Material Safety Data Sheet: Vanadium Pentafluoride

Identification

Product Name: Vanadium Pentafluoride
Chemical Formula: VF₅
Synonyms: Vanadium(V) fluoride
CAS Number: 7783-55-3
Recommended Use: Catalyst, laboratory reagent, specialty chemicals
Manufacturer: Refer to supplier documentation
Emergency Contact: Check local certified emergency number or supplier information

Hazard Identification

Classification: Corrosive to metals, Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation, dermal), Serious eye damage/eye irritation, Specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe burns to skin and eyes, May be fatal if inhaled, Toxic if swallowed or in contact with skin, Causes respiratory irritation
Pictograms: Corrosive, Acute toxicity, Health hazard
Precautionary Statements: Do not breathe dust or vapor, Avoid contact with skin and eyes, Use only with adequate ventilation, Wear protective gear

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Vanadium Pentafluoride
Common Name: Vanadium(V) fluoride
Concentration: 100%
Molecular Weight: 163.93 g/mol
Impurities: Typically contains minimal trace impurities unless otherwise noted by supplier

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Immediately move person to fresh air, Keep airway clear, Seek medical advice, Administer oxygen if breathing becomes difficult
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, Rinse skin under running water for at least 15 minutes, Get immediate medical attention
Eye Contact: Rinse with a gentle stream of water for at least 20 minutes, Keep eyelids open, Seek urgent ophthalmologist evaluation
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, Rinse mouth, Never give anything by mouth if victim is unconscious, Medical assistance essential
Notes for Physician: Symptoms may be delayed, Monitor respiratory distress and systemic toxicity, Provide symptomatic treatment

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO₂, or appropriate foam, Do not use water on substance itself due to violent reaction
Fire Hazards: Emits toxic and corrosive fumes including vanadium and hydrogen fluoride when heated
Protective Equipment: Full protective suit, Self-contained breathing apparatus required
Special Procedures: Approach fire from upwind, Avoid breathing dust, fumes, or vapors, Cool exposed containers
Explosion Hazard: Substance itself does not pose significant explosion risk but can react violently with water and organic materials

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, Ventilate space, Use respiratory protection and chemical resistant clothing, Avoid contact with skin or eyes
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage, Do not allow entry to drains, surface water, or soil
Spill Response: Absorb spill using inert material (dry lime, sand, or soda ash), Avoid creating dust, Collect material in a closed container, Do not use water for cleanup
Decontamination: Thoroughly ventilate and clean affected area with proper neutralizing solution, Dispose of contaminated absorbent as hazardous waste

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Use only in chemical fume hood, Wear full protective gear, Prevent generation of dust or aerosols, Avoid contact through all routes
Storage Requirements: Store in tightly closed corrosion-resistant containers, Place in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from humidity and incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Strong reducing agents, water, organic substances, acids, metals
Storage Class: Corrosive substances
Other Precautions: Separate from foodstuffs and combustibles, Post proper warning signage, Maintain strict inventory control

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use chemical fume hood and local exhaust, Maintain negative air pressure, Shield against drift and splash
Occupational Exposure Limits: No OSHA PEL, ACGIH TLV for vanadium compounds (as V): 0.05 mg/m³ (respirable), 0.1 mg/m³ (inhalable)
Personal Protection: Full face shield, Splash-proof chemical goggles, Acid-resistant gloves, Impermeable suit, Respirator with acid gas cartridge or supplied-air for exposures above limits
Hygiene Measures: Prohibit eating, drinking, or smoking in area, Wash hands and forearms after handling, Remove contaminated clothing promptly

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow crystalline solid
Odor: Sharp, acrid
Melting Point: 173°C
Boiling Point: 231°C (decomposes above boiling)
Density: 2.04 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Reacts strongly with water to produce heat and fumes
Vapor Pressure: 260 mmHg at 25°C
pH: Highly acidic in water solution due to hydrolysis
Other Properties: Hygroscopic, Corrosive to most materials, Decomposes in moist air, Generates hydrogen fluoride upon hydrolysis

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under strictly dry, cool, inert conditions
Reactivity: Reacts strongly with water, acids, alcohols, organic materials; produces heat, hydrogen fluoride, and vanadium oxides
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen fluoride gas, vanadium oxides
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to moisture, heat, and incompatible substances
Incompatible Materials: Moisture, reducing agents, organic matter, metals, strong bases

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, Ingestion, Skin and eye contact
Acute Effects: Severe burns to mucous membranes, respiratory distress, eye and skin injury
Chronic Effects: Possible cumulative vanadium toxicity, Pulmonary inflammation, Bronchitis, Gastrointestinal effects
Toxicity Data: LD₅₀ (oral, rat): Not well established, Highly toxic by all routes
Symptoms: Burning sensation, cough, nausea, headache, vomiting, chest pain, blue discoloration of lips and skin
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, ACGIH as carcinogen; chronic vanadium exposure linked to lung and kidney damage

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Very toxic to aquatic organisms, High persistence and bioaccumulation potential for vanadium compounds
Mobility: Soluble in water via hydrolysis, Forms persistent inorganic complexes
Aquatic Effects: Acute and chronic toxicity to fish, invertebrates, and plants
Soil Effects: Persistent toxicity in soils, Disrupts microbial and vegetation health at sites of contamination
Other Adverse Effects: Uncontrolled disposal could result in long-term contamination of water and soil

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose of only at licensed hazardous waste facilities, All contaminated materials handled as hazardous
Container Disposal: Rinse containers with neutralizing solution, Follow state and local regulatory requirements, Do not discharge to environment
Precautions: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing during all handling and disposal steps
DO NOT: Dispose through drain, Dump to landfill, or Incinerate without controls

Transport Information

UN Number: 2922
UN Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive liquid, toxic, n.o.s. (Vanadium pentafluoride)
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (corrosive), 6.1 (toxic)
Packing Group: I (highest hazard)
Labeling: Corrosive, Toxic
Special Transport Precautions: Keep upright, Avoid impact, Transport in approved containers only, Secure against shifting or spills

Regulatory Information

Regulatory Status: Listed as hazardous under TSCA, SARA Title III, CERCLA, and other major chemical management acts
Workplace Regulations: Exposure strictly controlled under OSHA, Use of engineering containment and PPE required
Reporting Requirements: Release or spill above reportable quantities must be notified to local environmental authorities
International Inventories: Registered under many global chemical control registers including EINECS/ELINCS, DSL (Canada), and more
Additional Legal Requirements: Compliance with local and national rules on toxic substances and hazardous materials necessary for use and storage