Material Safety Data Sheet: Vanadium Dioxide (VO₂)

Identification

Product Name: Vanadium Dioxide
Chemical Formula: VO₂
CAS Number: 12036-21-4
Synonyms: Vanadium(IV) oxide, Vanadic oxide
Recommended Use: Research, industrial processing, electronics, energy storage
Manufacturer or Supplier: Specific company details should be included in actual document
Emergency Contact: Local poison control center, occupational safety officer

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation, dermal), Eye irritation, Specific target organ toxicity
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if inhaled, toxic in contact with skin, harmful if swallowed, causes eye and respiratory irritation
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation, use personal protective equipment, wash exposed skin thoroughly after handling, do not eat or drink during use, handle in a well-ventilated area

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Vanadium Dioxide
Percentage: 99+% purity in standard laboratory-grade material
Impurities: Very low concentrations of other vanadium oxides, minimal trace metals
Molecular Weight: 82.94 g/mol
Physical State: Grey to black powder or crystalline solid

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms persist—signs may include coughing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness.
Skin Contact: Remove any contaminated clothing. Wash contact area thoroughly with soap and water. Seek medical advice for persistent irritation or burns.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for at least 20 minutes, holding eyelids open. Remove contact lenses. Promptly seek medical attention, as eye damage could occur.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Offer medical attention as soon as possible—monitor for nausea, abdominal pain, or vomiting.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, water spray (avoid direct stream on powder)
Unsuitable Media: Avoid high-pressure water, may cause material dispersion
Hazardous Combustion Products: Oxides of vanadium, may generate toxic gases including vanadium pentoxide in extreme heat
Special Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear full-protective gear including NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus
Advice: Evacuate area, address run-off to prevent environmental contamination

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Limit exposure—wear protective gloves, clothing, eye and face protection, and respirator if airborne dust exceeds recommended limits
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering water supplies or soil. Clean up spills promptly and dispose of material according to regulations.
Cleanup Methods: Use HEPA-filtered vacuum or wet cleaning methods. Avoid generating dust. Collect in suitable, sealed containers for disposal.

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Use only in controlled, well-ventilated areas. Minimize dust production. Avoid breathing vapors, mists, or dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Safe Storage: Store in tightly closed containers away from incompatible materials such as oxidizing agents, strong acids. Keep in a cool, dry place. Label all containers clearly and keep away from food or drink areas.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for vanadium dust or fume: 0.05 mg/m³ (as V) for 8 hour TWA
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to control airborne concentrations. Ensure eyewash stations and safety showers are accessible.
Personal Protective Equipment: Use NIOSH-approved respirators if airborne concentrations might exceed limits. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, lab coat, and safety goggles. Always wash hands and exposed skin before breaks and after work.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Powder or crystalline solid, grey-black in color
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 1970°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes at high temperatures before boiling
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Specific Gravity: 4.34 at 25°C
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at normal temperatures
pH: Not applicable to solid
Other Properties: Thermochromic—undergoes reversible phase transition near 68°C, strong absorptive properties for infrared radiation

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: May react with strong oxidizing agents
Decomposition Products: May release toxic vanadium pentoxide or other vanadium oxides when heated strongly
Polymerization: Does not occur under normal conditions
Incompatible Materials: Avoid contact with strong acids and oxidizers, organic peroxides, strong alkalis

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Inhalation or ingestion may cause nausea, headache, dizziness, and respiratory tract irritation. More substantial exposures can cause bronchitis, chemical pneumonitis, and systemic toxicity.
Chronic Effects: Ongoing exposure at low levels may lead to skin sensitization, respiratory irritation, or possible kidney/liver effects. No strong evidence for carcinogenicity in humans, but chronic inhalation in animal studies has caused lung effects.
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, dermal contact, ingestion
Symptoms: Eye and throat irritation, cough, pallor, fatigue

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Vanadium compounds can be toxic to aquatic life. Higher concentrations pose risk to fish and invertebrates as well as plant life in aquatic systems.
Mobility: Low water solubility limits spread in water but binding to sediments possible; leaching through soil is minimal
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic compound with high persistence in environment
Bioaccumulation: May accumulate in aquatic organisms; limited data on biomagnification
Other Effects: Monitor effluent to avoid exceeding local permissible vanadium levels

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Follow local and federal guidelines for hazardous waste. Keep separate from non-hazardous waste. Consult hazardous waste facility for approved disposal.
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose as hazardous material. Clean thoroughly before recycling or follow waste authority requirements.
Precautions: Avoid releasing into soil, water, or sewer systems. Use certified hazardous waste contractors.

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 3285 (if classified as hazardous for transport)
Proper Shipping Name: Vanadium compound, n.o.s. (not otherwise specified)
Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances), only applicable for certain regulated forms
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: Check if marine pollutant for sea shipments
Special Precautions for User: Secure packaging, avoid generating dust, carry shipping documents with product

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Substance appears on lists of regulated hazardous substances. Worker exposure levels are set.
TSCA: Product listed on the Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
REACH: Compliance is required for use, import, or export in the EU, with documentation for downstream users
WHMIS (Canada): Controlled product, subject to workplace labeling and training
California Proposition 65: Some vanadium compounds identified as chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer or reproductive harm
Other Regulations: Confirm local state, federal, or international requirements as they often contain unique exposure reporting or emission restrictions