Material Safety Data Sheet — Nickel Citrate

Identification

Product Name: Nickel Citrate
Chemical Formula: C6H5NiO7
Synonyms: Nickel(II) citrate, Trisodium citrate nickel complex, Nickel tris(citric acid) salt
CAS No.: 61415-14-1
Recommended Uses: Laboratory reagent, catalyst in chemical processes, electroplating applications
Supplier Details: Name, address, telephone for emergency contact and product inquiry
Emergency Telephone: Reachable at all times for spills and exposure incidents

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute Toxicity – Oral (Category 4), Skin Sensitizer (Category 1), Carcinogenicity (Category 1A), Eye Irritant (Category 2), Environmental Hazard for Aquatic Life (Category 3)
Hazard Symbols: GHS07, GHS08, GHS09
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, may cause allergic skin reactions, suspected of causing cancer through inhalation, causes serious eye irritation, toxic to aquatic life
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or mist, use protective equipment, do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling, wash thoroughly after use, avoid release to environment, collect spillage
Potential Health Effects: Eye and respiratory irritation, dermatitis, asthma, potential cancer risk with chronic exposure, possible oral and stomach upset, kidney damage with significant exposure

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Component: Nickel citrate (C6H5NiO7)
Chemical Identity: Nickel(II) citrate
Purity: Typically >98%
Impurities: May contain small traces of nickel salts, sodium citrate, moisture
Percentage: Nickel citrate 98% or greater by weight; impurities <2%

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical help if breathing becomes difficult or irritation persists, give artificial respiration if not breathing
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected skin thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, watch for symptoms of allergic reaction, seek medical advice if irritation or rash appears
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses after first few minutes, hold eyelids apart, get prompt medical attention
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a medical professional, rinse mouth thoroughly, seek medical help, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person
Notes for Doctors: Treat symptomatically, monitor for signs of sensitization or respiratory difficulty, nickel compounds require checking for allergic responses; severe cases may need corticosteroids

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide extinguishers; water spray can help cool and disperse
Unsuitable Media: Avoid high-pressure water jets which spread contamination
Special Hazards: Nickel compounds at high temperatures may produce nickel and toxic metal oxide fumes, irritating and hazardous to lungs and mucous membranes
Protective Equipment: Full-face self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Specific Methods: Contain run-off to prevent environmental contamination, stay upwind, evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear appropriate gloves, NIOSH-approved respirators, safety goggles; avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; restrict access
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe, do not let product enter drains or water supplies, notify authorities if contamination occurs
Methods for Cleanup: Sweep up carefully and place in appropriate waste container, avoid generating dust, ventilate area, decontaminate spill area after pickup with water and detergent solution
Handling of Waste: Collect in closed, labeled containers for proper disposal in accordance with local regulations

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid breathing dust or fumes, wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, dust masks, wash hands thoroughly after handling, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during use
Storage Conditions: Keep containers tightly sealed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location, store away from strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents, segregate from food stuffs or animal feed; ensure container is corrosion-resistant, prevent contact with moisture
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, mineral acids, reducing agents

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV for Nickel compounds: 0.1 mg/m3 (as Ni, inhalable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust, fume hoods, or process enclosures to minimize dust and airborne concentrations, ensure eye wash stations and safety showers are close by
Personal Protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, chemical goggles or full-face shield, protective clothing like lab coats or aprons, NIOSH-approved P-100 filter respirators if ventilation is insufficient
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands, face, and exposed skin after use, remove contaminated clothing before leaving work area, do not reuse contaminated gloves, clean equipment regularly

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Light green crystalline powder
Odor: None
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH (solution): Acidic, generally between 2 and 4 in 1% aqueous solution
Melting Point: Decomposes above approximately 180°C (356°F)
Boiling Point: Not applicable – decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not applicable
Flammability: Not flammable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Solubility in Water: Slightly soluble
Density: 2.1–2.3 g/cm3
Partition Coefficient (octanol/water): No data
Decomposition Temperature: Above 180°C
Evaporation Rate: Not relevant (solid)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under standard storage conditions and in recommended packaging
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to humidity, strong heat sources, incompatible chemicals such as strong oxidizers or acids; moisture may accelerate nickel release
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nickel oxides, carbon oxides, irritating gases on overheating
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids (risk of releasing nickel ions), reducing agents, oxidizing agents
Polymerization: Will not occur

Toxicological Information

Route of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled, LD50 oral rat estimated >200 mg/kg
Chronic Effects: Carcinogen—chronic exposure increases risk of respiratory tract and nasal cancer, potential kidney, lung, or heart effects, prolonged contact leads to dermatitis or allergic reactions
Symptoms: Coughing, sneezing, headache, skin redness or rash, burning eyes, nausea, vomiting, allergic asthma
Nickel Sensitization: Sensitivity varies across the population; those with prior nickel allergies at greater risk
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Effects: Evidence points toward possible cytogenetic effects and reproductive toxicity at high concentrations

Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Life: High toxicity for aquatic invertebrates and fish; even small quantities can cause adverse impacts
Persistence and Degradability: Poor biodegradability, nickel ions remain in water and sediments
Bioaccumulation: Nickel accumulates in plants and aquatic organisms, can transfer through food chains
Mobility in Soil: Moderate to low, nickel binds to clay and organic matter; risk of leaching depends on soil pH and conditions
Environmental Precautions: Avoid spills near surface water, soil, and drains; inform authorities for significant discharges

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Collect solid, liquid, and contaminated materials in tightly sealed containers; label containers with hazard information
Regulations: Dispose of in accordance with national or local hazardous waste regulations; do not discard with household waste
Reuse/Recycling: Not recommended due to health risks; specialized chemical waste handlers provide safe recycling or treatment
Contaminated Packaging: Clean thoroughly or treat as hazardous waste

Transport Information

UN Number: 3077
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (Nickel citrate)
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous goods)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Nickel compounds meet criteria
Special Precautions: Mark packages with appropriate danger and environmental hazard symbols, carry shipping papers indicating hazardous material class
Transport Labels: 9 (Miscellaneous), Environmentally hazardous

Regulatory Information

U.S. Regulations: Listed under SARA Title III Section 313; reportable quantity as a hazardous substance, EPA hazardous waste number U173; OSHA regulates occupational exposure
EU Regulations: Classified as hazardous according to EC 1272/2008; subject to REACH restrictions
IARC Status: Group 1 Carcinogen (Nickel compounds)
Other Global Listings: Included in Canadian WHMIS, Australia SUSMP, Japanese Chemical Control Act
Labeling: Must display GHS hazard pictograms and standardized warnings; safety data sheet required for workplace use