MSDS for Sodium Selenide

Identification

Chemical Name: Sodium Selenide
Synonyms: Disodium selenide
Chemical Formula: Na2Se
CAS Number: 1313-85-5
Use: Laboratory chemical, synthetic chemistry, selenide source
Supplier: Information available on the packaging label
Emergency Contact: Refer to local authorities and poison control centers for immediate response

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation, dermal), corrosive to metals, environmental hazard
Hazard Statements: Highly toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with skin; causes severe skin burns and eye damage; hazardous to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Signal Word: Danger
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, corrosive, environment
Precautionary Statements: Avoid all routes of exposure, wear protective gear, do not release to environment, must seek immediate medical advice if exposed

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Sodium Selenide
Concentration: 100% (pure)
Impurities/Additives: May contain trace sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate from manufacture

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, support breathing, provide oxygen if available, seek medical attention at once
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin thoroughly for at least 15 minutes, immediate medical help required
Eye Contact: Rinse gently but continuously with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally, immediate specialist consultation needed
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, avoid vomiting, do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person, seek emergency treatment
Symptoms: Can include headache, nausea, difficulty breathing, skin redness, burns, vision changes, rapid onset is possible with severe poisoning

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Use dry sand, powder, or suitable chemical extinguishers; never use water or carbon dioxide directly
Hazardous Combustion Products: Toxic selenium oxides, sodium oxides, possible hydrogen selenide gas
Special Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Fire/Explosion Risks: Highly reactive, may react violently with water producing flammable or toxic gases, heat increases instability

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use appropriate protective gear, including gloves, respirator, chemical resistant suit
Environmental Precautions: Keep spillage out of sewers, water sources, and soil
Containment: Cover with dry inert absorbent, collect in sealed containers for disposal
Cleanup Methods: Avoid direct contact, ventilate area, use only non-sparking tools, dispose in compliance with regulations

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work in a chemical fume hood, do not inhale dust or vapors, prevent all contact with skin and eyes, no eating or drinking near work area
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly closed containers, segregate from acids, water, and oxidizers, clearly label all storage vessels, limit access to authorized trained individuals
Incompatible Materials: Acids, oxidizers, moisture, strong bases

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Selenium compounds (as Se): OSHA PEL 0.2 mg/m³, NIOSH REL 0.2 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Ventilation system, fume hood, eyewash stations, emergency showers nearby
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, body suit, goggles and face shield, NIOSH-approved respirator for selenium dusts or fumes
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, change contaminated clothing, restrict access to untrained staff

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Powdery, crystalline solid, color can range from off-white to yellowish
Odor: Characteristic, may resemble rotten horseradish
Melting Point: 861°C (Decomposes)
Boiling Point: No reliable data due to decomposition
Solubility: Reacts with water
Density: 2.62 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature
pH (solution): Strongly alkaline
Stability: Unstable to moisture and air, rapid hydrolysis to toxic products

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Unstable with air, moisture, heat
Reactivity: Reacts violently with water releasing hydrogen selenide gas
Hazardous Reactions: Dangerous gas release, fire risk with acids and moisture
Decomposition Products: Sodium oxide, selenium dioxide, selenium fumes, hydrogen selenide
Conditions to Avoid: Humidity, high temperature, acids, oxidizers, air exposure

Toxicological Information

Exposure Routes: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): <10 mg/kg indicating extreme toxicity
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure may cause selenosis (hair loss, skin inflammation, nerve disturbances)
Carcinogenicity: Not classified, but long-term selenium exposure linked to increased cancer risk by some health agencies
Irritation: Skin and eye burns, respiratory and digestive tract burns possible after single exposure
Immediate Symptoms: Metallic taste, garlic odor on breath, severe irritation, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, long lasting environmental harm likely
Persistence: No natural rapid breakdown, accumulates in sediments
Bioaccumulation: Tendency to build up in fish and aquatic species, moves up food chains
Soil Mobility: Mobile in waterlogged soils, risk to groundwater
Precaution: Never permit to enter drains or waterways, even tiny amounts can damage ecosystems for years

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Collect solid waste in tightly sealed hazardous waste containers
Regulations: Dispose in compliance with federal, state, and local hazardous waste laws; do not mix with household waste
Treatment: Use only licensed disposal contractors capable of handling extremely toxic, environmentally persistent selenides
Additional Notes: Containers must be decontaminated before disposal, label as selenium hazard, document all movement and handling

Transport Information

UN Number: 3283 (Sodium Selenide)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: I (High danger)
Labels Required: Toxic, Environmental Hazard
Special Precautions: Transport only in properly certified sealed drums, keep upright, restrict access, maintain transport records, notify authorities in case of incident
Regulatory Agencies: Follow IATA, IMDG, DOT, ADR guidelines

Regulatory Information

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity, corrosive, environmental hazard
OSHA Status: Regulated as a hazardous material
SARA/EPCRA: Listed under SARA Title III (Section 313); hazardous air pollutant
TSCA Status: Listed
WHMIS: Class D1A (very toxic), D2B (toxic), E (corrosive), environmental warning required
Additional Information: Product falls under strict hazardous chemical regulations, safety data sheet must be accessible at all workplaces handling Sodium Selenide