Material Safety Data Sheet: Nickel Acetate

Identification

Product Name: Nickel Acetate
Chemical Formula: C4H6NiO4
Molecular Weight: 176.79 g/mol
CAS Number: 373-02-4
Synonyms: Nickel(II) acetate, Nickel diacetate, Nickelous acetate
Recommended Use: Used in electroplating, dye mordant, laboratory reagent
Manufacturer Contact: Emergency phone numbers appear on product label from the supplier; refer to Safety Officer or Regulatory Affairs at the source of purchase

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute toxicity (oral and inhalation), Skin sensitization, Carcinogenicity (classified Group 1 by IARC)
GHS Label Elements: Signal Word: Danger; Hazard/Pictograms: Skull and Crossbones, Health Hazard, Exclamation Mark, Environment
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, inhaled or in contact with skin, May cause an allergic skin reaction, May cause cancer by inhalation, Suspected of damaging fertility, Causes serious eye irritation, Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
Routes of Exposure: Ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact
Immediate Symptoms: Cough, sore throat, nausea, rash, respiratory irritation
Chronic Effects: Sensitization, cancer risk, reproductive toxicity, asthma-like symptoms over long-term exposure

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Nickel Acetate
Concentration: Over 99% (by weight in pure form)
Other Components: Hydration water may be present; hazardous impurities are not significant in technical grade material
Nickel Content: Approximately 33% by weight

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. Watch for breathing difficulty or irritation. Seek medical attention.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse skin thoroughly with soap and water. Seek medical help if irritation or rash develops.
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses, continue rinsing. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting. Seek medical help right away.
Most Important Symptoms: Wheezing, shortness of breath, severe irritation, skin eruptions, persistent cough or dizziness may signal poisoning or allergic reaction.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None documented under normal hazards; avoid high-pressure water jet as it may spread powder
Hazardous Combustion Products: Nickel oxides, carbon oxides, acetic acid fumes
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear; chemical resistant gloves and suit recommended
Specific Hazards: Poisonous fumes may be released at high temperatures; runoff from fire control may pollute waterways.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Restrict access to area. Use personal protective equipment, including gloves, respirator, chemical splash goggles.
Environmental Precautions: Block entry to drains and water bodies. Notify authorities in case of large spill.
Cleanup Methods: Ventilate area, use scoop or HEPA vacuum to collect solid, place in tightly sealed container. Wash affected area fully.
Disposal: Follow regulations for hazardous waste; never discharge to soil, water, or drains.

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling Advice: Avoid dust generation. Work under ventilation. Prevent skin, eye, and clothing contact.
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area. Wash hands and exposed skin with soap and water after handling. Remove contaminated clothing promptly.
Storage Requirements: Store in tightly closed containers. Keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from acids and oxidizers.
Incompatibilities: Avoid contact with strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Nickel compounds (as Ni): ACGIH TLV 0.1 mg/m³ (inhalable), OSHA PEL 1 mg/m³ TWA
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to minimize airborne dust and vapor
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH approved respirators for dust or mist if exposure exceeds permissible limits
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles
Skin Protection: Impervious gloves, protective lab coat, long sleeves, footwear selected for chemical resistance
Other Protective Equipment: Eyewash fountain and safety shower in work area

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Green crystalline solid
Odor: Slight acidic or acetic odor
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: Approximately 7 (1% solution)
Melting Point: 250°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not available
Flammability: Not flammable
Relative Density: 1.74 (water = 1)
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, ethanol, and alcohol
Partition Coefficient: Not determined
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Vapor Density: Not available

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperature and humidity
Reactivity: Not reactive under recommended handling
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong acids to liberate toxic nickel salts and acetic acid
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nickel oxides, carbon oxides, acetic acid vapors possible upon heating
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizers, and bases accelerate decomposition

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin. Oral LD50 (rat): 275 mg/kg.
Irritation and Corrosivity: Causes serious eye irritation; may cause allergic skin reaction
Sensitization: Sustained or repeated contact may seek to allergic skin or respiratory response
Carcinogenicity: Classified as a human carcinogen (Group 1, IARC); NTP and ACGIH recognize cancer causation risk with nickel compounds
Mutagenicity: Data indicates chromosomal damage and mutagenic activity in experimental animal studies
Reproductive Toxicity: Evidence points to adverse effects on male and female reproductive systems in animal studies
Other Chronic Effects: Possible asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, dermatitis, and kidney effects with years of exposure at high levels

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, especially invertebrates and fish; may cause long-term damage to aquatic environments
Persistence and Degradability: Nickel ion forms can persist in soil and water; does not degrade readily
Bioaccumulation Potential: Risk of bioaccumulation in aquatic species and plants
Mobility in Soil: Moderate, nickel compounds can leach depending on conditions and water solubility
Other Environmental Hazards: Avoid release to environment; observe local environmental regulations

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect solid waste in designated hazardous material containers. Dispose via licensed waste management firm.
Disposal of Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly. Dispose as hazardous waste.
Additional Precautions: Do not mix with nonhazardous waste streams. Notify disposal facility of presence of nickel compounds.
Universal Waste Regulations: Categories can vary by state or country; classify and manage as hazardous metal-containing waste

Transport Information

UN Number: UN3077
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (Nickel acetate)
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Transport Labels: Environmentally hazardous, Class 9
Special Precautions for User: Keep containers upright and tightly sealed during transit. Follow regulations for hazardous substance transportation.

Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed
SARA 313: Subject to reporting requirements for Nickel compounds
California Proposition 65: Listed as chemical known to cause cancer
WHMIS Classification (Canada): Class D2A (Very toxic material causing other toxic effects)
OSHA Hazard Communication: Covered, hazardous chemical
Other International Regulation: Nickel acetate appears on relevant inventories in EU (REACH), Japan, Australia, and at the global level for hazardous substances
Local Regulations: Requirements may differ in different localities; always check regional restrictions and environmental discharge standards