Material Safety Data Sheet: Cobalt Chloride Anhydrous

Identification

Product Name: Cobalt Chloride Anhydrous
Synonyms: Cobalt(II) chloride, Anhydrous cobaltous chloride
Chemical Formula: CoCl₂
CAS Number: 7646-79-9
EC Number: 231-589-4
Recommended Uses: Laboratory chemicals, manufacturing of pigments, humidity indicators, catalysts
Supplier: [Supplier information specific to your facility or company]
Emergency Contact: [24-hour medical emergency telephone number]

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation, dermal), Skin sensitizer, Carcinogenic category 1B, Reproductive toxicity category 1B, Specific target organ toxicity
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed or inhaled, suspected of causing cancer, may damage fertility or an unborn child, causes skin and respiratory tract irritation, may cause allergic skin reaction
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, Health hazard, Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with skin and eyes, do not breathe dust or fumes, use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas, wear protective gloves/clothing/eye protection, wash thoroughly after use

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Cobalt Chloride Anhydrous
Concentration: 100%
CAS Number: 7646-79-9
Impurities or Stabilizing Additives: Not present or not relevant for classification
Molecular Weight: 129.83 g/mol
Ingredient Disclosure Limit: Not applicable

First Aid Measures

General Advice: Remove source of exposure, move victim to fresh air, avoid breathing dust or vapors
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep comfortable, seek immediate medical attention, administer oxygen if breathing is difficult
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, flush affected area with plenty of soap and water, seek prompt medical care for irritation or allergic reaction
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with running water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting eyelids, seek urgent medical advice
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, seek medical attention, provide oxygen if needed
Symptoms: Coughing, shortness of breath, skin sensitivity, redness, gastrointestinal upset, dizziness

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry powder, water spray, carbon dioxide, or foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid water jet as it can spread the material, do not use halogenated extinguishers
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic fumes of cobalt and chlorine under fire, may form corrosive vapors
Protective Gear: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective gear
Firefighting Advice: Move containers from fire area if possible, remain upwind, use water spray to cool closed containers

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Evacuate area, avoid dust formation, use personal protection such as respirators, chemical goggles, and gloves
Spill Response: Prevent material from entering drains, sweep up and place into a suitable container for disposal, avoid generating airborne dust, ventilate area
Cleaning Method: Use wet brushing or vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter instead of dry sweeping
Decontamination: Wash the area with plenty of water after removing the material
Environmental Precaution: Do not allow to reach groundwater or sewage system, notify authorities in event of major spill

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Use within a chemical fume hood or with sufficient local ventilation, avoid contact with skin or eyes, avoid inhaling dust or fumes, keep containers tightly sealed
Hygiene Recommendations: Wash hands before breaks and at end of shift, do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area, remove contaminated clothing
Secure Storage Requirements: Store in a tightly closed, dry, and well-ventilated place, keep away from acids and moisture, segregate from foodstuffs or animal feed
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, moisture
Container Advice: Keep container properly labeled

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: TWA Cobalt compounds (as Co): 0.02 mg/m³ (ACGIH), 0.1 mg/m³ (OSHA)
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to maintain airborne levels below recommended limits
Personal Protection – Eyes: Safety goggles or face shield
Personal Protection – Skin: Chemical-resistant gloves and lab coat
Personal Protection – Respiratory: Approved dust respirator or PAPR if dust or aerosols are generated
Other Protection: Chemical-resistant footwear, emergency eye wash, and shower stations in work areas

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Blue to lavender crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH (in solution): Slightly acidic when dissolved in water
Melting Point: 735°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Non-flammable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Vapor Density: Not available
Density: About 3.36 g/cm³
Solubility: Soluble in water, alcohol, and acetone
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not applicable
Decomposition Temperature: 1049°C
Viscosity: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with moisture to form the hydrate, reacts violently with oxidizing agents
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizers, moisture
Decomposition Products: Cobalt oxides, chlorine, hydrochloric acid vapors
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to moisture, incompatible materials, excessive heat

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin
LD₅₀ (oral, rat): Approximately 766 mg/kg
Skin Irritation: Causes irritation, may cause allergic dermatitis
Eye Irritation: Causes severe eye irritation
Respiratory Effects: Coughing, shortness of breath, may cause lung sensitization
Chronic Effects: May cause cancer, reproductive toxicity, sensitization of skin and respiratory tract
Target Organs: Lungs, skin, blood, thyroid, heart
Carcinogenicity: IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans), NTP: Reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Aquatic LC₅₀ (Fish): 0.37 mg/L (96 hr, Pimephales promelas)
Persistence/Degradability: Persistent in environment, not readily biodegradable
Bioaccumulative Potential: Can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms and sediments
Mobility in Soil: Moderately mobile, dependent on soil characteristics
Other Adverse Effects: Cobalt compounds may persist and move within environmental compartments contaminating groundwater and soil

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Collect material in approved containers, dispose at licensed hazardous waste facility, do not discharge into sewers or waterways
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose of as hazardous waste, ensure containers are empty or neutralized before recycling
Special Precautions: Observe local, regional, and national regulations for hazardous waste handling and disposal
Disposal Code: Relevant codes depend on the nature of use and local guidelines

Transport Information

UN Number: UN3288
UN Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (Cobalt chloride anhydrous)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Labels Required: Toxic
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Transport Notes: Protect against physical damage, store away from food and feedstuffs, emergency schedule for toxic substances applies

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Regulated under Hazard Communication Standard
EPA: Listed in Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory, CERCLA hazardous substance status
EU Regulations: Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation applies, requires registration and authorization under REACH
WHMIS (Canada): Class D2A (Very toxic), D2B (Toxic)
Other Regulations: SARA Title III, Section 313 chemical; subject to workplace exposure limits and special notification depending on jurisdiction; classified as a known or suspected carcinogen by US NTP and IARC