Material Safety Data Sheet: Bismuth Chloride

Identification

Product Name: Bismuth Chloride
Chemical Formula: BiCl3
CAS Number: 7787-60-2
Synonyms: Bismuth trichloride, Bismuth(III) chloride
Recommended Uses: Laboratory reagent, industrial processes, synthesis of other bismuth compounds
Manufacturer Contact Information: Emergency: 24-hour chemical emergency line; Non-emergency: customer service hotline; Address: Main physical location of manufacturer or supplier

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Acute toxicity (Oral) Category 4, Eye irritation Category 2, Skin irritation Category 2
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes skin and serious eye irritation
Pictogram: Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves, avoid breathing dust, wash exposed skin thoroughly after handling, avoid contact with eyes
Symptoms of Exposure: Irritation to eyes, skin, respiratory tract; gastrointestinal disturbances if ingested
Other Hazards: Does not present significant physical hazard (no known explosion risk, not highly flammable)

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Bismuth trichloride
Synonyms: Bismuth(III) chloride
CAS Number: 7787-60-2
Content: Typically above 99% by weight
Impurities: Trace amounts of other bismuth compounds or chloride ions possible, not expected to contribute to classification

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical advice for irritation, persistent cough, or shortness of breath
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical help for irritation or rash
Eye Contact: Rinse with copious amounts of water for at least fifteen minutes, keep eyelids open, remove contact lenses if present, seek medical attention immediately
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention
Note to Physician: Treat symptomatically, monitor for respiratory or digestive distress, consider the risk of bismuth toxicity

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam
Unusual Fire Hazards: Thermal decomposition releases toxic fumes including hydrogen chloride and bismuth oxides
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Procedures: Control runoff to prevent environmental contamination, cool containers with water to prevent rupture from extreme heat
Combustibility: Non-flammable in solid state; reacts with strong reducing agents

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation, ventilate area, wear protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry to drains, surface waters, and soil; report releases according to local, regional authority regulations
Methods for Cleaning Up: Sweep up using non-sparking tools, avoid dry sweeping, collect in suitable closed containers for safe disposal
Decontamination: Wash spill site after removal with water and mild detergent, ventilate area

Handling and Storage

Handling Procedures: Minimize dust generation, use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid ingestion and contact with eyes or skin, do not eat or drink near the product
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands after handling, keep work clothes separate, remove contaminated clothing
Storage Requirements: Store in tightly closed container, keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, protect from moisture and incompatible substances like strong acids and bases
Technical Measures: Ensure appropriate systems for spills and exposure, use corrosion-resistant shelving and containment

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific regulatory limits for bismuth chloride, provide good general ventilation, consider workplace dust limits
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical splash goggles, suitable protective gloves (nitrile or equivalent), lab coat or impervious clothing, dust mask or respirator (NIOSH-approved) in case of inadequate ventilation
Engineering Controls: Work in fume hood or with local exhaust ventilation, facilities for eyewash and emergency shower
Environmental Protection: Use measures to prevent release to environment; regularly monitor air quality in workspaces with high handling volumes

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to pale yellow crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH: Acidic in water solution
Melting Point: Approximately 227°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Negligible
Flammability: Not combustible
Explosive Properties: Not explosive
Vapor Pressure: Not significant
Vapor Density: Not relevant
Relative Density: Approximately 4.75 g/cm³
Solubility: Soluble in water, decomposes to bismuth oxychloride and hydrochloric acid
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not self-igniting
Decomposition Temperature: Above 227°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to moisture, high temperatures, incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, strong reducers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride gas, bismuth oxychloride, possible bismuth oxides
Polymerization: Will not occur

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Harmful if swallowed; oral LD50 (rat) estimated at 400 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes skin irritation in contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes serious eye irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: May cause irritation if dust is inhaled
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may cause systemic bismuth toxicity, including digestive disturbance, headache, and kidney effects
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Mutagenicity: Not expected to be mutagenic
Reproductive Toxicity: No significant evidence in human data

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: May be harmful to aquatic organisms due to acidity and metal content
Aquatic Toxicity: Data limited; expected to present low to moderate risk
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable; hydrolyzes in water to form insoluble compounds
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low for bismuth, not expected to concentrate in fish or aquatic species
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility, binds to soil and particulate matter
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid significant releases to natural waterways, as decomposition products may stress ecosystems

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose in compliance with local, regional, national, and international regulations as hazardous waste
Container Disposal: Empty containers may contain hazardous residues, should not be reused, clean thoroughly prior to disposal or recycling per legislation
Waste Codes: Consult local regulatory authorities for specific disposal codes
Precautions: Prevent spillage to soil or water, collect and store wastes in sealed, labeled receptacles pending proper disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous goods for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Bismuth trichloride
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated as hazardous for ground, air, or sea transport
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Use robust packaging to prevent moisture ingress and accidental breakage, secure containers during transit
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as marine pollutant

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Not regulated as a specific hazardous chemical, general standards for dusts apply
TSCA Status: Listed
REACH Registration: Registered under applicable annexes
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
WHMIS Classification: D2B (Toxic material causing other effects)
SARA 313: Not listed
International Inventories: Present on major regional inventories (EINECS, IECSC, AICS, ENCS)