Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Cobalt Tetroxide

1. Identification

Product Name: Cobalt Tetroxide
Chemical Formula: Co3O4
CAS Number: 1308-06-1
Synonyms: Cobaltosic oxide, Cobalt(II,III) oxide
Recommended Use: Pigment, catalyst, battery materials, ceramics
Supplier: Contact local distributor or manufacturer for updated sourcing information
Emergency Telephone: Refer to supplier label or local chemical emergency agency
Address: Sourcing address will vary by region and distributor

2. Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Acute toxicity (oral): Category 3; Skin sensitization: Category 1; Carcinogenicity: Category 1B; Specific Target Organ Toxicity: Category 2
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed; may cause an allergic skin reaction; may cause cancer by inhalation; may damage organs through prolonged exposure
Pictograms: GHS06, GHS08
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust; wear protective gloves and clothing; wash thoroughly after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke while using this product
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure increases cancer risk and may lead to cobalt sensitization

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Cobalt Tetroxide
CAS Number: 1308-06-1
EC Number: 215-157-2
Purity: Typically >99% by weight
Impurities: Trace amounts of cobalt(II) oxide, cobalt(III) oxide, and other nonhazardous mineral impurities
Molecular Weight: 240.8 g/mol

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms develop such as coughing, breathing difficulty, or chest pain
Skin Contact: Immediately wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; monitor for rash or irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; continue rinsing; consult physician
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; seek immediate medical advice; do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel
Most Important Symptoms: Breathing problems, cough, skin redness, allergic response, gastric distress

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, CO2, water spray (avoid direct water stream if powder becomes airborne)
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known for Cobalt Tetroxide specifically, though direct water jets may cause dust
Specific Hazards: Non-combustible but may emit toxic cobalt fumes if heated intensely
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, standard turnout gear with full coverage
Firefighting Procedures: Move containers from area if safe, control runoff to avoid environmental discharge of product and firefighting waters

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use self-contained respiratory protection, avoid skin and eye contact, prevent inhalation of dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, waterways, or soil; notify local authorities as required
Methods for Clean Up: Sweep or vacuum spillage using filtered equipment, minimize airborne dust, store collected material in sealed containers for proper disposal
Advice on Containment: Use spill control materials suitable for oxidizing substances and heavy metals
Decontamination: Wash contaminated area with plenty of water after removal of major residue

7. Handling and Storage

Safe Handling Practices: Keep container tightly closed, handle in a well-ventilated area, avoid dust generation, wear appropriate protective equipment
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the work area, wash hands after handling, remove contaminated clothing before leaving the area
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in original containers, cool dry environment, keep away from incompatible chemicals (strong acids, reducing agents, ammonium compounds)
Packaging Materials: Prefer glass, high-density polyethylene, or specialty coated drums for storage
Incompatible Materials: Avoid storing near food, animal feed, or reactive chemicals

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Workplace Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: 0.02 mg/m³ (cobalt compounds as Co); OSHA PEL: 0.1 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, fume hoods, process enclosures to limit airborne exposure
Personal Protective Equipment: NIOSH-approved respirator for powder handling, protective gloves (nitrile or neoprene), chemical safety goggles, lab coats or protective coveralls
Eye/Face Protection: Chemical splash goggles, face shield for large spills
Hand/Skin Protection: Impermeable gloves, long sleeves
Environmental Controls: Use closed systems or procedures to avoid dust release, maintain air quality with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Blackish or dark brown powder
Odor: Odorless
pH: Insoluble in water, no pH directly measurable
Melting Point: Decomposes at >900°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable, sublimes or decomposes
Flash Point: Not flammable
Solubility: Insoluble in water, slightly soluble in acids
Density: 6.11 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Other Data: Stable under ambient conditions, but oxidizing and sensitizing nature increases risks upon mishandling

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and use conditions
Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with strong acids; hazardous reaction with reducing agents releasing toxic cobalt fumes
Hazardous Polymerization: Does not occur
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Cobalt oxides, possible oxygen
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, hydrogen gas, reducing materials
Conditions to Avoid: Extreme heat, exposure to flames, uncontrolled mixing with incompatible chemicals

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD₅₀ (rat): ~570 mg/kg; causes immediate discomfort and toxic effects
Chronic Toxicity: Suspected carcinogen; repeated inhalation may impact heart, thyroid, lungs
Skin Sensitization: May cause allergic reactions or dermatitis / eczema on prolonged or repeated exposure
Inhalation: Respiratory irritation, coughing, shortness of breath; risk increases with fine particulate exposure
Ingestion: Nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, possible systemic toxicity
Long-Term Effects: Chronic exposure linked to cancer risk and cardiac changes, regulatory authorities classify as category 1B carcinogen

12. Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms; LC₅₀ (fish): 1-10 mg/L over 96 hours
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic, will not biodegrade; persists in sediment and soil
Bioaccumulation: Tendency for bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility due to insolubility, but fine dust may migrate
Hazard to Environment: Avoid release into waterways or sewer systems; regulatory restrictions for discharge
Notable Ecological Risk: Cumulative effects on aquatic invertebrates and risk to birds through ingestion of contaminated food

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Treat as hazardous waste; collect material in properly labeled, sealed containers
Regulatory Requirements: Follow local, state, and federal regulations for heavy metal and toxic substance disposal
Preferred Disposal: Chemical incineration or hazardous waste landfill
Do Not: Discharge residues to natural water sources, municipal sewers, or normal trash
Container Disposal: Rinse and treat packages as hazardous unless thoroughly decontaminated; avoid reuse of packaging for any other materials

14. Transport Information

UN Number: UN3288
Proper Shipping Name: Toxic Solid, Inorganic, N.O.S. (Cobalt Tetroxide)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Labeling Requirements: Toxic, environmentally hazardous substance
Special Transport Note: Package tightly in approved containers, avoid formation of dust during loading and unloading
Environmental Hazards: Mark as environmentally hazardous for marine and air transport
Regulatory References: Compliant documentation according to ADR, IMDG, IATA, DOT standards

15. Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Classified hazardous, subject to workplace safety regulation under 29 CFR 1910.1200
SARA Title III Reporting: Section 313 (Cobalt compounds) listed
TSCA Status: Listed on TSCA inventory
EU Regulations: REACH registered, classified as a Category 1B carcinogen
Other International: IARC—Cobalt compounds classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B)
Canadian WHMIS: Class D2A—very toxic material causing other toxic effects; Class D2B—skin sensitizer
Label Elements: Hazard and precautionary statements, supplier identification, advisory icons required on all packages