Cobalt hydrocarbonyl.

Chemical Properties

Cobalt hydrocarbonyl is an unstable, highly flammable and toxic gas or liquid which decomposes rapidly at room temperature to toxic cobalt carbonyl. It has an offensive odor,

Uses

Catalyst.

General Description

Gas with an offensive odor. Mp: -26°C

Air & Water Reactions

Air [Note: Unstable gas that decomposes rapidly in air at room temperature to cobalt carbonyl & hydrogen.]

Reactivity Profile

COBALT HYDROCARBONYL is flammable. Reacts exothermically with strong oxidizing agents and acids. Decomposes rapidly in air at room temperature to cobalt carbonyl (an orange solid of formula Co(CO)4) and hydrogen. These products also act as reducing agents. The orange solid (cobalt carbonyl) decomposes at 52°C producing toxic fumes of carbon monoxide and cobalt; reacts with acids and strong oxidizing agents below that temperature.

Hazard

Flammable gas. Possible carcinogen.

Health Hazard

The toxic effects are similar to those ofnickel tetracarbonyl or iron pentacarbonyl.The acute toxicity, however, is lower thanthat of these two carbonyls. Inhalation ofthe gas can cause dizziness, giddiness, andheadache. It readily decomposes at roomtemperature producing toxic carbon monoxide.A 30-minute LC50 in rats is 165 mg/m³(Palmes et al. 1959).

Fire Hazard

Flammable gas; the liquid form can explode when heated in a closed container due to rapid decomposition and heavy pressure buildup.

Safety Profile

Poison by inhalation. See also COBALT COMPOUNDS.

Potential Exposure

A potential danger to those involved in manufacture and use of this material as a catalyst for organic reactions.

Shipping

UN3281 Metal carbonyls, liquid, n.o.s., Hazard class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1 Technical Name Required, Potential Inhalation Hazard (Special Provision 5). Cylinders must be transported in a secure upright position, in a well-ventilated truck. Protect cylinder and labels from physical damage. The owner of the compressed gas cylinder is the only entity allowed by federal law (49CFR) to transport and refill them. It is a violation of transportation regulations to refill compressed gas cylinders without the express written permission of the owner. UN2927 Toxic liquids, corrosive, organic, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, 8-Corrosive material, Technical Name Required.

Incompatibilities

Unstable gas; decomposes rapidly in air at room temperature to toxic cobalt carbonyl and explosive hydrogen gas. A strong metal hydride reducing agent; violent reaction with oxidizers and acids. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Aqueous solution is highly acidic. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides

Waste Disposal

Return refillable compressed gas cylinders to supplier.

Raw materials

Preparation Products