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:     Chloroauric Acid

Formula:              HAuCl₄ *xH₂O

CAS Number:        27988-77-8

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:   Chloroauric Acid

Percent (%):                      0-100

OSHA/PEL:                         1.0 mg/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                        1.0 mg/m³

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   Decomposes

Melting Point:                  25 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              N/A

Solubility in H₂O:             Very soluble

Appearance and Odor:    Yellow-orange crystalline powder, faint chlorine odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  No Data

Flammable Limits in Air:  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 and 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:  May emit toxic fumes on decomposition.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Effects of Exposure:  Corrosive solid, skin irritant, mucous membrane irritant.

Other Health Hazards: To the best of our knowledge the acute and chronic toxicity of this substance has not been fully investigated

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove from exposure, seek immediate medical attention. 

INGESTION:  Seek immediate medical attention.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing, flood skin with large amounts of water.  Seek medical assistance as necessary, especially if irritation develops or persists.

EYE:  Immediately flush eyes, including under eyelids, with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.  Call a physician.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Unstable

Conditions to Avoid:  Extreme heat, water/moisture, light

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Reducing agents, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, bases, ferrous sulfate, organics, NH₃, Zn, KCN, metal utensils.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Chlorine, hydrogen chloride.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Sweep up and place in airtight plastic container.

Waste Disposal:  Ship to precious metal refiner.  Dispose of in accordance with State, Federal and Local regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator

Ventilation Requirements:  Fume hood

Eye/Face Protection:  Goggles

Protective Gloves:  Rubber

Other Protective Equipment:  Normal lab wear.

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, handle and store under dry protective gas such as argon.  Store away from incompatibles.

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.

TSCA Listed:  Yes

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                    8

Identification Number:     UN3260

Packing Group:                 III

Proper Shipping Name:    Corrosive solid, acidic, inorganic, n.o.s. (Chloroauric Acid)

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:                  May 2001