Material Safety Data Sheet: Nickel Fluoride

Identification

Product Name: Nickel Fluoride
Chemical Formula: NiF₂
Synonyms: Nickel difluoride
Recommended Use: Laboratory chemicals, research, electroplating
Manufacturer: Various chemical supply companies
Emergency Contact: Consult local emergency numbers

Hazard Identification

Hazard Class: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation, dermal), Skin corrosion/irritation, Serious eye damage/eye irritation, Respiratory sensitization, Specific target organ toxicity
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, corrosion, exclamation mark
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, fatal if inhaled, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, may cause allergic or asthmatic symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled, suspected of causing cancer, may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray, use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, wear protective gloves/clothing/eye protection/face protection, do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product, wash hands thoroughly after handling

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Nickel(II) fluoride
CAS Number: 10028-18-9
EC Number: 233-071-3
Concentration: 97% and above
Impurities: Nickel oxides, trace metallic impurities dependent on source material

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air immediately. Maintain breathing if necessary. Seek medical attention without delay. Remove source of exposure.
Skin Contact: Rapidly remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and plenty of water. Seek medical care for any irritation, redness, blistering or persistent symptoms.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open. Remove contact lenses. Get medical attention promptly.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with water allowed only if conscious. Do not induce vomiting. Gain urgent medical advice.
Notes to Physician: Treat systemic fluoride poisoning. Consider calcium gluconate administration for hydrofluoric exposure. Observe for respiratory distress and pulmonary effects.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO₂, appropriate foam, avoid water contact directly with product as hydrofluoric acid may be generated.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Water stream (generation of hazardous fumes)
Hazardous Combustion Products: Hydrogen fluoride fumes, nickel oxides
Special Protective Equipment: Full-body chemical-resistant suit, positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate personnel to safe areas, use appropriate respiratory protection, prevent dust formation, avoid skin and eye contact, remove all sources of ignition
Environmental Precautions: Avoid contamination of soil, waterways, and drains, notify authorities of large spills
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up material and place in properly labeled containers for disposal. Do not create dust, ventilate affected area. Contain and collect spillage with non-combustible absorbent materials, wash area with large amounts of water, ensuring water does not enter environment.

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Wear chemical-resistant gloves and protective gear, prevent dust spread, do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling, use with adequate ventilation or in fume hood
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated place, keep container tightly closed, protect from moisture and incompatible substances such as acids, store away from food, beverages, oxidizing agents, and combustibles
Other Precautions: Strictly control access to storage areas, label containers clearly, practice good industrial hygiene

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Nickel compounds TWA: 0.1 mg/m³ (NIOSH/OSHA)
Engineering Controls: Enclose processes, local exhaust ventilation, fume hoods or glove boxes
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved half- or full-face respirator with appropriate filters for particulates and acids
Hand Protection: Impervious gloves such as nitrile or neoprene
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles, face shield
Skin / Body Protection: Lab coat, chemical-resistant apron, long sleeves, safety boots

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Greenish-yellow crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Around 1475 °C
Boiling Point: Sublimes at 1700 °C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in acids
Density: 4.72 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
pH: Not applicable (solid), acidic in solution
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Not available
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable to solids
Decomposition Temperature: Decomposes at elevated temperatures, forms hazardous fumes

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures
Reactivity: Reacts with acids liberating toxic and corrosive hydrogen fluoride gas, attacks glass, generates toxic fumes with water in presence of acids, reacts with reducing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, moisture, acids, incompatible substances
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, water, glass, oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen fluoride, nickel oxides, fluorine gases

Toxicological Information

Acute Effects: Toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, respiratory tract irritation, systemic fluoride poisoning possible
Chronic Effects: Sensitization through dermal and respiratory exposure, risk of cancer from prolonged exposure, may cause lung, kidney, and bone damage
Carcinogenicity: IARC: Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans), NTP: Known to be a human carcinogen, OSHA: Carcinogen
Mutagenicity: Evidence exists in certain test systems
Reproductive Toxicity: May cause adverse reproductive effects, based on animal studies

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects, very toxic to fish and invertebrates
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic, persistent in the environment
Bioaccumulative Potential: Nickel ions can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: May migrate in soils; risk to groundwater possible
Other Adverse Effects: Nickel species can persist and cause harmful long-term effects

Disposal Considerations

Suitable Disposal Methods: Dispose through licensed hazardous waste contractor, according to local, state, and federal regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Container materials must be triple-rinsed or destroyed, must be disposed alongside waste chemical
Precautions: Prevent release into environment, ensure thorough clean-up, label and seal waste containers

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 3288
Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (Nickel fluoride)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: II
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Transport Precautions: Keep separated from foods, strong acids, and bases, ship in secure, labeled containers, transport by qualified handlers only

Regulatory Information

US OSHA: Subject to Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA: Listed
SARA Title III: Section 313: Nickel compounds are subject to reporting
RCRA: U-listed hazardous waste
Canada WHMIS: D2A (Very toxic), D2B (Irritant)
EU: Classified Carcinogen (Category 1A), Toxic (T), Dangerous for the environment
Other Regulatory Listings: Included in national inventories for chemical safety, subject to workplace exposure restrictions and environmental release reporting in many jurisdictions