Germanium tetrachloride

Synonyms

Germanium chloride; Germanium(IV) chloride; Germanium, tetrachloro-; Tetrachlorogermane; Germane, tetrachloro-; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Metalloid Compounds (Germanium)

Description

Liquid that fumes in air; Peculiar acidic odor; [Merck Index] Colorless liquid; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]

Sources/Uses

Used as a semiconductor; [REPROTOX]

Comments

Volatile at room temperature; Hydrolyzed by water; Fumes cause eye, mucous membrane, and respiratory tract irritation; [Merck Index] A severe eye irritant; Causes conjunctival irritation, somnolence, acute pulmonary edema, diffuse hepatitis, and acute renal failure in inhalation lethal-concentration studies of mice; [RTECS] Reacts violently with water; Causes burns and lachrymation; Inhalation may cause corrosive injuries to upper respiratory tract and lungs; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS] See "Germanium."

Biomedical References

LC50 (mouse) = 44,000 mg/m3/2hr

Yes

Yes

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Yes

Skin burns

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Semiconductor Manufacturing