Material Safety Data Sheet: Zinc Chloride

Identification

Chemical Name: Zinc Chloride
Synonyms: Butter of Zinc, Zinc Dichloride
CAS Number: 7646-85-7
EC Number: 231-592-0
Molecular Formula: ZnCl₂
Molecular Weight: 136.29 g/mol
Recommended Use: Used in chemical synthesis, galvanizing, textile finishing, and as a flux in soldering
Supplier Details: Manufacturer’s name, full address, and emergency phone number required on product label
Emergency Overview: White, odorless crystalline powder or granules, absorbs moisture from air

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Dermal, Inhalation); Skin Corrosion; Serious Eye Damage
Pictograms: Corrosive, Exclamation mark
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and serious eye damage. Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with skin. May cause respiratory irritation.
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye and face protection.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Ingredient: Zinc Chloride
Percent Pure: 97%–100%
Impurities: Minor contamination from zinc oxide, water, or traces of other chlorides can be present depending on source
Ingredient Information: Contains zinc ion (Zn²⁺) and chloride ion (Cl⁻), both active in toxicological and corrosive events

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air immediately, keep at rest, seek medical help if breathing trouble appears.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin under running water for at least 15 minutes, wash with mild soap, medical attention required for burns or irritation.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, hold eyelids apart, immediate medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, give water to rinse mouth only if person is fully conscious, urgent medical support necessary.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Flammability: Non-combustible under standard conditions
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. Avoid full-flow water jets which can spread material.
Hazardous Combustion Products: In the event of fire, toxic fumes of zinc oxides and hydrogen chloride may form.
Special Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full turnout gear, self-contained breathing apparatus to counter hazardous gases
Specific Hazards: Contact with metals may release hydrogen gas. Reacts with many organic and inorganic chemicals, forming corrosive or toxic vapors.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use appropriate personal protective equipment, avoid inhalation and contact with skin and eyes.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe; do not let product enter drains, sewers, or watercourses.
Clean-Up Procedures: Sweep up and shovel materials with non-sparking tools. Place in compatible, labeled containers for safe disposal. Flush contaminated area with plenty of water.
Spill Response: Small spills can be neutralized with lime or soda ash and diluted with large volumes of water. Ventilate area well.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid creating dust; use in well-ventilated area. Do not breathe dust or fumes. Keep containers closed when not in use.
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant containers away from moisture and incompatible materials.
Incompatibilities: Keep separate from strong bases, many metals, water-reactive chemicals, and oxidizers.
Storage Temperature: Store below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and sources of ignition.
Technical Requirements: Facilities should have spill containment and corrosion-resistant shelving or flooring where possible.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to control airborne dust/mist concentrations.
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved dust/mist respirator if ventilation inadequate.
Hand Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, e.g., nitrile or neoprene.
Eye Protection: Safety glasses with side shields or splash goggles.
Skin Protection: Lab coat, chemical apron, or full suit if risk of major exposure.
Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: 1 mg/m³ (as zinc chloride fume). OSHA PEL: 1 mg/m³ TWA.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Solid
Appearance: White to grayish granules or powder
Odor: Odorless
pH (10% solution): 4.0 – 5.0
Melting Point: 290°C
Boiling Point: 732°C (decomposes)
Solubility in Water: 432 g/l at 25°C
Density: 2.91 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not applicable
Decomposition Temperature: > 300°C (releases hydrogen chloride, zinc oxides)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable in dry air, but absorbs moisture from environment causing solution to form
Hazardous Reactions: Can react violently with strong bases, alkalis, water, or metals
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Zinc oxide fumes, hydrogen chloride gas upon contact with water or extreme heat
Incompatible Materials: Alkali metals, reducing agents, water, moisture, strong bases

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Harmful via skin, inhalation, or ingestion. LD₅₀ (oral, rat): 350 mg/kg.
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure can cause ulceration of nasal and oral mucosa, skin rashes, and impacts kidney function.
Skin Contact: Causes burns, persistent irritation, and dermatitis.
Eye Contact: Causes irreversible eye tissue damage.
Sensitization: Not known to cause allergic reaction but corrosiveness remains primary threat.
Inhalation: May cause coughing, pulmonary edema, and respiratory tract damage in high concentrations.

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Very toxic to aquatic organisms. May cause long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments.
Persistence and Degradability: Zinc and chloride ions persist in water and soil for a long period, do not degrade by natural processes.
Bioaccumulation Potential: Zinc can accumulate in aquatic plants and animals.
Mobility in Soil: Readily soluble, migrates in soils and can contaminate groundwater.
Other Adverse Effects: Toxic to freshwater and marine life at concentrations below 1 mg/l.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Collect and store in clearly labeled containers. Dispose of as hazardous waste at an approved facility. Do not dispose of in regular landfill, drains, or watercourses.
Container Disposal: Rinse containers before recycling or disposal, follow local and national guidelines for hazardous waste.
Legal Framework: Comply with local, state, and national regulations regarding hazardous material disposal; do not incinerate in open air.

Transport Information

UN Number: 2331
UN Proper Shipping Name: Zinc Chloride
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)
Packing Group: III (Minor danger, but corrosive effect evident)
Environmental Hazards: Dangerous for the environment, especially water.
Special Precautions: Secure tightly, prevent leaks; ensure label and placards meet international shipping standards.

Regulatory Information

Regulatory Listings: Zinc chloride appears in the US TSCA Inventory, Canada DSL, EU REACH, and other national lists for hazardous chemicals.
OSHA Classification: Hazardous chemical under the Hazard Communication Standard
WHMIS (Canada): Classified as Class E – Corrosive Material
SARA Title III: Subject to reporting under EPCRA Section 313 (zinc compounds)
Other Regulations: Subject to workplace labeling, transport documentation, and crisis management plans under multiple international frameworks.
Labelling Requirements: Clear hazard and precautionary statements, pictograms, and signal word required on all packaging.