MSDS Review: Copper Acetate Monohydrate

Identification

Chemical Name: Copper Acetate Monohydrate
Formula: Cu(C2H3O2)2·H2O
Appearance: Blue-green crystalline solid
Odor: Weak, acetic
Major Industry Uses: Organic synthesis, fungicide production, pigments, and catalyst applications
CAS Number: 6046-93-1

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), serious eye irritation, skin irritation, environmental hazard (aquatic toxicity)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed; causes skin and eye irritation; harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
Possible Symptoms: Nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, skin redness, eye pain, respiratory discomfort

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Copper Acetate Monohydrate, pure
Main Components: Copper(II) acetate monohydrate 99+%
Relevant Impurities: Traces of acetic acid, minimal metallic contamination from upstream raw copper

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, keep at rest, monitor for wheezing or shortness of breath
Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for several minutes, lift eyelids if necessary, seek medical care for persistent irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, drink small amount of water if conscious, get medical attention without delay

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Metal fumes, acetic acid vapor, copper oxides may form in fire
Protective Equipment: Full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus
Specific Advice: Avoid run-off entering drains or watercourses, use water spray to cool containers

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, chemical splash goggles, dust mask
Methods for Cleanup: Collect spillage with non-combustible absorbent material, avoid dust generation, shovel material into containers for disposal, ventilate affected area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry to sewers and waterways, inform relevant authorities if contamination occurs

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid breathing dust, avoid contact with eyes and skin, wear protective gear, use in well-ventilated areas
Storage: Keep container tightly closed, store in cool dry place, protect from moisture, store away from incompatible materials such as strong acids, bases, and oxidizers

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, process enclosure
Personal Protection: Gloves (nitrile or PVC), chemical splash goggles, lab coats, dust masks or respirators for airborne dust
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after use, avoid eating or smoking in work area, remove contaminated clothing before entering common areas

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Solid crystalline
Color: Blue-green
Melting Point: Loses water to become anhydrous above 100 °C, decomposes above 240 °C
Solubility in Water: Soluble
Odor: Slight vinegar-like odor
Density: Approximately 1.88 g/cm³
pH (aqueous solution): Slightly acidic

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions, will decompose at elevated temperatures
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, bases, oxidizers, reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Copper oxides, acetic acid vapors
Reactivity: No dangerous polymerization, reacts with strong acids or alkalis generating heat and corrosive vapors

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Harmful if ingested; can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea due to copper absorption
Skin and Eye Effects: Causes irritation; eye contact produces redness or burning
Inhalation: Dust can irritate respiratory system; chronic exposure may affect lungs
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may lead to liver or kidney effects from copper accumulation
Carcinogenicity: No evidence pointing to carcinogenic effects from copper acetate

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic life due to copper ion release
Persistence and Degradability: Copper ions do not degrade, may persist in ecosystems
Environmental Fate: Binds strongly to organic matter and sediments in water bodies
Bioaccumulation: Accumulates in aquatic organisms, potential for food chain magnification

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Collect and place material in suitable containers, handle as hazardous chemical waste, disposal should conform to local, regional, and national regulations
Avoid Release: Never wash down drains or natural waterways, ensure containment of spill residues

Transport Information

Transport Hazard Class: Often classified as environmentally hazardous substance
UN Number: If regulated, follows Copper compound listings
Packing Group: Usually III (minor danger), subject to quantity and packaging
Special Precautions: Use sealed containers, protect from water and acids in transit, clear labelling to inform handlers

Regulatory Information

Chemical Inventory Listings: Copper acetate monohydrate appears on many national inventories including US TSCA and EU REACH
Workplace Regulations: Occupational exposure limits for copper dust/fumes enforced in various jurisdictions
Environmental Regulations: Discharge of copper compounds regulated under water protection rules; waste control measures required by law