Material Safety Data Sheet: Cobalt Formate

Identification

Chemical Name: Cobalt(II) Formate
Synonyms: Formic acid, cobalt(2+) salt; Cobalt diformate
CAS Number: 544-17-2
Recommended Use: Laboratory research, catalyst manufacturing, chemical synthesis
Manufacturer: Details provided by supplier upon request
Contact Information: Emergency contact and manufacturer details should remain accessible on site.

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (Oral, Dermal, Inhalation: Category 3), Skin irritation (Category 2), Carcinogenicity (Category 1B), Specific target organ toxicity (Category 2)
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, Health hazard, Exclamation mark
Health Hazards: May cause cancer by inhalation; toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin, or inhaled; may cause skin irritation, eye irritation; suspected damage to fertility; may cause allergic skin reaction
Environmental Hazards: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Cobalt(II) Formate: 98-100%
Chemical Formula: C2H2CoO4
Impurities: Trace metal oxides, water (<1%)
Other Components: No significant stabilizers or additives reported

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist (headache, dizziness, breathing difficulty).
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse affected skin with soap and water. Get medical help if irritation or rash appears.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open; get immediate medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Call physician or poison control.
Symptoms: Burning sensation, cough, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, skin redness, possible allergic reactions.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Methods: High-pressure water streams may spread material
Specific Hazards: Thermal decomposition releases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxides of cobalt, irritating fumes
Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant suit, gloves, SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus)
Special Precautions: Remove containers from fire area if safe, cool fire-exposed surfaces, prevent runoff from entering drains and waterways

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear protective gloves, goggles, respirator. Avoid dust formation.
Environmental Precautions: Isolate spillage from entering drains, watercourses, or soil.
Clean-Up Procedures: Sweep up using non-sparking tools, avoid generating dust, transfer to labeled waste container. Ventilate area. Dispose in accordance with local and national regulations.
Other Actions: Decontaminate affected surfaces with water and detergent.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work in well-ventilated area, use appropriate PPE (gloves, goggles, dust mask). Avoid exposure to dust, ingestion, and skin/eye contact. Wash hands after handling.
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, away from incompatible materials (strong oxidizers, acids, bases). Keep out of direct sunlight and moisture. Secure storage area with proper labeling.
Other Recommendations: Ensure eyewash stations and safety showers are accessible.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for cobalt compounds: 0.1 mg/m³ (as Co), ACGIH TLV: 0.02 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, fume hood
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shield
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), long sleeves
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved respirator for dust or mist
Hygiene Measures: No eating, drinking, or smoking in area; routine hand washing, change clothes after work

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Pink to red crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 225 °C (decomposition)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Solubility: Soluble in water
Density: 2.1 g/cm³
pH: Slightly acidic (aqueous solution)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Other Data: Non-flammable under normal conditions

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Slowly reacts with strong acids and strong oxidizers
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, strong acids, strong oxidizing agents
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formic acid vapor, cobalt oxides
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral (rat) LD50 ~ 48 mg/kg; Inhalation and dermal routes also toxic
Skin/Eye Irritation: Causes moderate to severe irritation
Sensitization: May cause allergic skin reaction
Chronic Effects: May cause damage to lungs, respiratory system, heart; known human carcinogen (IARC Group 2B)
Other Effects: Possible reproductive and developmental toxicity, systemic toxicity after repeated exposure

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Very toxic to aquatic organisms; may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Persistence and Degradability: Cobalt forms tend to persist in soil and sediments
Bioaccumulation Potential: Cobalt can bioaccumulate in aquatic and terrestrial species
Mobility in Soil: Moderate mobility; leaching possible in acidic conditions
Other Information: Avoid environmental release to minimize ecological damage

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose through licensed chemical waste contractor. Always follow local, regional, and national regulations.
Container Disposal: Triple-rinse and offer for recycling or reconditioning. Residues in containers are hazardous.
Additional Guidance: Do not release into sewers, waterways, or uncontrolled drains. Mark waste containers clearly.

Transport Information

UN Number: 3288
Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (contains Cobalt Formate)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: II
Labeling Requirements: Toxic, environmentally hazardous
Special Precautions: Secure packaging, prevent container damage, ensure documentation is in order.

Regulatory Information

European Union: Classified as hazardous according to CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
US Regulations: Listed under TSCA. Covered by OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. Subject to SARA Title III reporting for cobalt compounds.
Canada: WHMIS classification D2A (very toxic material) and D2B (toxic material causing other toxic effects)
Other Global Inventories: Listed on appropriate chemical inventories in Japan, Australia, and China
Restrictions: Controlled under workplace environmental and occupational safety standards. Local authorities may impose stricter rules for environmental protection and worker safety.