MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Manufacturer/Supplier:

ESPI Metals

1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520

Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313

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Product Name:    Gold Chloride

Synonyms:          Gold III Chloride

Formula:              AuCl₃

CAS Number:       13453-07-1

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:   Gold Chloride 

Percent (%):                    0-100 

OSHA/PEL:                       N/E 

ACGIH/TLV:                     N/E

HMIS Ratings: 

Health:                             1   

Flammability:                   0    

Reactivity:                        0

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                  265 ^oC (sublimes)

Melting Point:                 254 ^oC (decomposes)

Specific Gravity:             3.9 g/cc 

Solubility in H₂O:            Very soluble

Appearance and Odor:    Brownish-red crystalline powder, faint chlorine odor.

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  No Data

Flammable Limits:  Lower:  N/A      Upper: N/A

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding material and type of fire.

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  When heated to decomposition gold chloride may emit toxic fumes of chlorine.  May form hydrogen chloride on contact with water.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of gold chloride have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

Gold compounds may cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract.  Aplastic anemia may result from damage to the blood forming organs.  Gold has caused tumors and reproductive effects in laboratory animals via implant, intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes.

The chloride ion generally has a very low toxicity.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.  May cause irritation to mucous membranes.

Ingestion:  SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.  May cause severe gastrointestinal disturbances.

Skin:  SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.

Eye:  SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  Long exposure time may cause dyspnea, hyperventilation on exertion, cough, sputum and chronic bronchitis.

Ingestion:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  May cause conjunctivitis and possibly blindness.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  None recorded. 

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No       IARC:  No     OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove from exposure, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult, seek immediate medical attention. 

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water, DO NOT induce vomiting.  Seek immediate medical attention.  Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash affected area with soap and water.  Seek medical attention immediately.

EYE:  Immediately flush eyes, including under eyelids, with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention immediately.

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Extreme heat, air, water/moisture.

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Ferrous sulfate, organics, NH₃, Zn, KCN, oxidizing agents, amines.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Chlorine, hydrogen chloride, gold oxide fume

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

VII.  SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in section VIII.  Isolate spill area and provide ventilation.  Sweep or vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal.  Take care not to raise dust.

Waste Disposal:  Dispose of in accordance with all Local, State, and Federal regulations.

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH/MSHA approved breathing apparatus.

Ventilation Requirements:  Handle in an inert gas such as argon.  Handle in a controlled, enclosed environment.  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low levels.  General exhaust is recommended.

Eye/Face Protection:  Safety goggles

Protective Gloves:  Rubber

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Keep container tightly closed.  Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.  Wash thoroughly after use.

Other Precautions:  Hygroscopic.  May react with water/moisture.  Handle and store in a controlled environment under an inert gas such as argon.  Protect from light.  Store away from oxidizing agents.

Work Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.  Do not use tobacco or food in work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating and smoking.  Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.  Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench shower and facilities for washing.

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                    8

Identification Number:     UN3260

Packing Group:                 III

Proper Shipping Name:    Corrosive solid, acidic, inorganic, n.o.s., (gold chloride)

The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide.  ESPI shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by:               S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:      June 2011