Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Cupric Chloride

Identification

Product Name: Cupric Chloride
Chemical Formula: CuCl₂
CAS Number: 7447-39-4
SYNONYMS: Copper(II) chloride, Copper dichloride
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, catalyst in organic synthesis, mordant in dyeing and printing textiles, wood preservative, component in batteries
Supplier: Information provided at time of purchase or on chemical container label
Emergency Contact: Refer to local regulations and supplier recommendations for emergency telephone number

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation); Skin and eye irritation; Environmental hazard (aquatic acute and chronic toxicity)
Signal Word: DANGER
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin, or if inhaled. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, Corrosion, Environment
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. Avoid release to the environment. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not breathe dust, fumes, gas, or vapor. If on skin or eyes: wash thoroughly with water and seek medical advice.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, eye contact
Immediate Health Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, burns to skin and eye tissue, respiratory tract irritation

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical: Cupric Chloride
Concentration: 99-100%
CAS Number: 7447-39-4
EC Number: 231-210-2
Other Ingredients: No significant impurities affecting classification

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person from exposure area to fresh air. Keep at rest. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Provide artificial respiration if breathing has stopped.
Skin Contact: Take off contaminated clothing immediately. Rinse skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical advice if irritation develops or persists.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, keeping eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Get immediate medical advice.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Seek emergency medical advice.
Symptoms of Exposure: Abdominal pain, convulsions, diarrhea, shock, blue-green vomit or stool, skin and eye burns
Medical Attention: Emergency responders should wear personal protective equipment. Symptomatic and supportive treatment recommended.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide to extinguish fire involving this material. Product itself is not flammable.
Specific Hazards: May emit toxic fumes of hydrogen chloride and copper oxides when heated to decomposition. Formation of corrosive and potentially toxic gases possible in fire.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Special Procedures: No direct contact with water stream to avoid splattering. Move containers from fire area if safely possible. Use water spray to cool unopened containers exposed to fire.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area and keep unnecessary personnel away. Wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, goggles, and dust mask/respirator.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering drains, surface water, and soil. Notify authorities if significant spill enters environment.
Spill Containment: Sweep up spills carefully to avoid dust generation. Collect in suitable, labeled containers for proper disposal. Wash spill area thoroughly with water. Ventilate area and dispose of contaminated material according to regulations.
Decontamination: Wash contaminated surfaces with soap and water. Ventilate area to reduce exposure to dust or vapors.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas, away from food and drink. Avoid ingestion, inhalation, or contact with skin/eyes. Use protective gloves, goggles, and appropriate respirators for dusty conditions. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using this material.
Storage: Keep tightly closed in original container, stored in a dry, well-ventilated area. Store away from incompatible substances such as strong acids, alkalis, and reducing agents. Protect against physical damage, moisture, and any exposure to heat sources.
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, strong bases, reducing agents, alkali metals. Avoid contact with materials such as sodium, potassium, and oxidizers.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling and before eating or drinking. Remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No Occupational Exposure Limit Value set for Cupric Chloride by ACGIH, OSHA, or NIOSH; Copper (dusts and mists, as Cu) OSHA PEL: 1 mg/m³ (TWA)
Engineering Controls: Ensure good general ventilation. Use fume hood or process enclosure for laboratory-scale use.
Personal Protective Equipment: Protective gloves (nitrile, neoprene, or PVC), chemical splash goggles, protective clothing (lab coat or coveralls), appropriate respirator if dust or vapors are present.
Environmental Controls: Avoid discharge into drains, water courses, or soil. Use containment and adequate waste management systems.
Other Controls: Provide eyewash stations and safety showers at work location.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Green to yellowish-brown crystalline solid, sometimes as powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 498°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol
Density: 3.386 g/cm³
pH: Solutions are acidic (pH < 7)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at 25°C
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not established
Flash Point: Not applicable
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under standard temperatures and pressures if kept dry and stored as recommended.
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong acids, strong bases, and reducing agents. Moisture may cause clumping and hydrolysis.
Decomposition Products: At high temperatures, forms toxic hydrogen chloride gas and copper oxides.
Polymerization: Does not polymerize.
Conditions to Avoid: Contact with incompatible substances, moisture, excessive heat, and direct sunlight.

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, ingestion
Acute Toxicity (oral): LD₅₀ (rat) ~ 584 mg/kg
Acute Toxicity (dermal): Data not fully available
Acute Toxicity (inhalation): LD₅₀ not established
Skin/Eye Contact: Causes irritation, burns, and possible tissue damage
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause liver and kidney damage, anemia, and skin sensitization.
Symptoms of Overexposure: Gastrointestinal distress, convulsions, hypotension, methemoglobinemia, shock
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Other Info: Individual susceptibility varies; persons with existing skin, eye, or respiratory conditions may be more at risk.

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, including fish and invertebrates. May cause long-term adverse effects in aquatic environment.
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic compound, not expected to biodegrade.
Bioaccumulative Potential: May accumulate in aquatic organisms.
Mobility in Soil: Moderate to high, depending on environmental pH and soil composition.
Other Adverse Effects: Copper salts can be toxic to plants and animals at sufficiently high concentrations.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of solid or contaminated waste as hazardous waste in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. Do not release material to sewage systems or surface water.
Container Disposal: Empty containers may retain residue and should be treated as hazardous. Dispose of containers through approved hazardous waste facility.
Special Considerations: Consult local waste authorities for advice on chemical waste management and minimization strategies.

Transport Information

UN Number: UN2802
Proper Shipping Name: Copper chloride
Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substance)
Packing Group: III
Labels: Toxic (skull and crossbones)
Regulatory References: Transported according to international and national regulations such as IMDG, IATA, and DOT.
Special Precautions for Transport: Prevent container damage, keep away from foodstuffs, restrict exposure during transport.

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Covered under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard.
TSCA: Listed on the US Toxic Substances Control Act inventory.
SARA Title III (Sections 302/304 and 313): Subject to reporting requirements in some instances.
REACH: Registered in EU under REACH.
Other International Regulations: Subject to regulation as a toxic and hazardous material under country-specific standards.
EPA: Classified as hazardous waste (RCRA number D002 and D005).
WHMIS Classification (Canada): D1B (Toxic), D2B (Irritant), E (Corrosive), subject to additional local regulation.