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 e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Product Name:     Sodium Tetrachloroaurate III dihydrate

Formula:              NaAuC1₄*2H₂O

CAS Number:       13874-02-7

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:  Sodium Tetrachloroaurate

Percent (%):                   0-100

OSHA/PEL:                      1 mg/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                     1 mg/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                             2

Flammability:                  0

Reactivity:                       1

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   Decomposes

Melting Point:                  Decomposes

Specific Gravity:              0.8 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:             Very soluble

Appearance and Odor:    Yellow-Orange crystalline powder, slight chlorine odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E

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:  May emit toxic fumes of hydrogen chloride upon decomposition.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of sodium tetrachloroaurate 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.

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.

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.

Incompatible Materials:  Organic solvents, acids, bases, oxidizing agents, ammonia, zinc.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Hydrogen chloride, metal 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.  Sweep or vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for disposal or recycling.

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

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber for all contact

Eye Protection:  Goggles

Other Protective Equipment:  Normal lab wear.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Storage and Handling:  Store in cool dry place, keep tightly sealed when not in use, read MSDS before using.

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:      None

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:                  December 2011