Material Safety Data Sheet for Vanadium Trichloride

Identification

Product Name: Vanadium Trichloride
Synonyms: Vanadium(III) chloride, Trichlorovanadium
Chemical Formula: VCl₃
CAS Number: 10049-12-4
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, Chemical synthesis
Manufacturer: Details provided by the supplier
Emergency Contact: Local emergency services
Product Description: Dark violet crystalline solid, hygroscopic and moisture sensitive, releases hydrochloric acid fumes on contact with water

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity - Oral (Category 3), Skin corrosion/irritation (Category 1B), Eye damage/irritation (Category 1), Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure, Category 3), Corrosive to metals (Category 1)
Pictograms: Corrosive, Toxic
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed; causes severe skin burns and eye damage; may cause respiratory irritation, possible adverse effects on vital organs
Precautionary Statements: Use personal protective equipment; avoid breathing dust, avoid direct contact, ensure proper ventilation, wash hands thoroughly after handling

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Vanadium Trichloride
Concentration: 100%
CAS Number: 10049-12-4
Molecular Formula: VCl₃
Molecular Weight: 157.30 g/mol
Appearance: Violet crystalline powder

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, call for medical advice, keep person calm and warm, administer oxygen if breathing is difficult
Skin Contact: Remove all contaminated clothing immediately, rinse skin thoroughly with plenty of running water for at least 15 minutes, seek medical attention even if irritation seems mild
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing, get prompt medical attention
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth with water, drink water if conscious, seek immediate medical attention

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, sand, or other inert material; do not use water or foam
Specific Hazards: Reacts with water to release corrosive hydrochloric acid fumes, toxic gases, and possibly vanadium oxides
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Specific Procedures: Approach from upwind, contain any runoff, prevent entry of water into container, use non-sparking tools

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, laboratory coat, and face shield
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe, contain spill to avoid soil and waterway contamination
Methods for Clean Up: Sweep up material carefully, avoid dust formation, place in suitable closed containers for disposal, ventilate area
Disposal: Refer to local environmental regulations for proper disposal

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work under a chemical fume hood, avoid inhalation and contact with skin, eyes, clothing, do not eat or drink while using
Storage Conditions: Store in a tightly closed and clearly labeled container, keep away from water and humid environments, store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, segregate from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers, acids, and moisture sources

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits for Vanadium Trichloride, avoid exposure as low as possible
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or work under fume hood
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear chemical splash goggles, gloves made of suitable material (nitrile or neoprene), lab coat, and face protection
Respiratory Protection: Use approved respirator if dust is generated or ventilation is inadequate
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Dark violet or purplish-black crystalline powder
Odor: Pungent, due to hydrochloric acid fumes on contact with moisture
Melting Point: 600°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Sublimes at 300°C
Solubility: Reacts with water, forms hydrochloric acid
Density: 2.98 g/cm³ (approximate)
Vapor Pressure: Not significant at ambient temperatures
pH: Not applicable (reacts with water)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable only in dry environment
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to moisture, high humidity, heat
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, water, acids, bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrochloric acid, vanadium oxides, chlorine gas
Polymerization: Will not occur under normal use

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Causes acute toxicity if inhaled or swallowed; LD₅₀ (oral, rat): 10–50 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Severe corrosive reactions, possible skin burns and blistering
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes severe eye burns, can result in permanent damage
Respiratory Sensitization: Dust or fumes can cause respiratory tract irritation
Long-Term Effects: May affect kidneys, liver, lungs, impairment of central nervous system with chronic exposure; not listed as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA, but vanadium compounds have generated concern in occupational settings

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable
Bioaccumulative Potential: Bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms possible
Mobility in Soil: Reacts with moisture, mobile in water environments
Other Environmental Information: Avoid discharge to natural waters or sewage systems, significant impact if released in large quantities

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations, do not wash into drains
Container Disposal: Containers should be triple-rinsed and disposed of as hazardous waste
Recycling: Not suitable for recycling due to chemical reactivity
Special Precautions: Handle all waste as hazardous, prevent environmental contamination, document disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: 3260
UN Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive Solid, Acidic, Inorganic, N.O.S. (Vanadium Trichloride)
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)
Packing Group: II
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Precautions for Transport: Protect cargo from moisture, label and contain securely, transport in compliance with all applicable regulations

Regulatory Information

US Federal Regulations: SARA 302/304/313: Not listed, but subject to reporting due to reactivity; TSCA: Listed
European Union Regulations: Classified as hazardous under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008; requires safety measures in workplace
Other International Regulations: Canada WHMIS: Classified as D1B, E (toxic, corrosive); Japan Industrial Safety Law: Substance requiring notification
Labeling Requirements: Hazard pictograms for toxic and corrosive; relevant hazard and precautionary statements must be present on all packaging
Workplace Exposure: Employers must provide proper training and safety documentation for all handlers