Material Safety Data Sheet: Nickelous Acetate
Identification
Product Name: Nickelous Acetate
Chemical Formula: C4H6NiO4
Synonyms: Nickel(II) acetate, Nickel diacetate, Nickel acetate tetrahydrate
CAS Number: 373-02-4 (anhydrous), 6018-89-9 (tetrahydrate)
Use: Nickel plating, dye mordant in textiles, laboratory reagent, catalyst in organic synthesis, ceramics manufacture
Manufacturer contact: Available from supplier safety documentation
Emergency Contact: Use CHEMTREC or local emergency numbers provided by regional authorities
Hazard Identification
Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), Skin sensitizer, Eye irritant, Carcinogenic Category 1A (IARC: Group 1 carcinogen)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Causes skin and eye irritation. Suspected carcinogen with chronic exposure. May cause allergic skin reactions. Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Pictogram: Health hazard, Exclamation mark, Environment
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or fumes. Wear gloves and protective eyewear. Avoid release to environment.
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical Name: Nickelous Acetate Tetrahydrate
CAS Number: 6018-89-9
Percentage by Weight: 99% (typical for technical grade)
Impurities: Trace amounts of free nickel ions or other acetates possible depending on production source
Molecular Weight: 248.84 g/mol
Physical State: Solid, crystalline, light green color during handling and storage.
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Seek medical attention if coughing, labored breathing, or irritation persists.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse affected skin with plenty of water for 15 minutes. Seek attention if irritation develops.
Eye Contact: Wash eyes with gentle, running water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids apart. Remove contact lenses if present. Immediate medical help is necessary.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with water. Do not induce vomiting. Get medical attention immediately.
Note for Physicians: Treat symptomatically. Nickel compounds may trigger allergic reactions or sensitization.
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO2, foam, or water spray. Use agents suitable for surrounding fire.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Nickel oxide fumes, carbon oxides released at high temperatures.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective gear with self-contained breathing apparatus recommended to avoid inhalation.
Special Hazards: Powder and dust can become airborne; thermal decomposition may release toxic vapors.
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area of unprotected personnel. Limit dust generation. Use personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, respirator.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material and contaminated water from entering drains, surface, or groundwater.
Clean-Up Methods: Pick up spilled material with a vacuum or wet mop, avoid sweeping dry dust. Dispose of in suitable containers for hazardous waste. Wash area thoroughly after clean-up.
Handling and Storage
Handling: Use engineering controls or local exhaust to reduce exposure. Open containers in a chemical fume hood. Avoid breathing dust, vapors, or mist. Wash hands and face after handling.
Storage: Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Store away from incompatible materials such as strong acids, bases, oxidizers. Label containers clearly and restrict unauthorized access.
Other precautions: Use dedicated tools and containers to avoid cross-contamination. Maintain good housekeeping.
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 1 mg/m3 nickel (as Ni); ACGIH TLV: 0.1 mg/m3 inhalable Ni compounds.
Engineering Controls: Provide local exhaust ventilation or enclosed handling systems.
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirator for airborne dusts or aerosols.
Skin Protection: Nitrile, neoprene, or rubber gloves recommended.
Eye/Face Protection: Chemical safety goggles and face shield if splashing is possible.
Other: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while handling. Wash hands before breaks and after handling.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: Pale green crystalline solid
Odor: Slightly acetic
pH (1% solution): 7 - 9
Melting Point: 250°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Readily dissolves in water and alcohol
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Relative Density: 1.744 (water = 1)
Partition Coefficient: Not determined
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Non-flammable under typical handling
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage conditions
Reactivity: Not reactive with most common materials
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizers; avoid contact with ammonia and cyanides
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nickel oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acetic acid vapors when heated
Polymerization: Does not occur
Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) estimated 350 mg/kg (as Ni); harmful effects on ingestion
Inhalation: Irritates respiratory tract, possible pulmonary edema after prolonged exposure
Skin Contact: Sensitization possible in repeated contact; can cause allergic dermatitis
Eye Contact: May provoke moderate irritation, redness, and tearing
Chronic Exposure: Long-term exposure linked to cancer (lung, nose, larynx), nephrotoxicity, and skin allergies
Mutagenicity / Carcinogenicity: IARC: Group 1 carcinogen (carcinogenic to humans)
Other effects: Nickel compounds known for respiratory sensitization, mainly in occupational settings
Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment
Persistence and Degradability: Nickel ions poorly biodegradable, persistent in soil and water
Bioaccumulation: Nickel compounds can accumulate in aquatic life and plants
Mobility: Soluble in water; may move quickly through soil to groundwater
Other: Avoid large releases to waterways, as nickel can persist for years
Disposal Considerations
Disposal Methods: Dispose of nickelous acetate as hazardous waste according to local, state, and federal regulations. Use a permitted hazardous waste facility.
Container Disposal: Triple rinse empty containers before recycling or disposal. Do not reuse containers.
Other Advice: Do not discharge to sewer, surface water, or soil. Seek advice from qualified waste disposal firms.
Transport Information
UN Number: UN3077
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally Hazardous Substance, Solid, N.O.S. (Nickelous Acetate)
Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles)
Packing Group: III
Label: Environmentally hazardous substance
Special Precautions: Keep separated from foodstuffs and animal feed during transit. Secure all packaging to prevent leaks.
ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA: Classified for transport under international regulations.
Regulatory Information
TSCA: Listed on the US Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
SARA Title III: Listed as hazardous; subject to reporting under Section 313 due to nickel content
OSHA Status: Considered hazardous by definition of Hazard Communication Standard
EU Regulation: CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008: Carcinogen category 1A (H350), Eye irritant
Other National Regulations: Subject to workplace exposure controls in many countries
Labeling: Requires health hazard (GHS08), exclamation mark (GHS07), environment (GHS09) labels
REACH: Registered substance; safety data sheet required for professional and industrial use
