NICKEL CARBONYL

Nickel carbonyl
(Tetracarbonyl nickel)
CAS 13463-39-3

Ni(CO)₄

Colorless liquid
bp 43 °C, mp -25 °C
Very slightly soluble in water (0.0018 g/100 mL at 20 °C)

Sooty odor detectable at 0.5 to 3 ppm

5.89 (air = 1.0)

321 mmHg at 20 °C

< -20 °C

Explodes above 60 °C

LC₅₀ inhal (rat) 35 ppm (240 mg/m³; 30 min)

PEL (OSHA) 0.001 ppm (0.007 mg/m³)

TLV-TWA (ACGIH) 0.05 mg/m ³

High acute toxicity; possible human carcinogen (OSHA "select carcinogen"); highly flammable.

The acute toxicity of nickel carbonyl by inhalation is high. Acute toxic effects occur in two stages, immediate and delayed. Headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, vomiting, and nausea are the initial symptoms of overexposure; the delayed effects (10 to 36 h) consist of chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, bluish discoloration of the skin, and in severe cases, delirium, convulsions, and death. Recovery is protracted and characterized by fatigue on slight exertion. Nickel carbonyl is not regarded as having adequate warning properties.

Repeated or prolonged exposure to nickel carbonyl has been associated with an increased incidence of cancer of the lungs and sinuses. Nickel carbonyl is listed by IARC in Group 2B ("possible human carcinogen"), is listed by NTP as "reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen," and is classified as a "select carcinogen" under the criteria of the OSHA Laboratory Standard.

Nickel carbonyl is a highly flammable liquid (NFPA rating = 3) that may ignite spontaneously and explodes when heated above 60 °C. Its lower flammable limit in air is 2% by volume; the upper limit has not been reported. Carbon dioxide, water, or dry chemical extinguishers should be used for nickel carbonyl fires.

In the presence of air, nickel carbonyl forms a deposit that becomes peroxidized and may ignite. Nickel carbonyl is incompatible with mercury, nitric acid, chlorine, and other oxidizers, which may cause fires and explosions. Products of decomposition (nickel oxide and carbon monoxide) are less toxic that nickel carbonyl itself.

Because of its carcinogenicity and flammability, nickel carbonyl should be handled using the "basic prudent practices" of Chapter 5.C supplemented by the additional precautions for work with compounds of high chronic toxicity (Chapter 5.D) and extremely flammable substances (Chapter 5.F). In particular, work with nickel carbonyl should be conducted in a fume hood to prevent exposure by inhalation and splash goggles and impermeable gloves should be worn at all times to prevent eye and skin contact. Nickel carbonyl should only be used in areas free of ignition sources. Containers of nickel carbonyl should be stored in secondary containers in the dark in areas separate from oxidizers.

In the event of skin contact, immediately wash with soap and water and remove contaminated clothing. In case of eye contact, promptly wash with copious amounts of water for 15 min (lifting upper and lower lids occasionally) and obtain medical attention. If nickel carbonyl is ingested, obtain medical attention immediately. If large amounts of this compound are inhaled, move the person to fresh air and seek medical attention at once.

In the event of a spill, remove all ignition sources, soak up the nickel carbonyl with a spill pillow or absorbent material, place in an appropriate container, and dispose of properly. Respiratory protection will be necessary in the event of a large spill or release in a confined area.

Excess nickel carbonyl and waste material containing this substance should be placed in an appropriate container, clearly labeled, and handled according to your institution's waste disposal guidelines.

The information in this LCSS has been compiled by a committee of the National Research Council from literature sources and Material Safety Data Sheets and is believed to be accurate as of July 1994. This summary is intended for use by trained laboratory personnel in conjunction with the NRC report Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals. This LCSS presents a concise summary of safety information that should be adequate for most laboratory uses of the title substance, but in some cases it may be advisable to consult more comprehensive references. This information should not be used as a guide to the nonlaboratory use of this chemical.

Copyright 1995 National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.