"Microwaving" Ferric Chloride
2007-05-19 by Roland F. Harriston
I really don't see a lot of cast-off microwave ovens in my neck of the
woods.
Not many junk shops here or thrift stores, etc. And I don't think I'd
want to
spend time schlepping around old microwave ovens just to heat up ferric
chloride! There better methods that are less "brute force".
Additionally, I know that I would not like to have ferric chloride or
any of its
constituents wafting around in my home or workshop.
Heating the stuff in a domestic microwave oven might be marginally
acceptable
if one had positive means for controlling temperature and ventilation.
Heating ferric chloride to some temperature slightly above ambient to
speed up
the etch process is certainly acceptable, and is a common feature of most
professional PCB etch equipment.
If I recall correctly, the Kepro systems that I used during my heyday had
stainless steel encased heating elements in the spray etch tank, and we
used the etch tanks in a room that had a specially designed ventilation
system.
Nowadays, I use the peroxide/muriatic acid formulation. I use it
outdoors only.
I heat the etchant very slightly with a heat gun similar to the ones used to
apply heatshrink insulation tubing on wires. Just a slight increase in the
temperature of the etchant does speed up the etch process.
I would never use any of the "popular" etchants inside my home or shop,
and not ever where there are kids, or pets.
Please take note of the "Health Rating" that Mallinckrodt/J.T. Baker, Inc.
has assigned to ferric chloride, along with their other caveats regarding
the use of this stuff, especially the "vent hood" recommendation.
Roland F. Harriston
********************
MSDS Number: *F1060* * * * * * /Effective Date:* 01/19/06* * * * * *
Supercedes:* 05/07/03*/
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FERRIC CHLORIDE
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Product Identification
*Synonyms:* Iron chloride hexahydrate; ferric trichloride hexahydrate
*CAS No.:* 7705-08-0 Anhydrous; (10025-77-1 Hexahydrate)
*Molecular Weight:* 270.30
*Chemical Formula:* FeCl3 6H2O
*Product Codes:*
J.T. Baker: 1996, 2000
Mallinckrodt: 5029
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Composition/Information on Ingredients
Ingredient CAS No Percent Hazardous
--------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Ferric Chloride 7705-08-0 90 - 100% Yes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Hazards Identification
*Emergency Overview*
--------------------------
*DANGER! CORROSIVE. CAUSES BURNS TO ANY AREA OF CONTACT. HARMFUL IF
SWALLOWED OR INHALED. AFFECTS THE LIVER.*
*SAF-T-DATA^(tm) * Ratings (Provided here for your convenience)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Health Rating: 3 - Severe (Life)
Flammability Rating: 0 - None
Reactivity Rating: 2 - Moderate
Contact Rating: 3 - Severe (Corrosive)
Lab Protective Equip: GOGGLES & SHIELD; LAB COAT & APRON; VENT HOOD;
PROPER GLOVES
Storage Color Code: White (Corrosive)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Potential Health Effects*
----------------------------------
*Inhalation:*
Extremely destructive to tissues of the mucous membranes and upper
respiratory tract. Symptoms may include burning sensation, coughing,
wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea and
vomiting.
*Ingestion:*
Corrosive. Swallowing can cause severe burns of the mouth, throat,
and stomach. Can cause sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea. Low toxicity
in small quantities but larger doses (30 mg/kg) may cause nausea,
vomiting and diarrhea. Pink urine discoloration is a strong
indicator of iron poisoning. Liver damage, coma and death may
follow, sometimes delayed as long as three days.
*Skin Contact:*
Corrosive. Symptoms of redness, pain, and severe burn can occur.
*Eye Contact:*
Corrosive. Contact can cause blurred vision, redness, pain and
severe tissue burns.
*Chronic Exposure:*
Repeated ingestion may cause liver damage. Prolonged exposure of the
eyes may cause discoloration.
*Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:*
No information found.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. First Aid Measures
*Inhalation:*
Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical attention
immediately.
*Ingestion:*
If swallowed, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Give large quantities of
water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get
medical attention immediately.
*Skin Contact:*
Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes
while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical
attention immediately. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean
shoes before reuse.
*Eye Contact:*
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes,
lifting lower and upper eyelids occasionally. Get medical attention
immediately.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Fire Fighting Measures
*Fire:*
Not considered to be a fire hazard. Irritating hydrogen chloride
fumes may form in fire.
