Product Name: Manganese(II) Nitrate Tetrahydrate
Chemical Formula: Mn(NO3)2 · 4H2O
CAS Number: 10101-68-5
Common Uses: Laboratory reagent, oxidizing agent, precursor for other manganese compounds, and sometimes in agriculture or metallurgy
Physical Appearance: Pale pink to reddish crystalline solid, soluble in water, with a tendency to absorb moisture from the air
Main Hazards: Causes irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; can aggravate pre-existing lung or nervous system disorders; may have both acute and chronic health impacts. As an oxidizer, increases risk of fire in contact with combustible material.
Health Risks: Inhalation may lead to coughing, shortness of breath, and headache; prolonged skin exposure can result in redness or rash.
Environmental Risks: Presents a risk to aquatic environments, especially if large quantities enter water systems.
Warning Symbols: GHS07 (Irritant), GHS03 (Oxidizing), exclamation mark
Chemical: Manganese(II) Nitrate Tetrahydrate
Concentration: >98% pure, lab-grade
Ingrediants that seem harmless turn into irritants or toxins in the right conditions, especially when dust or solution gets on skin or in lungs
If Inhaled: Get to fresh air without delay; seek medical help if symptoms persist. Remove person to an area with clear air—especially important for anyone showing signs of breathing difficulty.
If on Skin: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin thoroughly with plenty of water and soap. Do not scrub abrasively.
If in Eyes: Rinse gently with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open; medical attention is suggested after any significant contact.
If Swallowed: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water and seek medical advice immediately, especially if nausea, vomiting, or pain develop.
Sensitivity to Fire: Not flammable itself but can intensify fire because it releases oxygen as an oxidizer.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO2, sand. Never use water directly on the spill, as it may spread contamination.
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear and a self-contained breathing apparatus should be used to avoid contact with fumes or decomposition products.
Combustion Products: Toxic nitrogen oxides and manganese oxides form in a fire.
Spill Response: Evacuate the area. Ventilate as thoroughly as possible. Gather up spilled material using tools such as plastic scoops or brushes, avoiding dust creation. Place waste in sealable containers. Wash area with water only after physical cleanup.
Personal Protection: Chemical splash goggles, gloves, protective clothing, and NIOSH-approved respirators for dust if necessary.
Environment Protection: Prevent entry into sewers, bodies of water, or soil. Use barriers to limit runoff.
Handling Tips: Work in a chemical fume hood or well-ventilated area to minimize exposure risk. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Never eat, drink, or smoke near handling.
Storage Precautions: Keep container tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from food and strong reducing agents or combustibles. Glass or polyethylene containers work far better than metal. Keep away from humidity and sources of ignition. Label storage clearly to avoid mistakes.
Permissible Exposure Limits: OSHA and ACGIH recommend limits for manganese exposure at 0.2 mg/m3 (as Mn, inhalable), because cumulative exposure over time links to neurologic symptoms.
Engineering Controls: Use fume hoods or mechanical exhaust systems; general ventilation rarely provides enough protection for dusty operations.
Personal Protective Equipment: Eye protection (chemical splash goggles), skin protection (nitrile gloves and lab coat), respiratory protection (NIOSH-approved respirator, especially if procedures create dust or mist).
Appearance: Pale pink crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Easily dissolves in water, forms clear or slightly pink solutions
Melting Point: Decomposes between 25–129°C, depending on water content
Boiling Point: Not applicable; as water evaporates, the material decomposes.
Oxidizing Properties: Strong oxidizer in its class; contact with organics or reducing agents can cause violent reactions.
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: Around 2.2 g/cm3
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and atmospheric conditions when kept dry; highly sensitive to moisture.
Reactivity: Dangerous with strong reducing agents, combustible materials, and acids. Avoid mixing with anything with a reputation for unpredictable energy release.
Decomposition Products: Produces nitrogen oxides, oxygen, and manganese oxides, all hazardous to breathe.
Other Incompatibles: Metals, powders, sulfur, phosphorus, and ammonium salts can react unpleasantly with this salt.
Acute Exposure Symptoms: Eye and respiratory irritation, skin rash, cough. High-dose exposure to manganese compounds can trigger neurologic symptoms resembling Parkinson’s disease after repeated exposure.
Chronic Exposure Concerns: Manganese is an essential trace element, but increased exposure (especially inhalation of dust) can damage the nervous system; workers in heavy industry have long known this risk.
Routes of Entry: Eyes, skin, inhalation, ingestion
Carcinogenic Status: Not listed by IARC as a carcinogen; long-term risk focuses on neurological, not cancer, endpoints.
Other Health Effects: Ingestion can cause nausea or abdominal pain, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions.
Mobility: High solubility means easy movement into water and soil, especially after spills.
Persistence and Degradability: Manganese in this form remains in the environment and doesn’t break down easily—stays available for uptake by plants and animals.
Bioaccumulation: Manganese can build up in aquatic habitats, showing up in fish and possibly moving up the food chain—a concern for both environmentalists and regulators.
Hazard to Wildlife: Aquatic toxicity shows up at surprisingly low concentrations; fish and invertebrates react quickly to heavy metal pollution, so quick spill response is vital.
Disposal Methods: Treat as hazardous waste. Don’t pour down the drain or discard as household trash. A certified disposal service should handle the bulk waste. Follow local, state, and national guidelines for heavy metal disposal.
Container Disposal: Decontaminate empty containers with care before recycling or disposal; don’t reuse for food or drink.
Waste Codes: Local authorities may assign a waste code for heavy metal nitrate salts.
UN Number: 2720 for manganese nitrate compounds
Shipping Name: Manganese Nitrate
Transport Hazard Class: 5.1 Oxidizing substance
Packing Group: III (less hazardous class than some oxidizers, but not benign)
Special Handling: Label clearly; keep away from combustibles during transport; secure containers to prevent leaks. Regulatory bodies like the Department of Transportation require that anyone moving oxidizers knows their rules inside and out.
OSHA: Manganese and manganese compounds covered under workplace exposure regulations
TSCA: Substance listed; regulated for manufacturing and import
SARA Title III: Subject to reporting for quantities on site over defined limits
Environmental Regulations: Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act limit manganese discharges
Other Restrictions: Laboratories and employers must maintain and communicate clear hazard information on manganese nitrate compounds, both to comply with the law and to protect their staff.