Rubidium Chloride

 

 

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

E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

Product Name:     Rubidium Chloride

Formula:              RbCl

CAS Number:       7791-11-9

 

 

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Ingredients:    Rubidium Chloride

Percent (%):                     0-100

OSHA/PEL:                         NE

ACGIH/TLV:                       NE

Other:                                NE

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                              2

Flammability:                   0

Reactivity:                        0

 

 

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   1390 oC

Melting Point:                  715 oC

Specific Gravity:             2.80 g/cc

Solubility in H2O:            Soluble

Appearance and Odor:   White powder & pieces, odorless

 

 

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point (Method Used):  Non-Flammable

Flammable Limits:  N/A

Extinguishing Media:  CO2, Foam, Dry powder.  Self contained breathing apparatus, and as applicable for surroundings

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to

prevent contact with skin and eyes.  Fumes from fire are hazardous.  Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  When heated to decomposition, rubidium chloride may emit toxic fumes of chlorine, RbCl and Rb2O.  May react violently with bromine fluoride.

 

 

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Health Hazards:

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

Rubidium is a very reactive alkali metal (more reactive than potassium or cesium).  In the body, rubidium substitutes for potassium as an intracellular ion.  The ratio Rb/K intake is important in the toxicology of rubidium.  A ratio above 40% is dangerous in rats.  A failure to gain weight is the first symptom, followed by ataxia and hyperirritability.  Symptoms include:  skin ulcers, poor hair coat, sensitivity and extreme nervousness leading to convulsions and death.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition)

Chlorides toxicity varies widely.  Sodium chloride (table salt) has very low toxicity, while carbonyl chloride (phosgene) is lethal in small doses.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the respiratory system.

Ingestion:  May cause ataxia and hyperirritability.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eyes:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Ingestion:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Skin:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Eyes: No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  No target organs recorded.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory disorders.

CarcinogenicityNTP?  No

IARC Monographs?  No

OSHA Regulated?  No (Recommended)

Toxicity Data:  sln-smc  50 mmol/L

orl-mus LD50:  3800 mg/kg

ipr-mus LD50:  1625 mg/kg

Signs and Symptoms of Exposure:

Inhalation:  May cause a red, dry throat and coughing.

Ingestion:  May cause skin ulcers, poor hair coat, sensitivity, extreme nervousness leading to convulsions and death.

Skin:  May cause redness, itching and burning sensation.

Eyes:  May cause redness, itching and watering.

 

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove victim to fresh air, keep warm and quiet.  Give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting.  Seek 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 mild soap and water.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

EYES:  Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper & lower eyelids for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

 

 

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Incompatible Materials:  Acids and bromine fluoride

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Toxic fumes of chlorine, RbCl and Rb2O.

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.  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 Method:  Dispose of in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.

 

 

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type):  NIOSH/MSHA approved dust-mist-vapor respirator.

VentilationLocal Exhaust:  To maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV

Mechanical:  Recommended

Special:  None

Other:  None

Eye Protection:  Safety goggles.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber

Other Protective Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

Work/Hygienic/Maintenance 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.  So not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.

 

 

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storing:  None.

Hazard Label Information:  Store in cool, dry area.  Store in tightly sealed container.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

Some of the chemicals listed herein are research or experimental substances which may be toxic, as defined by various governmental regulations.  In accordance with Environmental Protection Agency regulations and the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA), these materials should only be handled by, or under the direct supervision of a "technically qualified individual", as defined inn 40 CFR 710.2(aa).

 

 

The above information is accurate to the best of our knowledge.  However, since data, safety standards, and government regulations are subject to change, and the conditions of handling and use or misuse are beyond our control, ESPI makes no warranty neither expressed nor implied, with respect to the completeness or continuing accuracy of the above information contained herein, and disclaims all liability for reliance thereon.  Users should satisfy themselves that they have all current data relevant to their particular use.

 

Prepared by:          S. Dierks

Dated:                   November 1998