Material Safety Data Sheet: Ferrous Phosphide (Fe3P2)

Identification

Product Name: Ferrous Phosphide
Chemical Formula: Fe3P2
CAS Number: 12334-68-2
Synonyms: Iron Phosphide, Triiron Diphosphide
Manufacturer: Details usually found on sack labelling or shipping documents
Recommended Use: Used in the production of semiconductors, metallurgy, alloying, and chemical synthesis
Emergency Contact: Refer to local poison center numbers or company contact line.

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Classified as harmful if swallowed or inhaled; reacts vigorously with acids; may release phosphine gas, a toxic and flammable compound
Label Elements: Toxic symbol, warning for flammability if in contact with moisture or acids
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if inhaled, causes severe respiratory irritation, may ignite under certain conditions
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from water, acids, and ignition sources; avoid dust formation; use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Ferrous Phosphide
Concentration: Typically ranges from 98% to 100% for technical grade
Impurities: Minor traces of iron, phosphorus, and metallic oxides

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; keep at rest; seek immediate medical attention if breathing is difficult
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash exposed area with soap and water for several minutes; get medical help if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with water for minimum fifteen minutes; lift eyelids carefully; contact an eye specialist right away
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting; get immediate medical advice
Most Important Symptoms: Irritation of respiratory tract, coughing, burning of eyes or skin, potential for more severe symptoms if significant inhalation or ingestion occurs

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry sand, dry extinguishing agents, or graphite powder; water increases risk of toxic gas formation
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid water and foam which may cause violent reaction and phosphine release
Specific Hazards: Releases highly flammable and toxic phosphine gas when in contact with water or acids; risk of flash fire
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should gear up with self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Advice for Firefighters: Move containers away from danger if safe; keep area ventilated; stay upwind to avoid toxic fumes

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Ventilate the area; avoid inhaling dust or fumes; wear dust mask, gloves, and safety goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spilled material from entering drains, water sources, or soil
Methods for Cleaning Up: Scoop up spilled powder using tools that do not spark; transfer into containers that can be sealed tightly
Other Instructions: Do not use wet cleaning methods; avoid flushing with water; dispose of according to local hazardous waste regulations

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle in dry, well-ventilated areas; avoid generating dust; keep away from acids, moisture, and open flames
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers; keep containers dry and away from incompatible substances like strong oxidizers and acids
Incompatibilities: Acids, water, oxidizing agents
Special Conditions: Label storage area clearly; prevention of static buildup; maintain regular checks for leaks or spills

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limit: Limit workplace exposure to avoid triggering airborne dust beyond regulatory limits (consult local occupational health guidelines)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation; keep process enclosed wherever possible
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, dust mask or respirator approved for dusts and fumes, long-sleeve protective clothing
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after handling; remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse; keep work clothes separate from street clothes

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Grey to black powder or solid
Odor: Odorless under dry conditions; may give off garlic-like odor if reacting with acids
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting (around 1050°C)
Boiling Point: Not determined
Specific Gravity: Roughly 5.8 (water = 1)
Solubility: Insoluble in water; reacts with water to form phosphine gas
Other Properties: Stable under recommended storage; non-volatile

Stability and Reactivity

Reactivity: Strong reactions with acids and moisture; forms phosphine gas in contact with water or humidity
Chemical Stability: Stable under dry, cool, and well-ventilated storage
Hazardous Reactions: Exposure to acids or water can generate phosphine, a serious inhalation hazard that can ignite spontaneously
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Phosphine, iron oxides, phosphorus oxides
Incompatible Materials: Acids, water, strong oxidizing agents

Toxicological Information

Routes of Entry: Inhalation, ingestion, eye and skin contact
Acute Effects: Respiratory distress, coughing, sore throat, burning eyes, skin irritation
Chronic Effects: Long-term repeated exposure might affect respiratory function or cause sensitization
Toxicity Data: Data for ferrous phosphide itself limited; phosphine gas has a recognized acute inhalation hazard with an LC50 for rats between 11-16 ppm/hour
Other Health Effects: Symptoms may be delayed if large amounts are inhaled or ingested

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Iron phosphide is hazardous to aquatic organisms due to toxic decomposition products
Persistence and Degradability: No data for persistence; breakdown products such as phosphine and iron oxides may remain in environment
Bioaccumulation: Iron and phosphorus can accumulate in sediments and biota
Other Information: Keep runoff from entering sewers or waterways; risk of chemical contamination to bodies of water exists if material escapes typical containment

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Dispose of waste by placing in sealed, labeled containers for hazardous waste; consult local environmental regulations to avoid illegal dumping
Other Disposal Methods: Do not reuse empty containers; decontaminate equipment and clothing per hazardous waste guidelines; never flush with water or acids
Precautions: Always wear protective equipment during disposal; keep away from unauthorized personnel and minimize dust

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 1397
Proper Shipping Name: Ferrous Phosphide
Hazard Class: 4.3 (Dangerous when wet)
Packing Group: II
Labels Required: Dangerous When Wet, Toxic
Special Transport Precautions: Keep package dry and tightly closed during transit; store separately from acids, foods, and feedstuff

Regulatory Information

Hazard Symbols: Toxic, Dangerous When Wet, Environmental Hazard
Chemical Inventory Status: Listed in most government inventories including TSCA, DSL, EINECS
Relevant Regulations: Occupational exposure limits set by OSHA, chemical reporting demanded under SARA Title III; covered under environmental protection legislation for hazardous waste and water discharge
Workplace Requirements: Safety training, access to personal protective equipment, incident reporting protocols
Other Legal Considerations: Must comply with hazardous materials transportation laws; disposal oversight by national and local environmental agencies