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Product Name: Cobalt (II) Chloride Hexahydrate
Chemical Formula: CoCl2·6H2O
Synonyms: Cobaltous chloride, Cobalt chloride hexahydrate
Intended Use: Laboratory chemical, industrial reagent, humidity indicator
Supplier Information: Sourced from reputable chemical distributors, customer service contact on request, technical support line available
Emergency Phone Number: ChemTrec or local poison control resources used internationally for chemical incidents
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), Skin sensitization, Eye irritation, Carcinogenicity, Specific target organ toxicity—repeated exposure, Hazardous to aquatic environment
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, causes skin and serious eye irritation, may cause allergic skin reaction, may cause genetic defects, may cause cancer, long-term environmental harm
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, health hazard, environment
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from food and drink, avoid inhalation and direct contact, use appropriate personal protective gear, do not release to environment
Cobalt (II) Chloride Hexahydrate: 100% by weight
CAS Number: 7791-13-1
EC Number: 231-589-4
Impurities: Insignificant trace hydration variants possible in commercial product but rarely exceed trace levels
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, monitor breathing, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Immediately wash with plenty of water and mild soap, remove contaminated clothing, medical review for rash, blisters, or allergic response
Eye Contact: Rinse with gentle stream of water for at least fifteen minutes, remove contact lenses, seek examination by ophthalmologist
Ingestion: Rinse mouth carefully, never induce vomiting, prompt medical attention is critical, bring data sheet to medical professionals
Symptoms to Watch For: Respiratory distress, chest pain, skin rash, redness, lacrimation, nausea, dizziness
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: High pressure water jet can spread contaminated material
Specific Hazards: Cobalt and chlorine fumes, corrosive vapors, toxic metal oxides may form above decomposition temperature
Protection for Firefighters: Full-body suit, self-contained breathing apparatus, thorough decontamination protocols post-exposure
Special Procedures: Approach from upwind, avoid direct entry into confined area, prevent runoff from firefighting entering drains or waterways
Personal Precautions: Approved respiratory protection, chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, isolate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent infiltration into soil, waterways, sewer systems, rapid containment and notification of relevant authorities
Cleanup Methods: Collect spilled solid with non-sparking tools, avoid dust formation, place into labeled hazardous waste container, ventilate area
Decontamination: Wash residue with copious water, securely seal waste, all surfaces cleaned before re-entry
Handling: Use in well-ventilated fume hood or designated chemical workspace, avoid skin and eye contact, practice strict hygiene after handling, prohibit eating and drinking
Storage: Store in tightly closed labeled container, dry area protected from humidity, segregate from food, oxidizers, and acids, controlled access for authorized personnel
Special Considerations: Avoid repeated mechanical shock, routine inspection for container integrity, periodic review of inventory age for degradation
Occupational Exposure Limit: OSHA PEL 0.1 mg/m3 (as cobalt), ACGIH TLV 0.02 mg/m3 (TWA, as cobalt compounds)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, process enclosures, air monitoring for airborne particles
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): NIOSH-approved respirators, chemical splash goggles, nitrile or neoprene gloves, long-sleeved lab coat, chemical-resistant footwear
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling, launder contaminated clothing before reuse, no direct hand-to-mouth contact
Appearance: Pink to deep purple crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 86°C (decomposition)
Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol, slightly soluble in glycerol
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Density: Approximately 1.924 g/cm3
pH (aqueous 5% solution): Slightly acidic
Vapor Pressure: Not volatile in ambient conditions
Partition Coefficient: Not determined for hydrated salt
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flash Point: Non-flammable
Chemical Stability: Stable under standard temperature and pressure, sensitive to air and moisture over extended periods
Conditions to Avoid: Sources of heat, extreme humidity, contact with incompatible materials such as acids, oxidizers, alkali metals
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, alkali metals
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Cobalt oxides, hydrogen chloride, chlorine gas
Reactivity: May react vigorously with bases or oxidizers, avoid mixing with organic materials
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat) reported near 766 mg/kg, toxic by all major routes including inhalation and ingestion
Symptoms of Overexposure: Metallic taste, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, skin or respiratory sensitivity, dermatitis, potential asthma
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure links to cancer (IARC Group 2B), sensitization, kidney damage, reproductive toxicity possible with excessive exposure
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, eye or skin contact, ingestion
Carcinogenicity: Classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (IARC 2B), handle with highest care
Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, long-term adverse impacts on aquatic environments
Mobility in Soil: Moderate mobility expected, potential for groundwater contamination if not contained
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic salt not subject to biodegradation; persistence in environment high unless removed physically
Bioaccumulation Potential: Cobalt ions may bioaccumulate in aquatic life, food chain concern
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid release to environment, regulatory limits in place for cobalt compounds under water acts
Waste Treatment Methods: Treat as hazardous waste by local, state, national regulations
Disposal Containers: Sealed compatible containers with clear hazard labeling
Incineration: Only allowed in chemical incinerators equipped to handle inorganic salts and metals
Do Not: Discharge to drains, do not dispose with non-hazardous waste streams
Consultation: Certified hazardous waste contractor for legal disposal, shipment manifests and documentation kept for regulatory compliance
UN Number: UN3288
Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III (Moderate danger)
Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (contains Cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate)
Transportation Mode Considerations: Transport under proper labeling and sealed packaging, protect from physical damage and water exposure during transit
Marine Pollutant: Regulated as hazardous to aquatic environments for international maritime and air freight
OSHA: Listed hazardous substance, enforceable exposure limits
TSCA (US): Substance listed, all commercial applications monitored
SARA Title III: Subject to reporting under Section 313 for cobalt compounds
REACH (EU): Regulated under Annex XVII and candidate list of substances of very high concern
WHMIS (Canada): Classified as D1B (toxic material causing immediate and serious toxic effects), D2A (carcinogenic), D2B (skin/eye irritant)
Other International Regulations: Handled under various global hazardous chemical inventories, subject to environmental controls in most jurisdictions
