Material Safety Data Sheet: Ammonium Metatungstate
1. Identification
Product Name: Ammonium Metatungstate Hydrate
Chemical Formula: (NH4)6H2W12O40·xH2O
SYNONYMS: Ammonium metatungstate, AMT
CAS Number: 12027-70-2
Recommended Uses: Catalyst production, ceramics, metallurgy, analytical reagent, X-ray contrast media
Manufacturer: [Name and address supplied by distributor]
Emergency Phone: [Local chemical emergency contact number]
2. Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (Oral) – Category 4, Eye irritation – Category 2
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause mild skin irritation.
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling. Wear protective gear for eyes, hands, and skin. Use only in well-ventilated areas. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Emergency Overview: White, odorless crystalline powder. Dust may irritate respiratory tract. Toxicity mostly from ingestion or exposure to large quantities.
3. Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical Name: Ammonium metatungstate hydrate
CAS Number: 12027-70-2
Concentration: >99% (remainder: trace moisture/water of hydration)
Impurities: Trace levels of ammonium salts possible depending on manufacturing source
4. First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Remove individual to fresh air. Provide oxygen if breathing is difficult. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Seek medical attention if irritation develops.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes immediately with running water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids apart. Remove contact lenses. Obtain medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical staff. Get medical help immediately.
Symptoms: Coughing, sore throat, abdominal pain, nausea, burning sensation in eyes or on skin
Advice for Medical Personnel: Treat symptomatically. Monitor for signs of respiratory or gastrointestinal irritation.
5. Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High-pressure water jets can disperse material
Hazardous Combustion Products: Tungsten oxides, ammonia, nitrogen oxides
Fire/Explosion Hazards: Does not burn easily. Decomposition releases toxic fumes
Protective Equipment: Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Procedures: Move containers from fire area if possible. Prevent runoff into water sources.
6. Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel. Avoid inhalation or contact with skin and eyes. Ventilate the area.
Protective Equipment: Use respirator for dust, chemical-resistant gloves, protective goggles, lab coat.
Environmental Precautions: Avoid runoff into sewers or waterways. Notify authorities if spill enters environment.
Clean-up Methods: Sweep or scoop up spilled material into closed containers. Avoid creating dust. Wash spill area with water, contain washings.
Disposal: Collect and dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations.
7. Handling and Storage
Handling: Work in well-ventilated area, avoid formation of dust. Do not ingest or inhale. Use proper personal protective equipment.
Storage Conditions: Store in a tightly closed, labeled container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Keep away from incompatible substances such as acids, oxidizers. Protect from moisture and direct sunlight.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents, reducing agents.
Hygiene Practices: Do not eat, drink, or smoke near product. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Occupational Exposure Limits: None established for Ammonium Metatungstate; use limits for nuisance dust (10 mg/m³ inhalable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or process enclosure to minimize dust
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirator if airborne concentrations exceed limits
Eye Protection: Safety goggles with side shields or face shield
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), long-sleeved clothing
Other Protection: Eyewash stations and emergency showers should be readily available
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: White or colorless crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH: Acidic (2.5–4.5 for a 5% solution)
Melting Point / Freezing Point: Decomposes before melting
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not volatile
Explosive Limits: Not explosive
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Relative Density: 2.5–2.7 g/cm³ (hydrate form varies with moisture content)
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Partition Coefficient: Not available
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not self-heating
Decomposition Temperature: >200°C (releases ammonia, water, and tungsten oxides)
Viscosity: Not applicable
10. Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, extreme heat, contact with acids and bases
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, alkalis, oxidizers, reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition: Ammonia, water, tungsten oxides, nitrogen oxides
Polymerization: Will not occur
11. Toxicological Information
Likely Modes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin or eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): approx. 1,600–3,000 mg/kg (harmful if swallowed)
Skin Irritation: May cause irritation
Eye Irritation: Causes serious eye irritation
Respiratory Effects: Irritation to upper respiratory tract possible if dust is inhaled
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged exposure can lead to kidney or liver effects in laboratory animals
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, ACGIH, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: No data indicating mutagenic or reproductive hazards
Symptoms of Overexposure: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache
12. Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms (algae, daphnia, fish)
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic substance, not subject to biodegradation
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate due to low mobility and water solubility, but tungsten may concentrate in some aquatic species
Mobility in Soil: Highly soluble in water and can move rapidly through soil into groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Tungsten can disrupt aquatic environments and soil microfauna if discharged extensively
13. Disposal Considerations
Disposal Methods: Dispose through licensed chemical disposal contractor. Comply with local, regional, and national regulations.
Disposal of Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse containers before disposal. Destroy or recycle according to regulations.
Special Precautions: Prevent release into environment. Do not dispose with household waste or into drains.
14. Transport Information
UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport under UN, IMO, ADR, IATA
Shipping Name: Ammonium metatungstate hydrate
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not regulated as marine pollutant
Transport Precautions: Keep containers tightly closed and dry during transportation. Secure to prevent breakage or leaks.
15. Regulatory Information
TSCA: Listed on the US Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
REACH: Registered in the European Union
SARA Title III (Sections 302/311/312): Not classified as extremely hazardous
California Proposition 65: Not listed under Proposition 65
WHMIS Classification: D2B (Toxic material causing other chronic effects)
Other Regulations: Check specific country or state regulations for reporting and handling requirements
