Copper(I) chloride

Synonyms

Chlorid medny [Czech]; Copper monochloride; Copper(1+) chloride; Copper chloride; Cuprous chloride; Dicopper dichloride; [ChemIDplus] Cu-lyt; [Merck Index] Cuprous dichloride; [Reference #1] Cuprous Chloride Technical; Migratol R001; [Reference #2] UN2802

Category

Metals, Inorganic Compounds

Description

White solid; Turns green on exposure to moist air, and blue to brown on exposure to light; [Merck Index] Insoluble in water (0.1 g/L); [Ullmann] Grey-tan to light green odorless powder; [Reference #2]

Sources/Uses

Used to produce other copper compounds and in the production of silicone polymers, ethylene-propene rubbers, dialkyl carbonates, and acrylonitrile; Also used to purify carbon monoxide and to produce phthalocyanine pigments; Occurs in nature as nantokite; [Ullmann] Used as a catalyst for organic reactions, decolorizer, catalyst, and desulfuring agent in the petroleum industry, in denitration of cellulose, as condensing agent for soaps, fats, and oils, and in gas analysis to absorb carbon monoxide; [Merck Index] Used in Korea as a raw material for coloring agents and as a catalyst for CO and H2 production; [Reference #1] Used to control plant root growth in nursery pots (incorporated into the plastic); [Reference #2]

Comments

Harmful if swallowed; [MSDSonline] Acute copper poisoning after ingestion can cause liver injury, methemoglobinemia, and hemolytic anemia. Acute renal failure may result, secondary to massive hemoglobinuria. [Goldfrank, p. 1259] Classified as category I for skin and eye irritation (corrosive); Category II for acute oral and dermal exposure (moderate toxicity); Category III for acute inhalation exposure (low toxicity); Positive results in dermal sensitization studies; [Reference #2] May cause irritation; Harmful by ingestion; [Alfa Aesar MSDS] See "Copper."

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

1 mg/m3, as Cu

1 mg/m3, as Cu

0.01 mg/m3, respirable fraction (Cu, inorganic cmpnds)

100 mg/m3, as Cu

LC50 (mice) = 1,008 mg/m3

Explanatory Notes

mp = 430 deg C; [MSDSonline]

Reference Link #2

Hemolytic anemia

MetHgb is secondary toxic effect

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

Yes

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Petroleum Production and Refining