Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Tungsten Tetrachloride

Identification

Chemical Name: Tungsten Tetrachloride
Synonyms: Tungsten(IV) chloride, WCl₄
CAS Number: 10026-03-6
Recommended Use: Research, synthesis of tungsten compounds, laboratory reagent
Supplier: Industrial chemical suppliers, academic distributors
Emergency Contact: Refer to national poison control, occupational health authorities

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Inhalation, Dermal), Skin Corrosion/Irritation, Eye Damage/Irritation, Specific Target Organ Toxicity
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, may cause respiratory irritation, toxic if inhaled or swallowed, contact may result in permanent injury
Pictograms: Corrosive, Toxic
Precautionary Statements: Do not breathe dust or fumes, wash hands thoroughly after handling, use required personal protective equipment, store locked up, avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Tungsten Tetrachloride
Formula: WCl₄
Concentration: 100% (unless otherwise specified by supplier)
Impurities: Trace amounts of tungsten trichloride or pentachloride, possibly metallic tungsten
Molecular Weight: 325.65 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, support breathing, use oxygen if breathing is difficult, seek medical attention immediately
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with copious water for at least fifteen minutes, seek prompt medical attention for persistent irritation or burns
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for at least fifteen minutes lifting eyelids occasionally, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, seek immediate medical assistance
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, never administer anything by mouth if the person is unconscious, call emergency services for immediate medical attention
Most critical symptoms: Burns, ulceration, severe pain, respiratory distress, vision loss if eyes are exposed

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Agents: Use dry sand, dry chemical or appropriate foam; avoid use of water or carbon dioxide as reaction with water may produce corrosive fumes
Hazardous Combustion Products: Hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas, tungsten oxides, toxic vapors
Special Firefighting Procedures: Approach fire from upwind, use self-contained breathing apparatus, wear protective clothing, evacuate non-emergency personnel
Fire/Explosion Hazards: Reacts violently with water, can liberate corrosive, toxic gas on contact
Protective Equipment: Full turnout gear, positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Accidental Release Measures

Spill Response: Evacuate area, ventilate as much as possible, avoid dust generation, prevent spill from entering drains or waterways
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, chemical splash goggles, lab coat or suit, appropriate respirator
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with inert material like vermiculite or dry sand, scoop into containers for disposal, neutralize residue with soda ash or lime, wash area with plenty of water only after neutralization
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release to soil, drains, sewers, water bodies, contain and collect spillage, notify environmental authorities as required

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in chemical fume hood, employ proper laboratory chemical hygiene practices, avoid inhaling dust, vapor or fumes, keep container tightly sealed when not in use, avoid contact with moisture
Storage: Store in tightly closed, clearly labeled containers, keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, segregate from water, acids, oxidizers, store away from incompatible materials, restricted to authorized personnel
Special Requirements: Use corrosion-resistant materials, inspect storage integrity regularly

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No strict OSHA or ACGIH limits for tungsten tetrachloride, consider supplier recommendations and local regulations
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or chemical fume hood, maintain negative air pressure in storage and handling areas
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), full coverage lab coat, face shield for splash risk, NIOSH-approved respirators if airborne exposure possible
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, prohibit eating, drinking, smoking in work area, launder contaminated clothing before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Dark bluish-violet solid, crystalline powder or lumps
Odor: Acrid, characteristic of chlorinated metalloid compounds
Melting Point: 275°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Sublimes above 346°C (decomposes before boiling)
Solubility: Violently reacts with water, soluble in organic solvents like benzene and ether
Density: 3.68 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not determined precisely, moderate at elevated temperatures
pH: Not applicable (reacts with water)
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable (solid at RT)
Flammability: Not flammable, reacts with water evolving heat and toxic gases
Partition Coefficient: Not determined

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Unstable in presence of moisture, stable under dry inert atmosphere
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to moisture, humid air, strong acids, oxidizers, open flames, temperatures above decomposition point
Incompatibility: Water, alcohols, strong oxidants, bases, acids
Hazardous Decomposition: Hydrogen chloride (corrosive gas), tungsten oxides, chlorine gas under strong heating
Polymerization: Does not polymerize

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, and eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Toxic if inhaled, ingested, or upon skin exposure; produces burning sensation, severe irritation, chemical burns
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may cause respiratory distress, lung damage, skin sensitization
Symptoms: Coughing, shortness of breath, burns, redness, blurred vision, abdominal pain, headache
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Other Data: Data on reproductive toxicity or mutagenicity is limited

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms due to formation of acid solutions and heavy metal ions
Persistence and Degradability: Hydrolyzes rapidly in water, forms insoluble tungsten compounds but soluble chlorides persist
Bioaccumulation: Potential for bioaccumulation of tungsten in aquatic life, limited mobility due to hydrolysis
Soil Mobility: Forms insoluble residues in moist soil, may migrate in acidic environments
Other Adverse Effects: Potential to create acidification in local environment if released in large quantities

Disposal Considerations

Product Disposal: Treat as hazardous chemical waste, do not dispose to drains or environment; neutralize in a controlled setting, consult with licensed hazardous waste disposal contractor
Packaging Disposal: Decontaminate and dispose in accordance with local regulations; destroy container if possible to prevent reuse
Regulatory Requirements: Handle waste under hazardous material guidelines as defined by EPA RCRA code or local equivalents

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 3260
Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive solid, acidic, inorganic, n.o.s. (Tungsten Tetrachloride)
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive material)
Packing Group: II
Labels Required: Corrosive
Sea Transport (IMDG): Apply marine pollutant labeling if shipping offshore
Air Transport (IATA): Subject to DGR, limit quantities, ensure adequate packaging
Special Precautions: Protect from moisture, ship in original packaging where possible, notify carrier of hazardous nature

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Listed as hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA Inventory: Present
Other Regulatory Listings: State chemical inventories, EU REACH registration as notified, subject to SARA Title III reporting under CERCLA and EPCRA for accidental releases
Workplace Regulation: Observe relevant chemical safety, health, and environmental regulations relating to hazardous substances
Labeling Requirements: Proper GHS pictograms, hazard statements, precautionary guidance per CLP Regulation (EC) and OSHA HCS