with minimal dust, place into labeled containers for disposal, wash surfaces thoroughly with water and detergent
Decontamination: Ensure thorough cleaning of all contaminated equipment and surfaces to avoid secondary exposure

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid producing dust, use only with appropriate ventilation, do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas, wash hands and face thoroughly after handling, keep away from incompatible substances (strong acids, oxidizers)
Storage: Keep in tightly closed containers, store in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas, prevent moisture contact to avoid clumping or chemical changes, segregate from incompatible chemicals
Special Considerations: Use dedicated storage containers, clearly label storage areas, check inventory regularly for container integrity

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Cobalt compounds (as Co) – OSHA PEL: 0.1 mg/m³ TWA; ACGIH TLV: 0.02 mg/m³ TWA (inhalable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Work in chemical fume hoods or local exhaust systems, ensure effective ventilation at points of dust generation
Personal Protective Equipment: Respiratory protection when dusting possible, impermeable gloves, chemical splash goggles, lab coats or overalls, closed footwear
Hygiene Practices: Remove contaminated clothing and wash hands before breaks and at the end of tasks, store PPE away from common areas

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Purple to pink crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
pH (1% solution): Approximately 4.0
Melting Point: 86°C (dehydrates towards anhydrous form)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Density: 1.9 g/cm³
Solubility: Readily soluble in water, moderate in ethanol
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Other Properties: Deliquescent, color changes under humid conditions, may release toxic vapors at elevated temperatures

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperature and pressure in sealed containers, loses water of crystallization in dry air, slowly absorbs moisture and forms solution
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids and strong oxidizers
Hazardous Reactions: Prolonged heating causes release of chlorine and cobalt oxides
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Cobalt oxides, hydrochloric acid, chlorine gas
Conditions to Avoid: High temperature, exposure to strong acids, oxidizers, or moisture, contact with metals (may corrode)

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: LD₅₀ (oral, rat): 766 mg/kg; irritates mucous membranes
Chronic Effects: Sensitization of skin, asthma-like symptoms, possible blood changes, carcinogenic risk, possible reproductive toxicity
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, coughing, difficulty breathing, rash, eye irritation
Carcinogenic Status: Classified as carcinogen by IARC (Group 2B – possibly carcinogenic to humans)
Mutagenicity: Evidence of genotoxicity in animal studies
Reproductive Toxicity: Adverse effects noted in high-concentration animal exposures
Target Organs: Lungs, skin, gastrointestinal tract, blood, thyroid

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, damages aquatic plants, invertebrates, and fish at low concentrations
Persistence/Degradability: Metal ion persists in sediments and soil, not readily biodegradable
Bioaccumulation: Tends to accumulate in aquatic organisms, risk of transferring through food webs
Mobility in Soil: Can leach into groundwater under acidic or highly moist conditions
Other Effects: Potential for long-term harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems, impacts microflora in soils

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Handle as hazardous waste, collect spills and waste material in secure, labeled containers, follow national and local regulations for disposal, never dispose of in general trash or down drains
Container Disposal: Treat contaminated containers as hazardous, decontaminate or send to licensed hazardous waste handler
Precautions: Prevent exposure to waste handlers, avoid contamination of land and water sources, keep manifest or disposal paperwork for auditing

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 3288
Proper Shipping Name: Toxic Solid, Inorganic, N.O.S. (contains cobalt compound)
Transport Classification: Class 6.1 (toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Labels: Toxic
Special Transport Precautions: Protect package integrity, keep dry, secure containers to prevent breakage, transport by qualified personnel with spill response supplies

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Regulated as hazardous substance
EPA SARA Title III: Listed; reporting requirements may apply
TSCA: Listed on US TSCA Inventory
EU Classification: Carcinogen Category 1B, Acute Oral Toxicity Category 4, Skin Sensitizer Category 1, Aquatic Acute Category 1
WHMIS Status: D2A (very toxic), D2B (toxic), D1B (immediate toxicity)
Additional Regulation: Subject to workplace labeling, use, and exposure control laws, may require environmental monitoring, product safety documentation required for transport, storage, and disposal by European, US, and local authorities