*Explosion:*
Not considered to be an explosion hazard.
*Fire Extinguishing Media:*
Water, dry chemical, foam or carbon dioxide. Do not allow water
runoff to enter sewers or waterways.
*Special Information:*
In the event of a fire, wear full protective clothing and
NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full
facepiece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure
mode.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Accidental Release Measures
Ventilate area of leak or spill. Keep unnecessary and unprotected
people away from area of spill. Wear appropriate personal protective
equipment as specified in Section 8. Spills: Pick up and place in a
suitable container for reclamation or disposal, using a method that
does not generate dust. US Regulations (CERCLA) require reporting
spills and releases to soil, water and air in excess of reportable
quantities. The toll free number for the US Coast Guard National
Response Center is (800) 424-8802.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Handling and Storage
Keep in a tightly closed container, stored in a cool, dry,
ventilated area. Protect against physical damage. Isolate from
incompatible substances. Containers of this material may be
hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (dust,
solids); observe all warnings and precautions listed for the product.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
*Airborne Exposure Limits:*
-ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV):
1 mg/m3 (TWA) soluble iron salt as Fe
*Ventilation System:*
A system of local and/or general exhaust is recommended to keep
employee exposures below the Airborne Exposure Limits. Local exhaust
ventilation is generally preferred because it can control the
emissions of the contaminant at its source, preventing dispersion of
it into the general work area. Please refer to the ACGIH document,
/Industrial Ventilation, A Manual of Recommended Practices/, most
recent edition, for details.
*Personal Respirators (NIOSH Approved):*
If the exposure limit is exceeded and engineering controls are not
feasible, a half facepiece particulate respirator (NIOSH type N95 or
better filters) may be worn for up to ten times the exposure limit
or the maximum use concentration specified by the appropriate
regulatory agency or respirator supplier, whichever is lowest.. A
full-face piece particulate respirator (NIOSH type N100 filters) may
be worn up to 50 times the exposure limit, or the maximum use
concentration specified by the appropriate regulatory agency, or
respirator supplier, whichever is lowest. If oil particles (e.g.
lubricants, cutting fluids, glycerine, etc.) are present, use a
NIOSH type R or P filter. For emergencies or instances where the
exposure levels are not known, use a full-facepiece
positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator. WARNING: Air-purifying
respirators do not protect workers in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
*Skin Protection:*
Wear protective gloves and clean body-covering clothing.
*Eye Protection:*
Maintain eye wash fountain and quick-drench facilities in work area.
Use chemical safety goggles and/or full face shield where dusting or
splashing of solutions is possible.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
*Appearance:*
Yellow brown deliquescent crystals.
*Odor:*
Slight odor of hydrochloric acid.
*Solubility:*
Soluble in water.
*Density:*
2.90 @ 25C/4C
*pH:*
No information found.
*% Volatiles by volume @ 21C (70F):*
0
*Boiling Point:*
No information found.
*Melting Point:*
37C (99F)
*Vapor Density (Air=1):*
No information found.
*Vapor Pressure (mm Hg):*
1.1 @ 194C (381F)
*Evaporation Rate (BuAc=1):*
No information found.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Stability and Reactivity
*Stability:*
Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage.
*Hazardous Decomposition Products:*
Emits toxic fumes of chloride when heated to decomposition.
*Hazardous Polymerization:*
This substance does not polymerize.
*Incompatibilities:*
Metals, allyl chloride, sodium, potassium. Will react with water to
produce toxic and corrosive fumes.
*Conditions to Avoid:*
Incompatibles.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. Toxicological Information
Oral rat LD50: 316 mg/kg (anhydrous); investigated as a mutagen,
reproductive effector.
--------\Cancer Lists\------------------------------------------------------
---NTP Carcinogen---
Ingredient Known Anticipated IARC Category
------------------------------------ ----- ----------- -------------
Ferric Chloride (7705-08-0) No No None
------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. Ecological Information
*Environmental Fate:*
No information found.
