RUTHENIUM TETROXIDE

Synonym:ruthenium tetroxide

---

Section 2: Composition and Information on Ingredients
IngredientCAS NumberPercentACGIH (TWA)OSHA (PEL)
Title Compound20427-56-90.5%no datano data

---

Section 3: Hazards Identification
Emergency Overview:Irritating to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. May be harmful if swallowed.
Primary Routes of Exposure:Ingestion, eyes
Eye Contact:Causes slight to mild irritation of the eyes.
Skin Contact:Causes slight to mild irritation of the skin.
Inhalation:Irritating to the nose, mucous membranes and respiratory tract.
Ingestion:No specific information is available on the physiological effects of ingestion.
Acute Health Affects:Irritating to skin, eyes and respiratory tract.
Chronic Health Affects:Exposure to ruthenium tetroxide dust and vapors may cause severe permanent damage to eyes and lungs.
NTP:No
IARC:No
OSHA:No

---

SECTION 4: First Aid Measures
Immediately flush the eyes with copious amounts of water for at least 10-15 minutes. A victim may need
Eye Exposure:
assistance in keeping their eye lids open. Get immediate medical attention.
Wash the affected area with water. Remove contaminated clothes if necessary. Seek medical assistance if
Skin Exposure:
irritation persists.
Remove the victim to fresh air. Closely monitor the victim for signs of respiratory problems, such as difficulty
Inhalation:
in breathing, coughing, wheezing, or pain. In such cases seek immediate medical assistance.
Seek medical attention immediately. Keep the victim calm. Give the victim water (only if conscious). Induce
Ingestion:
vomiting only if directed by medical personnel.

---

SECTION 5: Fire Fighting Measures
Flash Point:not applicable
Autoignition Temperature:not applicable
Explosion Limits:not applicable
Extinguishing Medium:Aqueous solution - non-flammable
When dry acts as an oxidizer towards organics. Smothering the fire may not be effective. A NIOSH approved
Special Fire Fighting Procedures:
self contained breathing apparatus should be worn.
Hazardous Combustion andToxic ruthenium tetroxide could be present in gasses.
Decomposion Products:
Wetting the dried solid with small amounts of alcohols, solvents or combustible powders may lead to ignition
Unusual Fire or Explosion Hazards:
and fire.

---

SECTION 6: Accidental Release Measures
Small spills should be flushed with sodium bisulfite solution to detoxify ruthenium tetroxide, and then be mixed
Spill and Leak Procedures:
with vermiculite or sodium carbonate and swept up. Do not mix with combustible materials.

---

SECTION 7: Handling and Storage
Handling and Storage:Store in a cool dark place in tightly closed containers.

---

SECTION 8: Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Eye Protection:Always wear approved safety glasses when handling a chemical substance in the laboratory.
Skin Protection:Wear appropriate chemical resistant gloves and protective clothing.
Ventilation:Material may form a fine dust or vapor. If possible, handle the material in an efficient fume hood.
If ventilation is not available a respirator should be worn. The use of respirators requires a Respirator
Respirator:
Protection Program to be in compliance with 29 CFR 1910.134.
Ventilation:Material may form a fine dust or vapor. If possible, handle the material in an efficient fume hood.
Additional Protection:No additional protection required.

---

SECTION 9: Physical and Chemical Properties
Color and Form:yellow liq.
Molecular Weight:165.7
Melting Point:no data
Boiling Point:(water)
Vapor Pressure:no data
Specific Gravity:no data
Odor:acrid odor
Solubility in Water:material is a water solution

---

SECTION 10: Stability and Reactivity
Stability:heat sensitive, (store cold, in the dark)
Hazardous Polymerization:no hazardous polymerization
Conditions to Avoid:The dry powder reacts violently with paper, alcohol, and other combustibles.
Incompatibility:Reducing agents, organic materials, active metals and halogens
Decomposition Products:ruthenium and oxygen

---

SECTION 11: Toxicological Information
RTECS Data:No information available in the RTECS files.
Carcinogenic Effects:No data available
Mutagenic Effects:No data available
Tetratogenic Effects:No data available

---

SECTION 12: Ecological Information
Ecological Information:No information available

---

SECTION 13: Disposal Considerations
Disposal:Dispose of according to local, state and federal regulations.

---

SECTION 14: Transportation
Shipping Name (CFR):Oxidizing liquid, N.O.S.
Hazard Class (CFR):5.1
Additional Hazard Class (CFR):NA
Packaging Group (CFR):II
UN ID Number (CFR):UN# 3139
Shipping Name (IATA):Oxidizing liquid, N.O.S.
Hazard Class (IATA):5.1
Additional Hazard Class (IATA):NA
Packaging Group (IATA):II
UN ID Number (IATA):UN# 3139

---

SECTION 15: Regulatory Information
TSCA:Not listed in the TSCA inventory.
SARA (Title 313):Title compound not listed.
Second Ingredient:none

---

SECTION 16 - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
N/A