Material Safety Data Sheet: Copper Acetate Tetrahydrate
Identification
Product Name: Copper Acetate Tetrahydrate
Chemical Formula: Cu(C2H3O2)2 · 4H2O
CAS Number: 6046-93-1
Synonyms: Cupric Acetate Tetrahydrate, Copper(II) Acetate Tetrahydrate
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, textile dye, fungicide, catalyst in organic synthesis
Supplier Details: Refer to supplier-specific MSDS; generally provided by chemical distributors and laboratory suppliers
Emergency Phone Number: Provided by manufacturer or local poison control center
Hazard Identification
Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal), skin and eye irritant, environmental hazard
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled, causes serious eye irritation, toxic to aquatic life
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, environment
Signal Word: Warning
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or fume, wash hands thoroughly after handling, wear protective gloves and eye/face protection, keep out of reach of children
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation may irritate respiratory tract, ingestion causes stomach pain, vomiting, severe exposure can damage liver and kidneys
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical Name: Copper(II) Acetate Tetrahydrate
Percent Composition: 99-100%
CAS Number: 6046-93-1
EC Number: 204-169-4
Impurities: Trace amounts of unreacted starting materials, typically within analytical limits
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move into fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical advice if symptoms develop, provide artificial respiration if necessary
Skin Contact: Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contaminated clothes, contact a doctor if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, hold eyelids open, seek prompt ophthalmological care
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, drink 1-2 glasses of water if conscious, obtain medical attention immediately
Symptoms: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, vision changes, severe exposure can cause organ failure
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Non-flammable but may decompose on heating to produce toxic fumes of copper oxides and acetic acid
Firefighter Protection: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing to prevent exposure
Thermal Decomposition Products: Copper oxides, acetic acid vapors, carbon oxides
Special Procedures: Evacuate area if fire occurs, contain runoff to prevent environmental contamination
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation, ensure adequate ventilation, wear appropriate personal protective equipment
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains or watercourses, notify authorities if significant spill occurs
Spill Cleanup Methods: Sweep up and shovel into suitable containers for disposal, use damp cloth to minimize dust, thoroughly clean contaminated surfaces
Disposal: Dispose of according to local, regional, and national regulations
Additional Advice: Wash hands and affected skin after cleanup, avoid using methods that generate dust
Handling and Storage
Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid dust generation, wear protective clothing including gloves and eye/face protection, keep containers closed when not in use
Hygiene Practices: Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling, wash hands before breaks and after handling
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances such as strong acids and reducing agents
Container Requirements: Keep in tightly sealed containers made of glass or plastic
Storage Specifics: Protect from moisture and direct sunlight, prevent container deterioration
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for copper dust and mist: 1 mg/m3 (as Cu); ACGIH TLV: 1 mg/m3 (as Cu, dust and mist)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to minimize airborne dust, maintain eyewash stations and safety showers in the work area
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, PVC), safety goggles or face shield, lab coat or protective suit, dust respirator if exposure limits exceed recommendations
Other Protection: Ensure no skin exposure in high-risk processes, provide training for safe handling, practice good personal hygiene
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: Blue-green crystalline solid
Odor: Slightly acetic
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: About 5-7 (10% solution)
Melting Point: 115°C to 120°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Flash Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Relative Density: 1.88 g/cm3
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Decomposition Temperature: Above 115°C
Other Properties: Efflorescent, may lose water of hydration if exposed to air
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids, strong reducing agents, and some metals
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, moisture, incompatible substances
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, ammonium salts, reducing agents, iron, steel
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Copper oxides, acetic acid, carbon oxides
Polymerization: Does not occur under normal conditions
Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 710 mg/kg; Dermal LD50 data not available
Inhalation: Causes respiratory tract irritation, coughing, shortness of breath
Skin Contact: Causes irritation, may cause dermatitis on prolonged contact
Eye Contact: Causes severe eye irritation and possible damage
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure can result in liver and kidney injury, copper accumulation (Wilson’s disease-like symptoms), anemia
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Sensitization: Possible skin sensitizer for sensitive individuals
Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Aquatic Toxicity Data: LC50 (fish, 96h): 0.12 mg/L (as copper ion)
Persistence and Degradability: Copper ions persist in the environment, bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms
Bioaccumulative Potential: Significant for copper, readily taken up by aquatic plants and animals
Mobility in Soil: Relatively low mobility in soil, binds strongly to organic matter and sediment
Remark: Release to environment should be avoided, spills must be contained quickly
Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose as hazardous waste according to local, national, and federal laws
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose of empty containers as hazardous waste, rinse thoroughly before discarding
Sewage Disposal: Avoid disposal in municipal waste streams or sewer systems
Recycling: Not recommended due to significant hazard and trace copper contamination risk
Other Advice: Label waste containers with substance name, hazard class, and date; keep separated from other waste streams
Transport Information
UN Number: UN3077
UN Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (Copper Acetate Tetrahydrate)
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Precautions for User: Keep container tightly closed and upright during transport, avoid spillage, comply with all local, regional, and international transport regulations
Labeling: Environmentally hazardous substance labeling required for air, sea, and road transport
Regulatory Information
TSCA Status: Listed (United States Toxic Substances Control Act inventory)
REACH Status: Subject to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, requires safety assessment for users in Europe
ECHA Registration: Registered under appropriate European regulations
SARA Title III: Listed as a hazardous chemical (Section 313, toxic release inventory)
OSHA Hazard Communication: Classified as hazardous
Other National Regulations: Subject to workplace exposure limits in several countries, reportable quantity may apply for spills
WHMIS (Canada): Classified as toxic, environmental hazard
Label Phrases: Handle as hazardous material, keep out of reach of children, use in accordance with manufacturer recommendations
