POTASSIUM FERROCYANIDE

MSDS Number: P5763 --- Effective Date: 12/08/96


1. Product Identification

Synonyms: Potassium hexacyanoferrate (II), trihydrate; Tetrapotassium ferrocyanide, trihydrate; Ferrate (4-), hexacyano, tetrapotassium, trihydrate
CAS No.: 13943-58-3
Molecular Weight: 422.39
Chemical Formula: K4Fe(CN)6 3H2O
Product Codes: J.T. Baker: 3114 Mallinckrodt: 6932


2. Composition/Information on Ingredients


  Ingredient                                CAS No         Percent   Hazardous                                       
  ---------------------------------------   ------------   -------   ---------        
 
  Potassium Ferrocyanide                    13943-58-3     98 - 100%    Yes                                                                  
 


3. Hazards Identification

Emergency Overview
--------------------------
CAUTION! MAY BE HARMFUL IF INHALED. MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES, AND RESPIRATORY TRACT.


J.T. Baker SAF-T-DATA(tm) Ratings (Provided here for your convenience)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Health Rating: 1 - Slight
Flammability Rating: 0 - None
Reactivity Rating: 1 - Slight
Contact Rating: 1 - Slight
Lab Protective Equip: GOGGLES; LAB COAT
Storage Color Code: Orange (General Storage)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Potential Health Effects
----------------------------------

Information on the human health effects from exposure to this substance is limited. The sodium and potassium salts are apparently benign. They are not decomposed to cyanide in the body.

Inhalation:
May cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include coughing and shortness of breath.

Ingestion:
Large doses may cause gastrointestinal upset with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and possible cramping.

Skin Contact:
May cause irritation with redness and pain.

Eye Contact:
May cause irritation, redness and pain.

Chronic Exposure:
No information found.

Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
No information found.


4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation:
Remove to fresh air. Get medical attention for any breathing difficulty.

Ingestion:
Give several glasses of water to drink to dilute. If large amounts were swallowed, get medical advice.

Skin Contact:
Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention if irritation develops.

Eye Contact:
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids occasionally. Get medical attention if irritation persists.


5. Fire Fighting Measures

Fire:
Not considered to be a fire hazard.

Explosion:
Not considered to be an explosion hazard.

Fire Extinguishing Media:
Use any means suitable for extinguishing surrounding fire.

Special Information:
In the event of a fire, wear full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. May emit toxic and flammable fumes of cyanide if involved in a fire.


6. Accidental Release Measures

Ventilate area of leak or spill. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as specified in Section 8. Spills: Sweep up and containerize for reclamation or disposal. Vacuuming or wet sweeping may be used to avoid dust dispersal.


7. Handling and Storage

Keep in a tightly closed container, stored in a cool, dry, ventilated area. Protect against physical damage. Containers of this material may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (dust, solids); observe all warnings and precautions listed for the product.


8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Airborne Exposure Limits:
None established.

Ventilation System:
In general, dilution ventilation is a satisfactory health hazard control for this substance. However, if conditions of use create discomfort to the worker, a local exhaust system should be considered.

Personal Respirators (NIOSH Approved):
For conditions of use where exposure to the dust or mist is apparent, a half-face dust/mist respirator may be worn. For emergencies or instances where the exposure levels are not known, use a full-face positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator. WARNING: Air-purifying respirators do not protect workers in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

Skin Protection:
Wear protective gloves and clean body-covering clothing.

Eye Protection:
Safety glasses. Maintain eye wash fountain and quick-drench facilities in work area.


9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance:
Yellow crystalline granules.

Odor:
Odorless.

Solubility:
Soluble in water.

Density:
1.85

pH:
No information found.

% Volatiles by volume @ 21C (70F):
0

Boiling Point:
Not applicable.

Melting Point:
60 - 100C (140 - 212F) Loses water

Vapor Density (Air=1):
No information found.

Vapor Pressure (mm Hg):
No information found.

Evaporation Rate (BuAc=1):
No information found.


10. Stability and Reactivity

Stability:
Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Emits toxic fumes of cyanide and oxides of nitrogen when heated to decomposition.

