MSDS: Molybdenum Hexacarbonyl

Identification

Chemical Name: Molybdenum Hexacarbonyl
SYNONYMS: Molybdenum Carbonyl, Hexacarbonyldimolybdenum, Molybdenum(0) Carbonyl
CAS Number: 13939-06-5
Molecular Formula: Mo(CO)₆
Molecular Weight: 264.00 g/mol
Recommended Use: Catalyst, chemical reagent, laboratory chemicals
Supplier Identification: Supplier address and emergency phone number varies by distributor; always check package labeling

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Dermal, Inhalation), Specific Target Organ Toxicity, Skin and Eye Irritant, Environmental Hazard
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if inhaled, in contact with skin or swallowed. May cause organ damage through prolonged or repeated exposure. Causes serious eye irritation. Hazardous to aquatic environments with long-lasting effects.
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, environment
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves and clothing. Avoid breathing dust or fumes. If exposed or concerned, get medical advice. Do not release to the environment.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Molybdenum Hexacarbonyl
Concentration: 98–100%
Impurities: Trace metal oxides, carbon monoxide (as a decomposition product)

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air at once. Seek medical attention if breathing becomes difficult or symptoms persist. Keep victim resting comfortably.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Get medical attention if irritation develops.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes carefully for several minutes, lifting eyelids. Remove contact lenses if easy to do. Continue rinsing and seek immediate medical help if irritation or symptoms persist.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Get medical attention without delay. Show product label or MSDS to the doctor.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam; never use water directly as it may worsen splatter or spread risk.
Special Hazards Arising from Product: Forms toxic and flammable carbon monoxide gas on decomposition. Smoke can contain molybdenum oxides.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full respiratory and body protection crucial; thermal decomposition releases harmful gases. Approach fire from upwind location.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate nonessential personnel. Wear suitable respirator, gloves, and protective clothing. Ventilate area.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into drains, sewers, and waterways.
Methods for Containment and Cleaning: Scoop spilled powder into clean, labeled containers with spark-proof equipment. Avoid creating dust. Dispose according to national regulations. Wash spill area thoroughly.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid inhalation of dust or fumes. Handle only with appropriate chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and lab clothing. Work in a chemical fume hood if possible. Keep separate from food and drinks.
Storage: Store tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from sunlight, heat sources, acids, and strong oxidizers. Maintain containers upright and clearly labeled. Keep away from ignition sources; product is sensitive to light and heat.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No STEL or PEL found for this compound, but handle as a hazardous inorganic compound; use local workplace guidelines for molybdenum compounds and carbon monoxide.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or fume hood. Monitor air quality. Install eyewash stations and safety showers nearby.
Personal Protection: Wear impervious gloves, safety goggles, and lab coat or apron. Use approved respirator for dust or inadequate ventilation.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Keep contaminated clothing in workplace only and launder regularly.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to pale yellow crystals or powder
Odor: Faint metallic odor
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: 150°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes, does not boil
Flash Point: Not determined
Evaporation Rate: Not available
Flammability: Combustible, may form toxic gases if burned
Solubility (Water): Insoluble
Solubility (Solvents): Slightly soluble in organic solvents such as benzene, ether
Vapor Pressure: Sublimation at room temperature possible
Vapor Density: Not available
Relative Density: 2.54 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient: Not available
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not established
Decomposition Temperature: >150°C
Viscosity: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature in closed containers and away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Conditions to Avoid: Sparks, open flames, high temperatures, direct sunlight, static electricity, moisture, acids.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizing agents, alkali metals.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, molybdenum oxides, carbon dioxide.
Polymerization: Does not occur

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Toxic if inhaled; serious respiratory irritation possible. May cause gastric pain, vomiting, nausea if ingested. Skin contact leads to irritation, redness; repeated exposure causes sensitization. Contact with eyes causes redness and discomfort.
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure impairs organ function, mainly lungs and kidneys. Sensitizers may develop contact dermatitis. No reliable carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxicity studies reported for this compound as of this writing.
Symptoms: Headache, coughing, shortness of breath, skin rash, eye irritation, abdominal upset, in severe cases irregular heartbeat or unconsciousness from carbon monoxide.
LD₅₀ Values: Oral (rat): approximately 340 mg/kg.
Addition Information: No conclusive data on human toxicity for large-scale occupational exposure; always minimize risk and monitor health.

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms; potential for bioaccumulation not confirmed. May cause long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments.
Persistence and Degradability: Product is not quickly biodegradable. Remains stable and persistent in sediments.
Mobility in Soil: Low due to low solubility in water; some risk near surface runoff near chemical handling sites.
Other Adverse Effects: Accumulation of molybdenum affects aquatic food chains and plants. Toxic to some microorganisms.

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Collect waste and contaminated materials in sealed, clearly labeled containers. Dispose through licensed hazardous waste contractor. Do not allow product to reach sewage system or open waterways. Follow national and local environmental regulations strictly.
Packaging Disposal: Decontaminate packaging if possible. Otherwise, treat as hazardous waste, similar process as main product disposal.

Transport Information

UN Number: 3285
Shipping Name: Toxic solid, organic, n.o.s. (Molybdenum Hexacarbonyl)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: II
Label: Toxic, environment
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Secure load and keep separate from food and feedstuffs during transportation. Emergency response guide and PPE required for leakage or spillage.

Regulatory Information

EU Regulations: Complies with REACH regulations; listed in Annex VI of CLP; subject to strict workplace exposure standards.
US Regulations: Subject to TSCA, SARA Title III reporting as hazardous chemical. Not on the OSHA Carcinogen List. Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP): Carbon monoxide (as decomposition product) regulated under Clean Air Act.
Canada Regulations: Listed on the DSL. Controlled under WHMIS as D1A (very toxic material), D2B (irritant).
Labeling Requirements: Toxic, environmental hazard symbols, risk and safety phrases required per national regulations. Keep up-to-date with safety data sheet revisions and regulatory changes.