Product Name: Copper(II) Chloride
Chemical Formula: CuCl2
Trade Names: Copper Chloride Dihydrate, Cupric Chloride
Recommended Uses: Laboratory reagent, catalyst, pigment manufacture, disinfectant
Supplier: Refer to manufacturer details on container or invoice
Emergency Contact: Refer to nationally designated Poison Control Centers or local emergency services
Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Dermal, Inhalation), Skin Irritation, Eye Irritation
GHS Label Elements: Danger; Skull and Crossbones; Exclamation Mark
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, absorbed through skin, or inhaled; Causes skin and eye irritation
Potential Health Effects: Irritation to eyes, skin, respiratory and digestive tracts; prolonged exposure may affect liver and kidneys
Signal Word: Danger
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or fumes, wear protective gloves, wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat or drink near chemicals
Chemical Identity: Copper(II) Chloride
CAS Number: 7447-39-4 for anhydrous, 10125-13-0 for dihydrate
Concentration: Pure form, 100% copper(II) chloride unless diluted for application
Impurities: May contain trace levels of sodium chloride and other halides
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep warm and at rest, seek medical attention if symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, seek medical advice if irritation continues
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, get immediate medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, call Poison Control or doctor, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person
Most Important Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, blue-green discoloration of vomit, and severe irritation
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water spray (cooling only)
Specific Hazards: Produces toxic fumes of hydrogen chloride and copper oxides under fire circumstances
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to avoid contact with dust, fumes, and decomposition gases
Further Recommendations: Avoid inhaling smoke and run-off; move containers from area if safe to do so, control run-off water to prevent environmental contamination
Personal Precautions: Wear face protection, chemical-resistant gloves, long sleeves, and appropriate respirator to limit exposure
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe, do not let chemical enter drains, watercourses, or soil
Cleanup Methods: Use clean-up crew wearing properly rated gear, sweep up and shovel into dry, labeled containers, avoid generating dust, ventilate area, wash spill site
Decontamination: Flush contaminated area with plenty of water and detergents, dispose as hazardous waste, inform authorities if large quantities escape
Safe Handling: Minimize dust generation and accumulation, avoid contact with skin and eyes, do not eat, drink, or smoke during use, use only in well-ventilated areas
Technical Measures: Train personnel, post warning signs, provide eyewash stations and emergency showers nearby
Storage Requirements: Store in tightly closed containers, in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, separated from acids, strong bases, and incompatible materials
Storage Conditions: Prevent exposure to moisture, keep away from heat and sources of ignition, avoid storing with food or feed
Occupational Exposure Limits: Copper dusts and mists (as Cu): OSHA PEL 1 mg/m3, ACGIH TLV 1 mg/m3
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, handle in chemical fume hood, enclose processes where possible
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), tightly fitting safety goggles, face shield, lab coat or apron, approved dust respirator or air-purifying respirator when concentrations exceed exposure limits
Hygiene Measures: Keep away from food and drink, wash hands and face before breaks and after finishing, change contaminated clothing promptly
Physical State: Solid
Color: Blue-green for dihydrate, yellow-brown for anhydrous
Odor: Odorless
Molecular Weight: 134.45 g/mol (anhydrous)
Melting Point: 498°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Decomposes at around 993°C
Solubility in Water: Readily soluble (approx. 75 g/100 g water at 0°C)
Density: 3.39 g/cm3 (anhydrous)
pH: Acidic, typically between 2.0 to 3.5 for a 5% solution
Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with strong acids and reducing agents
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions, decomposes at high temperatures
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with metals may release flammable hydrogen, contact with ammonia and other amines forms explosive compounds
Incompatible Materials: Alkali metals, strong oxidizing and reducing agents, finely powdered metals
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, copper oxides, chlorine gas under extreme heat
Acute Toxicity: LD50 oral (rat): 584 mg/kg; LD50 dermal (rat): 1100 mg/kg
Inhalation Effects: Irritation to nose, throat, lungs; high concentrations can cause pulmonary edema
Skin Effects: Irritation, redness, potentially blistering at high concentrations
Eye Effects: Severe irritation, pain, tearing, temporary or permanent damage
Chronic Effects: Liver and kidney damage; occupational exposure can lead to “copper fever” and disorders of the respiratory tract
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic to humans by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: No conclusive evidence available in standard studies
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life; Fish LC50 (96hr, Oncorhynchus mykiss): 0.2-0.6 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Remains stable in the environment, does not break down quickly
Bioaccumulative Potential: Copper ions can accumulate in aquatic organisms, potential for food chain effects
Mobility in Soil: Mobile in water; copper can adsorb to sediments, may contaminate groundwater where poorly managed
Other Adverse Effects: Can alter soil microorganism activity, disrupt aquatic ecosystems at very low concentrations
Product Disposal: Treat as hazardous chemical waste, comply with local, regional, national rules; do not pour into drains or sewers
Container Disposal: Triple rinse containers, remove all labels, send to approved hazardous waste facility
Methods of Disposal: Consult local environmental authority, incineration or chemical degradation in secure, licensed facilities
Precautions: Prevent release to environment, record and document waste handling and final fate
UN Number: UN2802
Proper Shipping Name: Copper Chloride
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic Substances)
Packing Group: III (minor danger)
Label Requirements: Toxic, environmental hazard
Special Precautions for Transport: Ensure closed, labeled packaging, avoid contamination of soils and waters during loading/unloading
Occupational Safety and Health: Listed under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA Inventory: Listed in the United States Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
REACH Regulation: Registered under European REACH, subject to restrictions on use and environmental release
WHMIS Classification: Class D2B (toxic), D1B (immediate/serious effects)
Other Local Regulations: Restrictions may apply based on region or industry; check specific legal provisions for handling, discharge, and reporting
Regulatory Reporting: Releases of significant quantities require notification under SARA (EPCRA) Section 313 and other environmental programs