Chemical Properties
opaque reddish-brown liquid
General Description
A red liquid with a pungent odor. Boiling point 309.2°F (154°C). Corrosive to metals and tissue.
Air & Water Reactions
Forms acid mists in moist air. Reacts with water to form corrosive fumes of HCl. Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 952).
Reactivity Profile
VANADIUM (IV) CHLORIDE decomposes by the action of light with the formation of Cl2 gas. Reacts as an acid to neutralize bases. These neutralizations generate heat. Usually does not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible. May catalyze organic reactions.
Health Hazard
CORROSIVE and/or TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
EXCEPT FOR ACETIC ANHYDRIDE (UN1715), THAT IS FLAMMABLE, some of these materials may burn, but none ignite readily. May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Substance will react with water (some violently), releasing corrosive and/or toxic gases and runoff. Flammable/toxic gases may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water. Substance may be transported in a molten form.
Potential Exposure
Vanadium tetrachloride is used as a
fixative in textile dyeing and in the manufacture of other
vanadium compounds.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
30 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including
resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical
attention. If victim is conscious, administer water, or
milk. Do not induce vomiting. Medical observation is
recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure,
as pulmonary edema may be delayed. As first aid for
pulmonary edema, a doctor or authorized paramedic may
consider administering a drug or other inhalation therapy.
Shipping
UN2444 Vanadium tetrachloride, Hazard class:
8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material.
Incompatibilities
Vanadium tetrachloride is chemically
unstable, highly reactive with all forms of moisture, including
humidity, releasing corrosive hydrogen chloride and/or
chloride fumes. Keep away from light, UV, water, steam,
lithium, chlorine, trifluoride, alcohols, organic, and combustible
materials. Vanadium tetrachloride is a reactive
chemical and is an explosion hazard. See storage and handling
section. Corrosive to metals and may release flammable
hydrogen gas. Vanadium tetrachloride decomposes by
the action of light with the formation of Cl2 gas. Reacts as
an acid to neutralize bases. These neutralizations generate
heat. Usually does not react as either oxidizing agents or
reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible. May
catalyze organic reactions.
Preparation
Disproportionate of VCl3 to VCl2 and VCl4
by heating in a N2 stream at 900°C in a porcelain tube.
Flammability and Explosibility
Notclassified