*Environmental Toxicity:*
24 Hr LC50 striped bass (fingerling): 6 mg/L (static);
24 Hr LC50 striped bass (larvae): 4 mg/L (static)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. Disposal Considerations
Whatever cannot be saved for recovery or recycling should be managed
in an appropriate and approved waste facility. Although not a listed
RCRA hazardous waste, this material may exhibit one or more
characteristics of a hazardous waste and require appropriate
analysis to determine specific disposal requirements. Processing,
use or contamination of this product may change the waste management
options. State and local disposal regulations may differ from
federal disposal regulations. Dispose of container and unused
contents in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. Transport Information
*Domestic (Land, D.O.T.)*
-----------------------
*Proper Shipping Name:* CORROSIVE SOLID, ACIDIC, INORGANIC, N.O.S.
(FERRIC CHLORIDE, 6-HYDRATE)
*Hazard Class:* 8
*UN/NA:* UN3260
Packing Group: III
*Information reported for product/size:* 220LB
*International (Water, I.M.O.)*
-----------------------------
*Proper Shipping Name:* CORROSIVE SOLID, ACIDIC, INORGANIC, N.O.S.
(FERRIC CHLORIDE, 6-HYDRATE)
*Hazard Class:* 8
*UN/NA:* UN3260
Packing Group: III
*Information reported for product/size:* 220LB
*International (Air, I.C.A.O.)*
-----------------------------
*Proper Shipping Name:* CORROSIVE SOLID, ACIDIC, INORGANIC, N.O.S.
(FERRIC CHLORIDE, 6-HYDRATE)
*Hazard Class:* 8
*UN/NA:* UN3260
Packing Group: III
*Information reported for product/size:* 220LB
------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. Regulatory Information
--------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 1\---------------------------------
Ingredient TSCA EC Japan Australia
----------------------------------------------- ---- --- ----- ---------
Ferric Chloride (7705-08-0) Yes Yes Yes Yes
--------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 2\---------------------------------
--Canada--
Ingredient Korea DSL NDSL Phil.
----------------------------------------------- ----- --- ---- -----
Ferric Chloride (7705-08-0) Yes Yes No Yes
--------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 1\----------------
-SARA 302- ------SARA 313------
Ingredient RQ TPQ List Chemical Catg.
----------------------------------------- --- ----- ---- --------------
Ferric Chloride (7705-08-0) No No No No
--------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 2\----------------
-RCRA- -TSCA-
Ingredient CERCLA 261.33 8(d)
----------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------
Ferric Chloride (7705-08-0) 1000 No No
Chemical Weapons Convention: No TSCA 12(b): No CDTA: No
SARA 311/312: Acute: Yes Chronic: No Fire: No Pressure: No
Reactivity: No (Pure / Solid)
*Australian Hazchem Code:* 2R
* Poison Schedule:* None allocated.
*WHMIS:*
This MSDS has been prepared according to the hazard criteria of the
Controlled Products Regulations (CPR) and the MSDS contains all of
the information required by the CPR.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. Other Information
*NFPA Ratings:* Health:* 2* Flammability: * 0* Reactivity: * 0*
*Label Hazard Warning:*
DANGER! CORROSIVE. CAUSES BURNS TO ANY AREA OF CONTACT. HARMFUL IF
SWALLOWED OR INHALED. AFFECTS THE LIVER.
*Label Precautions:*
Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
Do not breathe dust.
Keep container closed.
Use only with adequate ventilation.
Wash thoroughly after handling.
*Label First Aid:*
In case of contact, immediately flush eyes or skin with plenty of water
for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes.
Wash clothing before reuse. If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not
breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give
oxygen. If swallowed, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Give large quantities of
water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. In all
cases get medical attention immediately.
*Product Use:*
Laboratory Reagent.
*Revision Information:*
MSDS Section(s) changed since last revision of document include: 3, 11, 12.
*Disclaimer:*
************************************************************************************************
*Mallinckrodt Baker, Inc. provides the information contained herein in
good faith but makes no representation as to its comprehensiveness or
accuracy. This document is intended only as a guide to the appropriate
precautionary handling of the material by a properly trained person
using this product. Individuals receiving the information must exercise
their independent judgment in determining its appropriateness for a
particular purpose. MALLINCKRODT BAKER, INC. MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR
WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH
RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN OR THE PRODUCT TO WHICH THE
INFORMATION REFERS. ACCORDINGLY, MALLINCKRODT BAKER, INC. WILL NOT BE
RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM USE OF OR RELIANCE UPON THIS
INFORMATION.*
************************************************************************************************
*Prepared by: *Environmental Health & Safety
Phone Number: (314) 654-1600 (
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]