Material Safety Data Sheet: Molybdenum Pentachloride

Identification

Chemical Name: Molybdenum Pentachloride
Synonyms: Molybdenum(V) chloride, Molybdenum chloride(V)
CAS Number: 10241-05-1
Recommended Use: Inorganic synthesis, catalyst manufacturing, specialty chemical processes
Manufacturer: Specialty Chemicals Provider
Contact Information: Emergency response number and responsible party address should be included with each shipment
Product Type: Solid, often available as dark red or brown crystalline powders

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation, dermal); Skin corrosion/irritation; Serious eye damage/irritation
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin; Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; Irritating to respiratory system
Signal Word: Danger
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, corrosive symbol
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or fumes. Use protective equipment. Work in well-ventilated areas. Keep away from incompatible materials.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Molybdenum Pentachloride
Chemical Formula: MoCl₅
Concentration: 98-100%
Impurities: Trace amounts of molybdenum trichloride or tetrachloride possible from production

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air. Seek immediate medical attention. Oxygen may be required.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Seek medical advice for irritation or burns.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present. Continue rinsing. Obtain medical help without delay.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry sand, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. Water may intensify corrosive hydrogen chloride gas release.
Special Hazards: Noncombustible as supplied, but reacts with water to generate corrosive and toxic gases (hydrogen chloride, molybdenum oxides). Decomposes at high temperatures.
Protective Equipment: Wear full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and chemical resistant clothing. Approach from upwind, avoid breathing fumes.
Fire-Fighting Instructions: Stay clear of vapor cloud. Cool containers with water spray from safe distance to avoid container rupture.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel from area. Wear chemical splash goggles, gloves, and suitable lab coat or apron. Avoid breathing dust.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent substance from entering drains or watercourses. Contain spill with inert, non-combustible absorbent material (such as dry sand, earth).
Cleanup Methods: With proper protective equipment, carefully sweep up and place spilled material into corrosion-resistant container. Do not use water for cleanup.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Operate in well-ventilated chemical fume hood. Handle with dry equipment only. Avoid all contact with water.
Storage: Store in tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant containers. Keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas. Isolate from incompatible substances, especially water, strong bases, alkali metals, and oxidizers. Shelf life relies on keeping containers free from moisture and physical damage.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific limits established for molybdenum pentachloride. The ACGIH TLV for insoluble molybdenum compounds: 0.5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction) as Mo.
Engineering Controls: Chemical fume hood, local exhaust ventilation, eye wash stations, emergency showers.
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (neoprene or nitrile), splash-proof goggles, full lab coat or apron, face shield in case of splash risk, NIOSH approved respirator for exposure to dust or fumes.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Dark red to brown crystalline solid
Odor: Pungent, chlorine-like odor
Molecular Weight: 273.2 g/mol
Melting Point: 190 °C
Boiling Point: 268 °C (sublimes with some decomposition)
Vapor Pressure: Data not widely available, but sublimes at atmospheric pressure on heating
Solubility: Decomposes in water, soluble in organic solvents such as chloroform
Density: 2.79 g/cm³
pH: Not applicable (reacts violently with water)
Other: Highly reactive with moisture or humid air

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under anhydrous conditions and in tightly closed containers
Reactivity: Reacts violently with water or humid air, generating hydrogen chloride gas and molybdic acid
Incompatible Materials: Water, alcohols, strong bases, alkali metals, oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, molybdenum oxides
Polymerization: Does not undergo hazardous polymerization

Toxicological Information

Potential Health Effects: Poisonous by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption. Causes burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, severe irritation, delayed lung damage. Prolonged exposure can affect kidney, liver, and respiratory system.
Acute Toxicity Data: Molybdenum pentachloride not extensively studied, but related compounds demonstrate high oral and inhalation toxicity. LD₅₀ (rat, oral): estimated in hundreds of mg/kg range.
Chronic Toxicity: Chronic exposure may cause molybdenosis (copper deficiency), anemia, liver and kidney injury. Prolonged contact increases risk for dermatitis and respiratory issues.
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as human carcinogen by major agencies, but chronic effects on organs noted.

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Dangerous to aquatic life due to toxicity of both molybdenum and released hydrochloric acid. Hydrolysis in water rapidly generates soluble and persistent molybdate compounds.
Persistence and Degradability: Undergoes rapid hydrolysis to form molybdenum oxides and chloride ions. Binds to soils and sediments, but molybdate remains mobile in water.
Bioaccumulation Potential: Molybdenum not typically considered bioaccumulative, but high concentrations can enter food chain.
Mobility: Soluble molybdenum species may migrate to groundwater if improperly disposed.
Other Adverse Effects: Large spills threaten nearby aquatic habitats by acidification and heavy metal loading.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations for hazardous inorganic chemicals. Incineration or stabilization with alkaline agents considered under controlled conditions. Do not release to sewers or surface water.
Contaminated Packaging: Containers should be triple-rinsed with suitable solvent or neutralized, then disposed according to regulatory agency approvals. Decontamination may require neutralizing agents appropriate for strong acids.
Special Considerations: Handle residues as hazardous waste. Use approved deep burial or secure landfill for solidified material where permitted.

Transport Information

UN Number: 3260
Shipping Name: Corrosive solid, acidic, inorganic, n.o.s. (contains Molybdenum Pentachloride)
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive)
Packing Group: II
Marine Pollutant: Yes, due to aquatic toxicity
Labels Required: Corrosive
Special Precautions: Keep containers tightly closed and upright. Protect from water. Ensure emergency response info accompanies shipment.

Regulatory Information

Inventory Status: Listed on major chemical regulatory inventories such as TSCA (US), EINECS (EU), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia).
SARA Title III: Molybdenum pentachloride qualifies under Section 313 for certain reporting thresholds due to metal content.
OSHA Hazards: Corrosive, toxic
WHMIS Classification: E (Corrosive), D1B (Toxic)
EPA Regulations: Subject to hazardous waste rules when discarded.
State Regulations: Additional requirements in specific US states for toxic and corrosive materials. Check all relevant jurisdictional agencies.
Other References: Refer to national, regional, and local safety, health, and environmental guidelines.