Material Safety Data Sheet: Zinc Bromide

Identification

Product Name: Zinc Bromide
Chemical Formula: ZnBr2
Synonyms: Zinc dibromide
Use: Oil and gas well completion fluid, laboratory reagent, and for organic synthesis
Supplier Information: Manufacturer’s address and emergency phone included on label
CAS Number: 7699-45-8
UN Number: 3089
Recommended Use: Industrial and laboratory applications only
Restriction: Use by trained professionals in controlled environments

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral), skin and eye irritation
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed; causes serious eye and skin irritation
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, corrosion
Signal Word: Warning
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure can damage mucous membranes, respiratory tract, and cause dermatitis
Emergency Overview: Solid or liquid form; irritating to skin, eyes, and upper respiratory system; inhalation or ingestion can produce toxic effects
Environmental Hazards: Harmful to aquatic life, risk increases with volume and frequency of release

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Zinc Bromide
Content: Typically > 98% ZnBr2
Impurities: Trace levels of zinc chloride or other halide salts less than 2%
Other Components: No ingredients classified as hazardous in concentrations relevant for this mixture
Molecular Weight: 225.2 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, seek immediate medical help
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water for several minutes, remove contaminated clothing and shoes, seek medical advice for persistent irritation
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, monitor for cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention if symptoms develop
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth with water, give water to swallow if conscious, obtain medical help immediately
Most Likely Symptoms: Burning sensation, redness, pain in exposed areas, coughing, and gastrointestinal discomfort after ingestion
Notes for Practitioners: Supportive treatment and symptomatic care, monitor for damage to respiratory tract or digestive system

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid direct stream of water which can spread materials
Fire Hazard: Not flammable, but corrosive fumes (bromine, zinc oxide) can result from decomposition at high temperatures
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Procedures: Move containers from fire if safe; cool with water from a safe distance to prevent rupture; keep out of drains and waterways to minimize runoff
Decomposition Products: Bromine gas, zinc oxide fumes

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles, protective clothing, and approved respiratory protection
Evacuation: Move unprotected personnel to safe area, minimize exposure
Containment: Prevent product from entering drains, sewers, waterways, or soil
Clean-up Methods: Sweep or absorb spilled material with inert absorbents (vermiculite, sand), collect in suitable closed container for disposal; wash area with plenty of water and minimize dust
Environmental Precautions: Notify authorities in event of a large release; avoid contamination of ground and surface water
Disposal of Decontaminated Material: Place in sealed labeled waste drum for regulated disposal

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; avoid breathing dust, mist, or vapors; use in well-ventilated area or with local exhaust; do not eat, drink, or smoke while using
Hygiene: Wash hands and exposed areas before eating, after finishing work, or after accidental contact
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture, incompatible substances (acids, strong oxidizers), and sources of heat
Container Requirements: Use corrosion-resistant containers clearly labeled for zinc bromide; keep tightly closed
Incompatibilities: Avoid storage near aluminum, magnesium, or alkali metals to prevent hazardous reactions and container damage
Storage Life: Stable when sealed and protected from moisture; inspect containers for corrosion regularly

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits for zinc bromide; minimize exposure as a general precaution
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust and general ventilation to keep airborne levels below irritation threshold
Eye Protection: Chemical safety goggles meeting EN 166 or equivalent
Hand Protection: Impervious gloves (nitrile rubber, neoprene)
Body Protection: Chemical-resistant clothing, lab coat, or apron
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH/MSHA-approved respirator in case of inadequate ventilation or if dust/mist present
Environmental Controls: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; keep contaminated clothing separate; environmental monitoring in work area recommended

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless to slightly yellowish hygroscopic crystalline solid, can form in solution
Odor: None or faint, not significant
pH (aqueous solution): Around 4–6
Melting Point: 394°C (741°F)
Boiling Point: Decomposes above 650°C
Solubility (water): Highly soluble, > 450 g/100 ml at 25°C
Density: 4.2 g/cm3 (solid)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not volatile
Viscosity (solution): Increases with concentration
Explosive Properties: None
Oxidizing Properties: None

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Sensitivity to Air/Moisture: Absorbs moisture from air (hygroscopic), becoming syrupy or liquefied
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents, alkali metals, aluminum, magnesium
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Bromine, zinc oxides, hydrogen bromide under high temperature or acid exposure
Polymerization: Does not occur
Reactivity: Reacts with water producing acidic solutions; corrosion of metals possible

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity (oral): LD50 (rat): Approx. 1230 mg/kg
Acute Toxicity (inhalation): Not well established; may cause irritation
Skin Irritation: Yes, redness and pain can occur
Eye Irritation: Serious, can cause burns and severe irritation
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged exposure may cause respiratory issues, dermatitis, sensitization
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Teratogenicity and Mutagenicity: No data indicating risk, but handle with caution
Symptoms after Exposure: Eye and skin irritation, cough, nausea, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting after ingestion

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms, risk of long-term effects at high concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Persistent inorganic compound; does not degrade rapidly
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely to bioaccumulate significantly in aquatic organisms
Mobility: High solubility in water increases likelihood of migration through soil and contamination of water systems
Aquatic Toxicity Data: LC50 (fish, 96h): 10 – 100 mg/L (moderate toxicity range)
Other Adverse Effects: Risk of metal ion accumulation in water, affecting aquatic ecosystems
Precautions: Prevent direct discharge into the environment and follow up with remediation if accidental release occurs

Disposal Considerations

Appropriate Disposal: Dispose as hazardous waste according to local, regional, and national requirements
Methods: Collect and store waste in sealed, corrosion-resistant containers, use permitted incineration facilities or chemical treatment options
Do Not: Discharge to drain, soil, or surface waters
Disposal of Packaging: Rinse empty containers thoroughly, dispose of rinsate as hazardous waste, deliver containers to licensed disposal contractor
Waste Codes: Use applicable EPA hazardous waste codes (D002 for corrosivity, D007 for zinc content if regulated)

Transport Information

UN Number: 3089
Proper Shipping Name: Zinc bromide solution or Zinc bromide
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (corrosive substances)
Packing Group: III
Labeling Requirements: Corrosive, include emergency contact details
Special Transport Conditions: Use leak-proof, corrosion-resistant containers; avoid storage near incompatible goods; secure load to prevent movement during transit
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Regulation Reference: Complies with ADR/RID, IMDG, ICAO/IATA guidance for corrosives

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Not listed as a specifically regulated substance but falls under Hazard Communication Standard
SARA Title III: Section 313 – Zinc compounds subject to reporting due to environmental release potential
TSCA (US): Listed in inventory
REACH (EU): Registered with ECHA, subject to substance-specific use conditions
WHMIS (Canada): Classified as hazardous – Corrosive material
Other Local/Regional Regulations: Subject to water pollution control regulations, hazardous material handling ordinances, and waste codes
Label Requirements: GHS label with hazard, precaution statements, supplier and product identification