Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – Molybdenum Dichloride

Identification

Product Name: Molybdenum Dichloride
Chemical Formula: MoCl₂
Synonyms: Molybdenum(II) chloride
Manufacturer: Contact supplier for details
Recommended Use: Laboratory and industrial processes
Emergency Contact: Refer to local emergency procedures
CAS Number: 10102-43-9

Hazard Identification

Hazard Class: Acute toxicity, corrosive to metals, skin and eye irritation
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, toxic if inhaled or swallowed, may cause respiratory irritation
Pictograms: Corrosive, Acute Toxicity, Exclamation Mark
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Unsuitable Use: Never use near food or drinks, personal care environments without engineering controls

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Molybdenum Dichloride
Concentration: 100%
CAS Number: 10102-43-9
Impurities: Typically free from significant impurities affecting classification
Other Additives: No known stabilizing agents
Molecular Weight: 202.75 g/mol

First Aid Measures

General Advice: Remove source of exposure and seek medical help
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, support breathing, provide oxygen if available, get immediate medical attention
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, flush skin with running water for at least 30 minutes, call doctor immediately
Eye Contact: Rinse continuously with water for at least 20 minutes, lift eyelids, urgent ophthalmologist attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, get immediate medical assistance
Note to Medical Staff: Treat exposure as corrosive chemical injury; provide symptomatic and supportive care

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO₂, or foam; do not use water on powder spills
Specific Hazards: May release toxic fumes including hydrogen chloride and molybdenum oxides under fire
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing, gloves resistant to chemicals
Fire Fighting Instructions: Isolate hazardous area, keep out unnecessary personnel, cool surrounding containers with water spray

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant suit, goggles, gloves, suitable mask or respirator
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spill from reaching drains, soil, or waterways
Containment and Cleanup: Sweep or scoop solid material into secure container; avoid dust formation; ventilate area and decontaminate surfaces with dilute sodium carbonate solution; collect all waste in labeled disposal vessel
Emergency Procedures: Only trained personnel should address spills; notify local environmental authorities in case of substantial release

Handling and Storage

Handling Advice: Maintain adequate ventilation, avoid inhaling dust or contact with eyes and skin, do not eat or drink while handling
Equipment: Use only non-sparking tools, keep away from moisture
Precautions Against Fire/Explosion: Keep away from active sources of ignition, oxidizing agents, and acids
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed, corrosive-resistant containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place; keep away from incompatible agents such as water, strong acids, and bases
Storage Incompatibilities: Protect from light and moisture, segregate from food and feedstuffs

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits specific to Molybdenum Dichloride—execute industrial hygiene principles
Engineering Controls: Use fume hood or process enclosures, ensure eyewash and safety shower are accessible
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved respiratory equipment when dust or fumes may form
Skin Protection: Impervious chemical-resistant gloves, protective suits
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles or face shield
Work Practice Controls: Remove contaminated clothing, wash hands and face before meal breaks

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Reddish-brown crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Decomposes above 200°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Hydrolyzes in water, soluble in some organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Not available
Density: Approx. 3.6 g/cm³
pH: Strongly acidic on contact with water
Other Data: Reacts violently with water releasing heat and gases

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable if kept cool, dry, and away from incompatible substances
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, high temperature, exposure to strong acids or oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride gas, molybdenum oxides
Incompatible Materials: Water, organics incompatible with strong acids, alkali metals
Polymerization: Not known to polymerize under normal storage

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Harmful if inhaled or swallowed; exact LD₅₀ data unavailable but based on category may be below 200 mg/kg orally in rats
Skin Corrosion: Causes serious burns to skin, painful upon contact
Eye Damage: Severe irritation leading to corneal damage possible
Inhalation: Respiratory tract irritation, possible pulmonary edema with prolonged exposure
Chronic Effects: Potential impacts on liver and kidneys with chronic exposure, data limited
Sensitization: No reports of sensitization; still, avoid repeated contact
Carcinogenicity / Mutagenicity: Not classified by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as carcinogen

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: May pose toxicity to aquatic organisms; precise data not available
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable; forms persistent molybdenum compounds
Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation based on water solubility and reactivity
Mobility in Soil: Soluble breakdown products can migrate through soils
Additional Notes: Avoid release into surface waters, groundwater, or sewers at all costs

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Handle as hazardous waste; small quantities can be neutralized carefully, larger batches need specialist transfer
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose in accordance with local, national, and international regulations
Precautions: Never dispose of in general waste systems or local landfills
Recommended Methods: Incinerate with afterburner and scrubber; chemical neutralization may be feasible with professional oversight

Transport Information

UN Number: 3260
Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive solid, acidic, inorganic, n.o.s. (contains Molybdenum Dichloride)
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive Materials)
Packing Group: II
Marine Pollutant: Not classified as such, but emissions to sea must be avoided
Special Precautions: Ensure secure packaging and labeling, emergency procedures for spillage
Regulatory Transport: Subject to IATA, DOT, IMDG, and ADR regulations for dangerous goods

Regulatory Information

US Regulations: Subject to TSCA inventory. SARA Title III section 313 does not list this compound, but local regulations may apply
EU Regulations: Classified as hazardous per Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP)
Label Elements: Corrosive pictograms, GHS hazard statements
Other Regulatory Info: Compliance with workplace exposure, pollution, and waste guidelines is mandatory. Environmental authorities may demand further reporting for large quantities or regular use.