Molybdenum Oxide MSDS

Identification

Product Name: Molybdenum Oxide
Chemical Formula: MoO₃
CAS Number: 1313-27-5
Synonyms: Molybdic oxide, Molybdic anhydride
Recommended Use: Additive in steel production, catalyst, pigment, feedstock for molybdenum compounds
Manufacturer Details: Major chemical suppliers and mining companies distribute this substance for industrial and laboratory use
Emergency Phone Number: Provided by supplier and generally available on shipment documents for rapid response in case of incident

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation), Eye irritation, Specific target organ toxicity
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed; Inhalation can cause irritation to the respiratory tract, coughing, shortness of breath; Contact with eyes or skin may lead to redness and discomfort
Pictograms: Exclamation mark symbol
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust; Use personal protective equipment; Wash hands after handling; Seek fresh air if inhaled
Potential Health Effects: Prolonged exposure can affect liver and kidneys; Sensitive groups such as asthmatics may react to airborne particles and develop persistent symptoms

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Ingredient: Molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃)
Purity: Ranges between 98% and 99.9% in industrial-grade products
Impurities: Trace residues of sodium, potassium, iron, or sulfur compounds can occur, depending on the extraction process
Mixture Components: Sometimes blended for laboratory work with buffer substances or stabilizers, but industrial shipments contain pure or nearly pure compound

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move the affected person to fresh air, support breathing as needed, seek medical advice if symptoms like coughing or chest tightness arise
Skin Contact: Remove any contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water; persistent irritation merits medical attention
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes slowly and gently with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present; continuing discomfort should prompt a doctor visit
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water if conscious; do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical care because molybdenum compounds in quantity might upset digestion or provoke more serious symptoms

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam; water spray can cool containers but may spread powder
Hazards from Combustion: Molybdenum oxide itself doesn’t burn, but decomposition produces toxic vapors like molybdenum oxides in fine particulate forms
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Special Precautions: Avoid letting firefighting runoff enter water systems; control powder dispersion to limit inhalation risks

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Wear dust mask, goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and coveralls for cleanup
Environmental Protection: Prevent spilled material from entering soil, waterways, or drains, since small particles can be carried far and create risks for aquatic environments
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or vacuum material into suitable container for disposal; avoid dry sweeping if possible and use wet cleaning to minimize airborne dust; decontaminate affected area with water and detergent

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work in well-ventilated area or fume hood; minimize dust generation; do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling; wash hands after use to remove any residues
Storage: Keep container tightly closed in dry, cool, and well-ventilated place; store away from acids and oxidizing agents; containers should be clearly labeled, protected from damage, and checked regularly for leaks or corrosion that could increase exposure risk
Special Advice: Store below 25°C, protect from moisture, and separate from incompatible materials to preserve product quality and worker health

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 5 mg/m³; ACGIH TLV: 0.5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction); NIOSH REL: 5 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, enclosed systems, and regular air monitoring can keep workplace concentrations below safety thresholds
Personal Protective Equipment: Use approved air-purifying respirators in dusty settings, safety goggles or face shields for eye protection, nitrile gloves, and laboratory coats or protective suits
Hygiene Measures: Change contaminated clothing promptly, shower if large exposure occurs, avoid tracking powder outside the workplace

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Fine white to pale-yellow powder or crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: About 795°C
Boiling Point: 1,155°C (sublimes)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in ammonia and alkali
Density: Approximately 4.69 g/cm³
pH: Not applicable for pure solid
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Molecular Weight: 143.94 g/mol
Other Information: High-temperature processing yields violet fumes that indicate partial reduction or decomposition; no taste for the pure chemical

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under typical storage and handling conditions; sensitive to strong acids and oxidizers
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid moisture, high humidity, acid fumes, open flames, and incompatible chemicals that may produce hazardous byproducts
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizing agents such as chlorates, peroxides, and nitrate compounds can interact with this compound and create violent or hazardous reactions
Decomposition Products: Heating above 1,000°C produces vaporized molybdenum oxides; decomposition can also release toxic fumes if subjected to extreme conditions

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact
Acute Effects: Causes respiratory and eye irritation, gastrointestinal disturbances if swallowed
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure can cause symptoms like loss of appetite, weight loss, anemia, and, at very high doses, effects on the liver, kidneys, and nervous system
Sensitization: Not reported as a common allergen, but dust exposure for respiratory-sensitive individuals can provoke symptoms
LD50 Oral Rat: Approximately 2689 mg/kg
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic to humans by IARC or NTP on the basis of current data
Other Data: Persons with chronic respiratory conditions may be at increased risk from workplace exposure to fine particulate molybdenum oxides

Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Organisms: Moderate toxicity to aquatic life; even small concentrations in water can accumulate in the environment and may disrupt aquatic food chains
Persistence and Degradability: As a metal oxide, this compound persists in soil and water and does not degrade by natural biological processes
Bioaccumulation Potential: Certain aquatic species accumulate molybdenum compounds, potentially affecting higher predators in the food web
Mobility in Soil: Molybdenum oxide can migrate in water runoff, increasing risk of environmental contamination over time
Other Effects: No evidence of widespread ecological catastrophe, but localized releases near mining or industrial operations can shift local ecosystem balances

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect solid residues and process as hazardous chemical waste under local regulations; do not release into drains, rivers, or areas with permeable soil
Packaging Disposal: Dispose of empty containers safely after thorough cleaning; residues from packaging can harm municipal waste facilities
Special Precautions for Landfill: Only allow landfill disposal with proper containment devices to prevent leaching of metal compounds into groundwater
Recycling or Recovery: Some facilities recover molybdenum from waste streams; industry participants should seek licensed recovery whenever feasible to minimize raw material extraction pressures

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous goods by DOT, IATA, or IMDG under most conditions
Transport Hazard Class: Not assigned
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Transport Precautions: Ship in sealed containers to prevent spillage and dust release; coordinate with carriers on requirements for hazardous substances in certain forms
Labeling: Use clear chemical identification labeling, hazard signs where required, and provide emergency information with every shipment, especially for international customs and regulatory authorities
Incompatibilities in Transport: Do not ship with strong acids, peroxides, or food items to avoid contamination and adverse chemical reactions during movement

Regulatory Information

Regulatory Status: Listed under various national and regional chemical inventories such as TSCA (US), EINECS (EU), DSL (Canada), and ENCS (Japan)
OSHA Hazards: Regulated as a hazardous material in occupational settings, subject to workplace exposure standards
Right-to-Know: Subject to reporting under state right-to-know regulations including California Proposition 65 for possible workplace exposure
RCRA Status: Waste containing molybdenum oxide may qualify as hazardous if it contains other listed contaminants above threshold quantities
Other Guidelines: Users must comply with REACH registration for use within the EU and similar regulatory frameworks worldwide; any safety data revisions should be reviewed and training updated accordingly