MSDS: Cuprous Iodide

Identification

Product Name: Cuprous Iodide
Chemical Formula: CuI
CAS Number: 7681-65-4
Recommended Use: Laboratory chemicals, synthesis of organic and inorganic compounds
Synonyms: Copper(I) iodide, copper mono iodide, cuprous iodide powder
Manufacturer Contact: Emergency phone numbers provided by supplier, address required for regulatory or large-scale use

Hazard Identification

Classifications: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS but may cause eye or skin irritation
Hazard Symbols: None warranted under standard GHS labeling
Risk Phrases: May be harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or by skin contact; slight risk of allergic skin reaction; dust could cause mechanical irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract
Precautionary Statements: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; avoid breathing dust; use with adequate ventilation; keep away from food and drink

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Cuprous Iodide
Common Name: Copper(I) iodide
Purity: Minimum 99% (trace metal basis may be listed by some suppliers)
Impurities: Trace metals possible, typical analysis available on technical data sheet upon request

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove affected person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing; seek medical attention if coughing or respiratory discomfort remains
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open; get medical evaluation if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash skin gently but thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing and seek attention if irritation or rashes develop
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical staff; seek prompt medical care if significant amount is swallowed
Important Notes: Show this safety data sheet to the medical provider, especially for chemical exposures

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide; use media appropriate for the surrounding fire
Specific Hazards: Product itself does not burn; irritating and toxic gases (hydrogen iodide, copper oxides) may form in a fire
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes
Firefighting Precautions: Move containers away from the area if safe; use water spray to cool containers; prevent runoff from contaminants entering drains or water sources

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear suitable protective equipment including gloves, safety goggles, and dust mask or respirator; avoid breathing dust or contact with eyes and skin
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering drains, surface water, or soil; avoid dispersal of spilled material; alert authorities if environmental contamination occurs
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or scoop up spilled material using non-sparking tools; place in a suitable labeled waste container for disposal in accordance with local regulations; wash spill site thoroughly after cleanup

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Use local exhaust or general ventilation; avoid generating or breathing dust; handle with protective gloves and appropriate eye protection; do not eat, drink, or smoke near the product
Storage Conditions: Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place; keep product away from incompatible agents such as strong acids and oxidizers; avoid moisture
Storage Class: Keep in designated chemical storage areas, separate from food and feed materials; proper signage to mark hazardous materials

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: Occupational exposure limits for copper (as dust and fume) set by OSHA PEL at 1 mg/m³ for copper dusts and mists
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to control airborne dust
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical safety goggles or face shield; gloves made of nitrile or equivalent; lab coat or apron; NIOSH-approved respirator in dust-generating conditions
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands after handling; remove contaminated clothing; avoid inhaling or ingesting dust

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Fine, white to light tan or pale brown powder
Odor: Odorless
pH: No data for aqueous solution available
Melting Point: 605°C (1121°F)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Density: Approximately 5.62 g/cm³
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water; slightly soluble in ammonia and concentrated potassium iodide solutions
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Other Properties: Stable under normal conditions; can be sensitive to light, may discolor

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; avoid exposure to light
Possible Reactions: Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, acids, and strong bases; may react with moist air over long time periods
Decomposition Products: Exposed to high heat may produce toxic gases such as hydrogen iodide or copper oxides
Hazardous Polymerization: Does not occur

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Estimated oral LD50 for rats above 2000 mg/kg (low acute toxicity via ingestion)
Chronic Toxicity: Repeated or prolonged exposure to copper salts can cause anemia, hemolysis, or liver and kidney injury in extreme cases
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, eye contact
Symptoms of Exposure: May cause irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract; ingestion can cause nausea and gastrointestinal upset
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by OSHA, IARC, or NTP

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment; copper compounds disrupt aquatic life
Mobility: Low solubility in water reduces mobility but persistence in soil and water may occur
Persistence and Biodegradability: Inorganic substance, not biodegradable; copper may bioaccumulate in aquatic environments
Environmental Precautions: Prevent releases to waterways, soil, and sewers to avoid environmental impact

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment: Collect and place material in a suitable, labeled container for recycling or disposal in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly before reuse or disposal; dispose as hazardous waste depending on contamination
Disposal Methods: Follow guidelines provided by EPA or equivalent national agencies for hazardous inorganic waste containing heavy metals

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport as hazardous material
Proper Shipping Name: Cuprous iodide
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous for road, air, rail, or sea transport under UN, DOT, IATA, or IMDG standards
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions: Keep containers securely sealed; avoid moisture during transportation

Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed on the United States TSCA Inventory
EU Regulations: REACH registered, not classified as hazardous according to current EU criteria
SARA Title III: Copper compounds subject to Section 313 reporting threshold
Other State and National Listings: May appear on chemical inventories for Canada (DSL), Japan (ENCS), Australia (AICS), China (IECSC), Korea (KECI)
Labeling Requirements: Standard laboratory chemical label indicating common hazards and safe handling practices