Material Safety Data Sheet: Cupric Oxalate

Identification

Chemical Name: Cupric Oxalate
Synonyms: Copper(II) oxalate, Cupric oxalate hydrate
Chemical Formula: CuC2O4
CAS Number: 5893-66-3
Recommended Use: Analytical reagent, laboratory chemical
Manufacturer and Supplier Contact: Company name, address, emergency phone number, business phone

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), Eye irritation, Skin irritation
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, Toxic in contact with skin, Causes serious eye irritation, Causes skin irritation
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Keep container tightly closed, Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray, Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling, Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, face protection
Emergency Overview: Dark green solid, potential to cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, burns, and damage to digestive and respiratory tract if mishandled or ingested

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Cupric Oxalate
Content: 97-100%
Chemical Formula: CuC2O4
CAS Number: 5893-66-3
EINECS Number: 227-715-7

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Take the person to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, begin artificial respiration. Seek immediate medical attention.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes. Medical attention is necessary for persistent irritation.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with gentle stream of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids to flush completely. Obtain prompt medical evaluation.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical help. Never give anything by mouth if the person is unconscious.
Advice for Physicians: Treat symptoms. Copper toxicity may require specific treatment including chelation.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, or alcohol-resistant foam.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Water jets may scatter powder.
Hazards from Combustion Products: May emit toxic fumes such as carbon oxides and copper oxides.
Special Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing.
Additional Information: Prevent run-off from firefighting from entering drains, watercourses, or soil.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and a dust mask or respirator if dust generates.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains or watercourses.
Methods for Clean-Up: Avoid creating dust. Scoop up spilled material and transfer to dry, closed containers for disposal. Ventilate area and wash spill site after material pick-up is complete.
Other: Dispose of collected material following local regulations.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in a well-ventilated space. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Prevent formation of dust. Never eat, drink, or smoke in the work area.
Storage: Store in a tightly closed container. Keep container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated storage area – away from incompatible substances such as acids, alkalis, oxidizers, strong reductants, and foodstuffs.
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing before entering eating areas.
Specific End Use: Follow specific instructions for laboratory or industrial handling.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Copper compounds (dust/mist): OSHA PEL: 1 mg/m³ (as Cu), ACGIH TLV: 1 mg/m³ (as Cu)
Engineering Controls: Use adequate general or local exhaust ventilation to keep airborne concentrations low.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, lab coat or chemical apron, and dust mask or respirator for elevated dust levels.
Environmental Controls: Prevent material from entering drains or water sources.
Hygiene Practices: Keep hands away from face. Remove all soiled or contaminated clothing immediately. Wash hands before breaks and after work.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Fine, pale green to green powder
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH: Not available
Melting Point / Freezing Point: Decomposes before melting
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Not flammable
Upper/Lower Flammability/Explosive Limits: Not applicable
Vapor Pressure: Not determined
Vapor Density: Not determined
Relative Density: Around 3.5 g/cm³
Solubility(ies): Insoluble in water; soluble in ammonia and acids
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not applicable
Decomposition Temperature: >200°C (may release toxic gases on decomposition)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Reactive Hazards: Reacts with strong acids, bases, oxidizers, and reducing agents.
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, heat, incompatible materials.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids and bases, strong oxidizing or reducing agents.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Copper oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Harmful if swallowed, toxic if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Oral LD₅₀ (rat): approximately 66 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes irritation
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes irritation, pain, redness
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Symptoms of Exposure: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, shortness of breath, skin redness or rash, eye pain
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure may affect liver, kidneys, and central nervous system
Carcinogenicity: No adequate data for carcinogenicity in humans
Mutagenicity: Not known
Reproductive Toxicity: Not known

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Hazardous to aquatic life, highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates
Persistence and Degradability: Low biodegradability, inorganic substance
Bioaccumulative Potential: Copper ions can accumulate in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Limited, settles out from water column, but may migrate as ions under acidic conditions
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid release to the environment. Harmful to ecosystem. Copper compounds persist and may impact long-term soil and water quality.

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose of solid waste through a licensed chemical waste collection company. Do not release into drains, sewers or water bodies.
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers should be thoroughly rinsed and sent for recycling or disposal by qualified handlers.
Special Precautions: Comply with local, state, and federal regulations. Only trained personnel should handle disposal to prevent harm to people and the environment.

Transport Information

UN Number: 3288
UN Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (contains cupric oxalate)
Transport Hazard Class(es): 6.1
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Precautions for User: Ensure packaging is secure and intact. Limited quantity may apply for small amounts. Follow national and international transport regulations.

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Hazardous chemical under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).
TSCA: Listed in Toxic Substances Control Act inventory.
SARA Title III: Subject to reporting requirements under section 313 for copper compounds.
CERCLA: Copper compounds covered under CERCLA hazardous substances; report spills of significant quantities.
EINECS: Listed (227-715-7).
Safety, Health and Environmental Regulations/Legislation: Subject to workplace control measures in the US and Europe. Contact local authority for further information. Comply with international, national, and local environmental and occupational safety regulations.