Material Safety Data Sheet: Copper Acetate

Identification

Product Name: Copper(II) Acetate
Synonyms: Cupric acetate, Copper diacetate
Chemical Formula: C₄H₆CuO₄
Molecular Weight: 199.65 g/mol
CAS Number: 142-71-2
Manufacturer: Contact local supplier for updated information
Recommended Use: Laboratory, analytical, pigment production, catalyst
Contact for Emergency: Refer to local regulations or plant safety coordinator

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral), Hazard Category 4; Acute Toxicity (Dermal), Hazard Category 4; Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation, Hazard Category 2A
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Pictograms: Exclamation mark, Health hazard
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes serious eye irritation, may cause skin and respiratory tract irritation
Precautionary Statements: Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product, wash hands thoroughly after handling, wear protective gloves/eye protection, avoid breathing dust or fumes, keep container tightly closed

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Copper(II) Acetate Monohydrate
Concentration: 99-100% pure
Impurities: Trace metals or unreacted acetic acid less than 1%
Hazardous Components: Copper(II) ion, acetate ion
Product Grades: Laboratory, technical, reagent grades available

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, support breathing, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with plenty of water and soap, seek medical advice if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses, continue rinsing, get medical attention if irritation continues
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, give water if conscious, contact poison control or a physician immediately
Symptoms: Eye redness, skin irritation, stomach upset, cough, sore throat

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray
Specific Hazards: Copper oxides, toxic fumes may form during combustion
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing
Fire/Explosion Hazards: Product does not present a significant fire risk, but dust can irritate airways and spread flames to combustibles
Firefighting Advice: Move containers from fire area if it can be done without risk, avoid water runoff entering drains

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unprotected personnel, restrict access, provide ventilation
Protective Equipment: Wear gloves, safety goggles, dust mask or respirator
Spill Response: Scoop up spill using non-sparking tools, collect residue in appropriate waste container
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements, or confined areas
Clean-up Methods: Wash area with water after cleanup, dispose residues safely

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Avoid creating dust and inhaling vapors, do not get on skin or eyes, use only in well-ventilated areas, open containers with care
Precautions: Use proper protective equipment during all operations involving product
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers, keep in a cool and dry place away from moisture and incompatible substances
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, acids, bases, combustible materials
Storage Class: Toxic substances, coordinate location according to regulations for hazardous materials

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Work in fume hood or use local exhaust, maintain dilute air concentrations, provide hand and eye wash stations
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 1 mg/m³ (as copper dust and mists); ACGIH TLV: 1 mg/m³ (as copper)
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile), splash goggles, lab coat, NIOSH-approved respirator
Other Protective Measures: Remove contaminated clothing, wash hands and face before breaks and after use, do not eat or drink during use
Hygienic Practices: Maintain clean work environment, routinely test air for copper dust, monitor for symptoms among frequently exposed workers

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Blue-green crystalline solid
Odor: Slightly acetic
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH: 4-6 (10% solution)
Melting Point: 115 °C (decomposes above this temperature)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Flash Point: Not flammable
Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol
Density: 1.88 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not available
Relative Vapor Density: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Decomposition Temperature: Above 115 °C
Viscosity: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under standard storage conditions
Decomposition: Produces copper oxides, acetic acid vapor when heated
Reactivity: May react with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases
Hazardous Reactions: No known hazardous polymerization
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to strong heat, direct sunlight, moisture
Incompatible Materials: Acids, sodium hypochlorite, reducing agents, combustibles

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD₅₀ rat: 710 mg/kg
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Symptoms of Exposure: Headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, eye and respiratory tract irritation
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure to copper salts may lead to anemia, liver or kidney damage
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: No data for mutagenic effects in humans
Other Data: Chronic copper poisoning can result in Wilson’s disease-like symptoms

Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Persistence and Degradability: Does not degrade rapidly in environment, persistent in soils and sediments
Bioaccumulation Potential: Copper ions may bioaccumulate in aquatic species
Mobility in Soil: Moderately mobile, binds to organic matter and clay
Other Adverse Effects: Copper toxicity has been linked to disrupted algae and invertebrate populations in lakes
Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains, waterways, or soil

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect all residues and contaminated materials for hazardous waste disposal
Disposal of Product: Must be sent to licensed hazardous chemical waste treatment facility
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose containers as chemical waste, do not reuse for other materials
Related Regional Information: Local, state, and federal regulations govern disposal, consult appropriate agencies

Transport Information

UN Number: 3077
UN Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (Copper Acetate)
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances)
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant
Special Precautions for User: Transport in tightly sealed containers, prevent spillage during transport

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Hazardous chemical as per OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act): Listed in inventory
SARA Title III: Section 313 (Copper compounds): reportable if threshold exceeded
EPA Regulations: CERCLA reportable quantity for copper compounds: 5,000 lbs
Canadian WHMIS: Classified D2B (toxic materials)
Other International Regulations: Subject to control under EU REACH, GHS labeling, IATA and IMDG transport frameworks
Labeling Requirements: Pictograms, signal words, hazard and precautionary statements as outlined above must be present on containers