Chemical Name: Sodium Hexanitrocobaltate(III)
Common Names: Sodium cobaltinitrate
Chemical Formula: Na3[Co(NO2)6]
Appearance: Yellow crystalline powder
Odor: Nearly odorless
Main Use: Analytical chemistry for potassium detection, laboratory reagent, occasional industrial applications
Hazard Categories: Acute toxicity, environmental toxicity, serious eye irritation
Main Risks: Toxic to humans through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact; produces hazardous fumes upon decomposition; hazardous to aquatic environments; can provoke allergic or asthmatic symptoms if inhaled
Physical Hazards: Non-combustible itself, but decomposes in fire to release toxic gases including nitrogen oxides and cobalt compounds
GHS Symbols: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, environment
Main Ingredient: Sodium Hexanitrocobaltate(III)
CAS Number: 13933-71-2
Impurities: Usually minimal in pure reagent, trace sodium or cobalt salts sometimes present in less refined grades
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air immediately, monitor for breathing difficulty, seek medical attention if symptoms appear
Skin Contact: Rinse thoroughly with soap and plenty of water, remove any contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Flush gently with clean water for at least 15 minutes, keep eyelids open, seek prompt medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, contact medical professionals rapidly
Symptoms to Watch: Cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, skin irritation, redness, abdominal pain
Suitable Extinguishing Agents: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Hazardous Combustion Products: Nitrogen oxides, cobalt oxides, sodium oxides, toxic metal fumes
Additional Advice: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing in confined fires; cool nearby containers with water to avoid pressure buildup and further decomposition
Personal Protection: Wear respiratory protection, gloves, goggles, protective clothing to avoid contact
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage, do not allow chemical or contaminated washing to reach drains, waterways, or soil
Clean-up Methods: Sweep up and collect material, place in secure container for disposal, ventilate area, decontaminate surfaces with plenty of water after picking up material
Safe Handling: Work in well-ventilated place, keep away from food or drink, avoid breathing dust or vapors, avoid skin and eye contact, never eat or drink in storage or laboratory areas
Storage Conditions: Store tightly closed in a dry, cool, well-ventilated space, keep away from incompatible substances like acids, strong reducing agents, organic materials, and combustibles; avoid direct sunlight and moisture; label areas and containers to prevent accidental use
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or fume hood, ensure air exchange, limit dust buildup
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, lab coats or aprons, proper respiratory protection such as NIOSH-approved masks when dust or fumes risk arises
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, never touch face or exposed skin before removing protective gear and cleaning up, keep contaminated clothing separate and launder before reuse
Physical State: Solid, crystalline
Color: Yellow
Odor: Essentially none
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting, decomposes at elevated temperatures
Solubility: Soluble in water
Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions, decomposes with heat or in acidic solution to release toxic gases
Stability: Stable in dry, sealed containers at room temperature
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids to liberate toxic nitrogen oxides; can react strongly with reducing and combustible materials
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, reducing agents, organic materials, heat, and flame
Hazardous Decomposition: Nitrogen oxides, cobalt oxides, sodium oxides, other toxic metal fumes when decomposed or exposed to high heat or fire
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Hazardous Effects: Cobalt compounds have documented impacts on respiratory tract, can provoke asthma-like symptoms, allergic skin reactions, and chronic effects over time; excessive exposure may damage internal organs, particularly blood and thyroid.
Acute Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, headache, skin and eye irritation, difficulty breathing
Chronic Exposure: Risk of allergy, sensitization, potential long-term organ effects
Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life, can cause long-term adverse effects in water bodies
Persistence: May persist in aquatic environments; heavy metals tend to bioaccumulate and migrate through food chains
Mobility: Fairly soluble in water, increases risk of soil and groundwater contamination if spilled or disposed improperly
Precautions: Take active steps to prevent release to the environment
Disposal Method: Treat as hazardous chemical waste; gather in suitable, clearly labeled containers and transfer via licensed hazardous waste disposal contractor
Do Not: Release into sewage, surface water, or landfill without authorized treatment
Best Practice: Consult local, national, and regional regulations; seek disposal options prioritizing safe containment and metal recovery if feasible
Classification: Hazardous for transport under many international regulations, typically shipped as a toxic solid
Shipping Labels: Toxic, environmentally hazardous substance
Precautions: Secure packaging to avoid spillage or breakage, include appropriate hazard communication, avoid transport with incompatible goods, keep away from food and feedstuffs
Regulation Scope: Subject to chemical inventory notification and handling restrictions in many regions, including REACH (Europe), TSCA (United States), and similar national laws
Labelling: Hazard pictograms, hazard statements, and safety measures required on containers
Worker Safety Laws: Control of exposure, mandatory risk assessments, training for users, environmental protection rules
Public Awareness: Efforts encourage transparent communication about risks, including information programs for downstream users, waste handlers, and communities near major users