Material Safety Data Sheet – Copper(I) Selenide

Identification

Product Name: Copper(I) Selenide
Synonyms: Cuprous selenide, Cu2Se
Chemical Formula: Cu2Se
CAS Number: 20405-64-5
Manufacturer: [Company Name]
Recommended Use: Research, semiconductors, thermoelectric materials
Emergency Contact: [Emergency Contact Number]

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Inhalation, Dermal) – Category 3
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin, or inhaled. Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
Pictograms: Skull and Crossbones, Health Hazard
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during use. Wear protective gloves, eye protection, and clothing. Wash thoroughly after handling.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Copper(I) Selenide
CAS Number: 20405-64-5
Purity: Typically >99% by weight
Impurities: Trace amounts of copper or selenium

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms appear. Provide oxygen if breathing is difficult.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Wash skin with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Seek prompt medical attention.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Seek immediate medical attention.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO₂, or foam. Water spray for larger fires.
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic fumes of copper and selenium oxides if involved in a fire. Dust may form explosive mixtures with air.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear. Stay upwind to avoid fumes.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel. Wear approved respirator, chemical-resistant gloves, and protective clothing.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent run-off into drains or waterways. Notify authorities if product enters the environment.
Methods for Containment and Cleaning Up: Ventilate area. Avoid generating dust. Sweep up and place material in suitable, sealed container for disposal. Clean spill area with damp cloth or HEPA vacuum. Wash tools and hands after handling.

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas, preferably under fume hood. Wear protective equipment at all times. Avoid generating or breathing dust. Do not handle until all safety precautions are read and understood.
Safe Storage: Store in tightly closed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location. Keep away from acids, oxidizers, and incompatible materials. Store away from food and beverages.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: Not established for Copper(I) Selenide. Use existing copper and selenium exposure limits as guidance.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, glove box, or other engineering controls to minimize dust and exposure.
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles or face shield, lab coat, and approved respirator fitted with particulate filters.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands, forearms, and face thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Gray-black crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Molecular Weight: 174.11 g/mol
Melting Point: Approximately 1,110 °C
Boiling Point: Sublimes
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Density: About 6.67 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
pH: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids releasing toxic hydrogen selenide gas.
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to strong oxidizers, acids, open flames, and high temperatures.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Copper oxides, selenium oxides, hydrogen selenide gas.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizing agents.

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact.
Acute Effects: Toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or through skin absorption. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, vomiting, garlic odor of breath, respiratory distress, metallic taste.
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause selenium poisoning affecting liver, kidneys, nervous system. Copper overload may impact gastrointestinal system.
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic by IARC, ACGIH, NTP, or OSHA.
Mutagenicity: No substantial evidence reported.
Reproductive Toxicity: Not enough data available.
Sensitization: May cause allergic reaction in predisposed individuals.

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates due to copper and selenium ions.
Persistence and Degradability: Does not degrade easily in the environment; persists as a metal compound.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Accumulates in aquatic organisms.
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility but may leach under acidic or oxidizing conditions.
Other Adverse Effects: Prevent spills and waste from entering the environment.

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Offer surplus and contaminated product to approved waste disposal company. Dispose of as hazardous waste according to local, regional, and national regulations.
Contaminated Containers: Rinse with water and dispose of container according to official instructions.
Avoid: Release to environment. Do not dispose of in household garbage or down the drain.

Transport Information

UN Number: Not assigned for this specific substance. Ship as hazardous material if mixture contains other regulated chemicals.
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated for ground, air, or sea transport under UN regulations. Product may be regulated as environment hazardous under some chemical shipment rules.
Special Precautions: Ensure containers are tightly sealed and properly labeled. Transport in compliance with local, regional, national, and international regulations.

Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed on US Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory.
SARA 313: Includes copper and selenium as reportable ingredients.
Clean Air Act: Selenium compounds listed as hazardous air pollutants.
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed/Complies.
REACH Status (EU): Subject to registration if imported ≥1 tonne per year.
Other Regulations: Product safety, labeling, and handling are subject to local and national workplace chemical safety laws.