Material Safety Data Sheet: Copper(II) Chloride

Identification

Product name: Copper(II) Chloride
Synonyms: Copper dichloride, cupric chloride
Chemical formula: CuCl₂
CAS number: 7447-39-4
Recommended use: Laboratory reagent, chemical manufacturing, electronics, pigment production
Supplier: [Supplier’s contact information required]
Emergency phone: [Emergency contact required]

Hazard Identification

GHS classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation) Category 4, Eye irritation Category 2, Skin irritation Category 2, Hazardous to aquatic environment Category 1
Signal word: Warning
Hazard statements: Harmful if swallowed, harmful in contact with skin, causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, Environment
Precautionary statements: Avoid contact with skin and eyes, avoid release to the environment, wear protective gloves, wash hands thoroughly after handling, seek medical advice if symptoms develop
Routes of exposure: Ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact, eye contact

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical name: Copper(II) chloride
Concentration: >98%
CAS number: 7447-39-4
Impurities: Trace moisture, trace inorganic chlorides possible depending on source
EC Number: 231-210-2
Molecular weight: 134.45 g/mol

First Aid Measures

General advice: Remove source of exposure and seek emergency medical attention if symptoms persist
If inhaled: Move person to fresh air, support breathing; seek medical attention if coughing, headache, or respiratory symptoms develop
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing, flush skin with running water for 15 minutes, seek medical care if irritation or rash develops
Eye contact: Rinse with running water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally; remove contact lenses if present and easy to remove; get medical assistance
If ingested: Rinse mouth with water, never induce vomiting, seek immediate medical advice. If conscious, drink a small amount of water unless told otherwise by a medical professional
Important symptoms: Irritation of eyes, respiratory tract, skin; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; possible liver and kidney effects if large amounts swallowed

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable extinguishing media: Use dry chemical, CO₂, sand, or foam; water spray may be used to cool containers
Unsuitable extinguishing methods: Avoid direct water jet on substance; avoid actions that could cause environmental contamination of firefighting runoff
Hazardous combustion products: Copper oxides, hydrogen chloride gas, possible formation of toxic metal chloride fumes
Protective equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical protective clothing, gloves, and goggles; avoid breathing fumes
Special hazards: Containers may rupture due to heating; runoff may contaminate water sources and soil

Accidental Release Measures

Personal precautions: Use personal protective equipment such as gloves and eye protection, avoid direct contact
Environmental precautions: Prevent release into drains, surface water, and soil; notify authorities in case of major contamination
Methods for cleanup: Sweep up solids carefully, minimize dust generation, collect in sealable container for disposal, wash area with water after collection, ventilate affected area
Spill response team: Train in use of protective equipment, prepared for chemical hazards
Disposal of waste: According to local, national laws; see Disposal Considerations section

Handling and Storage

Safe handling: Wear gloves, laboratory coat, and eye protection, use in well-ventilated areas or under fume hood, don’t eat, drink, or smoke during use, wash hands after handling
Storage requirements: Store in tightly sealed original container, keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from incompatible substances such as strong acids, strong bases, and ammonia
Storage temperature: Avoid exposure to heat; store below 30°C
Special considerations: Label containers clearly; restrict access to trained personnel
Packaging: Use chemically resistant material, keep product dry, avoid contact with metals likely to react with copper compounds

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational exposure limit value (OEL): Copper, dusts and mists: ACGIH TLV 1 mg/m³; OSHA PEL 1 mg/m³ (as copper)
Engineering controls: Local exhaust ventilation or fume hood, eyewash stations, emergency showers
Personal protective equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, PVC), safety goggles, face shield, long-sleeved clothing
Respiratory protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirator in case of inadequate ventilation or dust generation
Environmental controls: Prevent contamination of air, soil, and water

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Yellowish-brown to green crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
pH (1% solution): About 2–3
Melting point: 498°C (anhydrous), decomposes
Boiling point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Soluble in water, highly soluble in ethanol
Density: 3.386 g/cm³ (anhydrous)
Vapor pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Flash point: Not applicable
Partition coefficient (log Kow): Data not available
Evaporation rate: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical stability: Stable under standard temperature and pressure, degrades under high humidity
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids and alkalis, some metals (eg. sodium, potassium), and ammonia, generates toxic gases
Conditions to avoid: Moist air, elevated temperatures, exposure to incompatible substances
Decomposition products: Hydrogen chloride gas, copper oxides
Incompatible materials: Ammonia, strong reducing agents, acetic anhydride, alkali metals

Toxicological Information

Acute toxicity: LD₅₀ oral (rat): approx. 584 mg/kg
Skin irritation: Causes irritation, possible allergic reactions on prolonged or repeated skin contact
Eye irritation: May cause redness, pain, severe irritation, risk of damage if not promptly rinsed
Inhalation: Dusts cause respiratory tract irritation, coughing, sore throat
Ingestion: Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, risk to liver and kidney function on significant exposure
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Chronic effects: Prolonged or repeated contact may lead to skin sensitization, target organ toxicity primarily involving kidneys, liver, blood formation

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, strong bioaccumulation potential, rapid harm to fish, invertebrates, algae at low concentrations
Persistence and degradability: Metal salts are not readily biodegradable, tend to persist in sediment
Bioaccumulation: Accumulates in aquatic organisms, can transfer up the food chain
Mobility in soil: Soluble, may leach into groundwater, binds to soil particles over time
Other adverse effects: Excess copper in water disrupts aquatic ecosystems, risk of toxicity to plants

Disposal Considerations

Disposal methods: Collect waste in secure container, label clearly, send for hazardous chemical disposal through licensed waste company
Waste code: Dependent on national regulation, typically hazardous waste (e.g., US EPA RCRA code D002 for corrosivity)
Contaminated packaging: Clean thoroughly if recycling; otherwise dispose as hazardous waste
Do not: Pour into drain, landfill, or incinerate without professional supervision
Compliance: Follow local and national regulations on hazardous waste disposal

Transport Information

UN number: 2802
Proper shipping name: Copper chloride
Transport hazard class: 6.1 (toxic substances)
Packing group: III (dangerous)
Environmental hazard: Marine pollutant according to IMDG code
Special precautions: Ensure sealed packaging, avoid leaks, protect from physical damage
Labeling: Toxic substance, marine pollutant

Regulatory Information

SDS compliance: Prepared in accordance with OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) and GHS
TSCA status: Listed
REACH registration: Listed under EC inventory
Safety, health, and environmental regulations: Subject to SARA Title III Sect. 313 (US), subject to reporting under various state and international laws
Other requirements: Employer must train workers on chemical hazards, maintain inventory record, provide accessible SDS