Hazardous Polymerization:
Will not occur.

Incompatibilities:
Metal chlorates, perchlorates, nitrates, or nitrites may cause violent explosions. May liberate toxic cyanide fumes when mixed with strong acids.

Conditions to Avoid:
Incompatibles.


11. Toxicological Information


Anhydrous: Oral rat LD50: 6400 mg/kg. Investigated as a mutagen, reproductive effector.

  --------\Cancer Lists\------------------------------------------------------
                                         ---NTP Carcinogen---
  Ingredient                             Known    Anticipated    IARC Category
  ------------------------------------   -----    -----------    -------------
  Potassium Ferrocyanide (13943-58-3)     No          No            None


12. Ecological Information

Environmental Fate:
No information found.

Environmental Toxicity:
No information found.


13. Disposal Considerations

Whatever cannot be saved for recovery or recycling should be managed in an appropriate and approved waste disposal facility. Processing, use or contamination of this product may change the waste management options. State and local disposal regulations may differ from federal disposal regulations. Dispose of container and unused contents in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.


14. Transport Information

Not regulated.


15. Regulatory Information


  --------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 1\---------------------------------
  Ingredient                                       TSCA  EC   Japan  Australia
  -----------------------------------------------  ----  ---  -----  ---------
  Potassium Ferrocyanide (13943-58-3)               Yes  Yes   Yes      Yes                                      
 
  --------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 2\---------------------------------
                                                          --Canada--
  Ingredient                                       Korea  DSL   NDSL  Phil.
  -----------------------------------------------  -----  ---   ----  -----
  Potassium Ferrocyanide (13943-58-3)               Yes   Yes   No     Yes                             
 
  --------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 1\----------------
                                             -SARA 302-    ------SARA 313------
  Ingredient                                 RQ    TPQ     List  Chemical Catg.
  -----------------------------------------  ---   -----   ----  --------------
  Potassium Ferrocyanide (13943-58-3)        No    No      No         No
 
  --------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 2\----------------
                                                        -RCRA-    -TSCA-
  Ingredient                                 CERCLA     261.33     8(d) 
  -----------------------------------------  ------     ------    ------
  Potassium Ferrocyanide (13943-58-3)        No         No         No                   
 
 
Chemical Weapons Convention:  No     TSCA 12(b):  No     CDTA:  No
SARA 311/312:  Acute: Yes      Chronic: No   Fire: No  Pressure: No
Reactivity: No          (Mixture / Solid)


Australian Hazchem Code: No information found.
Poison Schedule: No information found.

WHMIS:
This MSDS has been prepared according to the hazard criteria of the Controlled Products Regulations (CPR) and the MSDS contains all of the information required by the CPR.


16. Other Information

NFPA Ratings: Health: 3 Flammability: 0 Reactivity: 0

Label Hazard Warning:
CAUTION! MAY BE HARMFUL IF INHALED. MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES, AND RESPIRATORY TRACT.

Label Precautions:
Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing. Wash thoroughly after handling. Avoid breathing dust. Keep container closed. Use with adequate ventilation.

Label First Aid:
If inhaled, remove to fresh air. Get medical attention for any breathing difficulty. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes or skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation develops or persists.

Product Use:
Laboratory Reagent.

Revision Information:
Mixture. New 16 section MSDS format, all sections have been revised.

Disclaimer:
************************************************************************************************ Mallinckrodt Baker, Inc. provides the information contained herein in good faith but makes no representation as to its comprehensiveness or accuracy. This document is intended only as a guide to the appropriate precautionary handling of the material by a properly trained person using this product. Individuals receiving the information must exercise their independent judgment in determining its appropriateness for a particular purpose. MALLINCKRODT BAKER, INC. MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN OR THE PRODUCT TO WHICH THE INFORMATION REFERS. ACCORDINGLY, MALLINCKRODT BAKER, INC. WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM USE OF OR RELIANCE UPON THIS INFORMATION.
************************************************************************************************ Prepared by: Strategic Services Division
Phone Number: (314) 539-1600 (U.S.A.)