Material Safety Data Sheet: Cuprous Chloride

Identification

Product Name: Cuprous Chloride
Chemical Formula: CuCl
Chemical Name: Copper(I) Chloride
Synonyms: Copper monochloride
CAS Number: 7758-89-6
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, catalyst in chemical synthesis, fungicide
Supplier Details: Company address, emergency phone number, and contact name available on company website
Emergency Telephone: Chemtrec or local poison control center

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (Oral, Category 4), Eye irritation (Category 2A), Skin irritation (Category 2), Aquatic acute toxicity (Category 1)
Label Elements: Pictogram: exclamation mark, environment
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes skin and eye irritation, very toxic to aquatic life
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation, wear protective gloves and eye protection, wash thoroughly after handling, avoid release to the environment

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Cuprous Chloride
Common Name: Copper(I) Chloride
Concentration: Nearly 100%
CAS Number: 7758-89-6
Impurities: Trace amounts of copper(II) chloride may occur

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep comfortable, seek medical attention if breathing problems begin
Skin Contact: Wash off with plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing, seek help if irritation appears
Eye Contact: Rinse instantly with clean water for several minutes, lift eyelid for full wash, consult a doctor quickly
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO₂, foam
Unsuitable Media: Water spray streams directly on chemical may cause spread of chemicals
Special Hazards: Releases hydrogen chloride, copper oxide fumes in fire
Protective Equipment: Full face mask, self-contained breathing apparatus, protective suit to cover skin
Advice for Firefighters: Move containers from area if it can be done safely

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Wear chemical resistant gloves and goggles, avoid dust generation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry to soil, ditches, surface water as copper harms aquatic life
Spill Cleanup Methods: Collect with non-sparking tools, sweep up spilled powder, store in sealed container for disposal

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in ventilated areas, avoid inhaling dust or direct contact, keep container tightly closed
Storage: Store in dry, cool, well-ventilated space, separate from acids and oxidizers, use designated corrosive-proof containers

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, fume hood where dust forms
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles with side protection, impervious gloves (neoprene or PVC), long sleeves and pants, NIOSH-approved respiratory protection if dust levels get high
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, remove contaminated gear before leaving work area, do not eat or drink near chemical

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Crystalline powder
Color: White to off-white
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 426°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Density: 4.14 g/cm³
Solubility: Slightly soluble in cold water, more soluble in hydrochloric acid, ammonia
pH: Neutral when suspended in water
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Flash Point: Non-flammable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with oxidizing agents and acids
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizers (such as chlorine, nitric acid), reacts with alkali metals
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, copper oxides by heating or exposure to moist air
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, heat above 400°C, strong oxidizing environments

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 584 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Irritating to skin on contact
Eye Effect: Causes irritation, possible damage with direct exposure
Respiratory Issues: Inhaling dust irritates nose, throat, may worsen lung conditions
Ingestion Hazard: May lead to nausea, vomiting, copper poisoning
Chronic Exposure: Over time, repeated skin or lung exposure can affect liver, kidney, or blood functions

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Very toxic to aquatic life, copper easily builds up in fish gills and soil
Persistence and Degradability: Does not break down easily in environment
Bioaccumulation Potential: High potential due to copper uptake by plants, fish, invertebrates
Mobility in Soil: Adsorbs to soil particles, moves slowly if at all
Additional Remarks: Never flush significant amounts down drains, harms water sources, can disrupt ecosystems

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose via licensed hazardous waste handler
Additional Precautions: Rinse empty containers with caution before recycling or disposal
Regulatory Advice: Follow local, regional, national guidelines for disposal of copper compounds

Transport Information

UN Number: 3077
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (Cuprous Chloride)
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous hazardous material, due to aquatic toxicity)
Packaging Requirements: Use containers meeting UN-approved standards, seal securely
Special Transport Precautions: Avoid releasing powder during transit, mark as marine pollutant if shipped by sea

Regulatory Information

EPA Status: Listed as hazardous substance
TSCA Inventory: Listed
OSHA: Process safety standard applies for large quantities
SARA Title III: Subject to reporting requirements as hazardous chemical
Right-to-Know Lists: Found on state hazard inventories such as California Proposition 65
Other Standards: Must be assessed under workplace chemical safety programs, exposure limits for copper dusts (ACGIH TLV: 1 mg/m³ for copper)