Material Safety Data Sheet: Copper Nitrate

Identification

Product Name: Copper(II) Nitrate
Synonyms: Cupric Nitrate, Nitric Acid Copper(II) Salt
Chemical Formula: Cu(NO₃)₂
CAS Number: 3251-23-8
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, industrial process chemical, pigment manufacturing
Supplier Details: Commonly stocked by scientific chemical suppliers and industrial distributors
Emergency Contact: Refer to country-specific poison control or emergency guidance, often available through local health authorities

Hazard Identification

Physical Hazards: Strong oxidizer, promotes combustion, may intensify fire, releasing toxic fumes
Health Hazards: Damages mucous membranes, skin, and eyes; can cause delayed burns and systemic toxicity through absorption
Acute Effects: Short exposure induces headache, nausea, and respiratory irritation from inhaled dust; ingestion can be fatal, causing shock or organ damage
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure weakens kidney, liver, and hematopoietic functions
Label Elements: Skull and crossbones pictogram, oxidizing icon, warnings for potential hazard to skin, respiratory tract, and eyes
NFPA Ratings: Health: 3, Flammability: 0, Reactivity: 2, Special: OX (oxidizer)

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Copper(II) Nitrate
Purity: 98–100% for analytical grade
Impurities: Traces of water or nitric acid possible in some hydrate forms
Common Forms: Trihydrate and hexahydrate crystals containing blue-green coloration
Other Ingredients: No significant additives if sourced for laboratory or industrial use

First Aid Measures

General Advice: Remove victim from contaminated area; contact medical professional urgently after any significant exposure
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, monitor for coughing and shortness of breath, administer oxygen if trained, do not leave unattended
Skin Contact: Flush affected area generously with plenty of water—remove contaminated clothing, use mild soap, continue rinsing for 15 minutes
Eye Contact: Use eyewash station or clean water; rinse open eyes for over 15 minutes, lifting eyelids repeatedly
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, offer water to dilute, do not force vomiting except under guidance from poison control or doctor
Note to Physician: Treat symptomatically, watch for signs of systemic poisoning, monitor for copper or nitrate toxicity specifically
Immediate Medical Attention: Strongly recommended in all exposure scenarios above minimal contact

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use large amounts of water, never dry chemical or foam on bulk chemical piles; isolate combustibles
Hazardous Combustion Products: Releases nitrogen oxides, copper oxides, toxic and irritating vapors on heating or burning
Fire-Fighting Equipment: Use self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical resistant protective clothing; never use carbon dioxide extinguishers for chemical storage areas
Additional Hazards: Exposed drums or packaging may rupture violently
Advice for Firefighters: Keep cool using water spray, prevent runoff from entering waterways, control ignition sources and use non-sparking tools

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear full protective clothing, including eye protection and gloves; avoid inhaling dust or fumes; evacuate non-essential staff from affected area
Environmental Precautions: Do not allow run-off to waterways or drains; copper compounds are very toxic to aquatic life; notify authorities if spill size threatens environment
Cleanup Methods: Avoid dry sweeping—dampen materials with water to reduce dust, collect residue with inert, non-combustible material, place in labeled chemical waste drum
Ventilation: Exhaust fans help keep dust below occupational limits
Disposal: Package material in accordance with institutional guidelines for hazardous chemicals, send for authorized chemical disposal, not to municipal landfill

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in fume hood, minimize dust by careful scooping, never work alone with bulk material
Storage: Store away from combustible, organic, and reducing materials in a cool, dry area; use corrosion-resistant shelving and containers
Incompatible Materials: Avoid acids, reducing agents, ammonium salts, flammable organics, metallic powders
Storage Temperature: Below 30°C (86°F), avoid temperature swings which encourage deliquescence
Other Considerations: Label containers clearly, never store with food, beverages, or animal feeds

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for copper (dust/mist, as Cu): 1 mg/m³; ACGIH TLV: 1 mg/m³ (as copper, dust/mist)
Engineering Controls: Work in chemical fume hood or system with local exhaust ventilation
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved dust respirators or powered air-purifying respirators, especially for spills or decanting
Skin Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, lab coat or apron, sturdy shoes or boots
Eye Protection: Require safety goggles or face shields
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling, never eat, drink, or smoke in areas where product is handled

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Blue-green solid, crystalline; available as trihydrate or hexahydrate
Odor: Odorless or faintly acidic
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting, hydrate forms lose water around 114°C; anhydrous forms decompose above 180°C
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, sparingly soluble in alcohol
Density: Roughly 2.3 g/cm³ at 20°C (hydrate forms)
pH of 0.1M Solution: Acidic, usually measured in range of 3-4
Other Data: Deliquescent in air, forms clear blue aqueous solution, oxidizing properties present even in dilute concentrations

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions, sensitive to moisture and light leading to hydrolysis
Incompatible Materials: Reducing agents, organic combustibles, powdered metals, strong acids or alkalis, ammonium compounds
Decomposition Products: Toxic nitrogen oxides, copper oxides, possible release of nitric acid vapors
Hazardous Reactions: Vigorous exothermic reaction with incompatible chemicals, risk of fire with organic material
Polymerization: Not known to occur

Toxicological Information

Routes of Entry: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: LD50 oral (rat): 940 mg/kg; inhalation and skin toxicity less defined, but irritant and toxic at low doses
Immediate Symptoms: Severe burning sensation in mouth or throat, abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, convulsions possible
Chronic Exposure: May cause liver and kidney damage, hemolysis, and methemoglobinemia, potential anemia; possible delayed neurological damage if exposure persists
Allergic Reactions: Sensitization rare but possible, leading to dermatitis or respiratory irritation
Carcinogenicity: Not classified by IARC as carcinogenic, but repeated exposure contraindicated for long-term health

Ecological Information

Toxicity: Extreme threat to aquatic environments; LC50 for fish species is generally <1 mg/L, rapid toxicity to invertebrates and plants
Persistence: Breaks down to copper ions and nitrate, both accumulating in environment; copper remains persistent in sediments
Bioaccumulation: Copper builds up in aquatic organisms, disrupts reproduction and growth cycles
Mobility in Soil: Migrates easily to water sources from spills, binds to clay and humic particles, risks leaching to groundwater
Additional Hazards: Can trigger large fish kills and ecological damage even from small spills; strict containment required

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Containerized waste must go to licensed chemical waste incinerator or hazardous waste landfill
Neutralization: Do not neutralize or dilute outside controlled facility
Environmental Impact: Never dispose of to drains, watercourses, or ordinary waste
Packaging: Only dispose in original or corrosion-resistant drums, label thoroughly
Legal Restrictions: Must adhere to national, regional, and local regulations for toxic inorganic chemical product disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 1477
Proper Shipping Name: Nitrates, inorganic, n.o.s. (contains Copper Nitrate)
Transport Hazard Class: 5.1 (Oxidizing Substance)
Packing Group: III (medium danger)
Labels: Oxidizer label required, most countries require additional toxic and aquatic hazard warnings
Special Precautions: Keep separated from combustibles, reducing agents, acids, and foodstuffs; protect against moisture and open flames
Road, Rail, Air, and Sea: Subject to international dangerous goods codes (ADR, IATA, IMDG, DOT for US shipments)

Regulatory Information

Classification: Classified as hazardous under global GHS; subject to strict workplace and transport regulations
Reportable Quantities: Exceeds Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) threshold in the US, chemical must be reported to EPA if handled in large volumes
Workplace Labelling: Employers must provide training, chemical safety data sheets, and appropriate signage wherever handled
SARA/OSHA: Listed as regulated for workplace, environmental, and emergency planning statutes
Other Agencies: Reach (EU), WHMIS (Canada), and similar regimes elsewhere all apply with strict chemical tracking and disposal mandates