Chemical Properties
Cadmium sulphate, CdSO₄, is an efflorescent crystalline solid that is soluble in water, with a higher solubility than the corresponding zinc sulphate. Temperature variations have little effect on its solubility, and it can be used in standard cells. The electrodes of a cadmium cell consist of a cadmium–mercury alloy, mercury, and a transparent saturated solution of cadmium sulphate and mercuric sulphate (Hg₂SO₄). At 15–18 °C, its electromotive force can reach 1.019 V and remains constant with temperature changes. Cadmium sulphate exists in three hydrate forms: 3CdSO₄·8H₂O, CdSO₄·H₂O, and CdSO₄·7H₂O. The most important of these is 3CdSO₄·8H₂O, which forms large, transparent, planar crystals in the monoclinic system; it weathers in air, is soluble in water, and is insoluble in alcohol.
Physical properties
Colorless orthogonal crystal; the hydrates have monoclinic crystal system; density 4.69 g/cm
3 (density of mono-, and octahydrates is 3.79 and 3.08 g/cm
3, respectively); melts at 1,000°C (octahydrate decomposes at 40°C); soluble in water, insoluble in ethanol.
Uses
It is a catalyst in Marsh test fir arsenic; determination of hydrogen sulfide.
Uses
Cadmium sulfate (CdS), also called “orange cadmium,” is used to produce phosphors and
fluorescent screens. It is also used as a pigment in inks and paints, to color ceramics glazes, in the
manufacture of transistors in electronics, photovoltaic cells, and solar cells, and in fireworks.
Uses
Applied in the formation of novel two-dimensional Cd-SCN coordination solids with unusual and tailorable, checkerboard- or herringbone-patterned structures these structures are important steps toward technologically useful materials.1
Definition
ChEBI: Cadmium sulfate is a cadmium salt.
Preparation
Cadmium sulfate is prepared by the reaction of cadmium metal or its oxide or hydroxide with dilute sulfuric acid:
CdO + H
2SO
4 → CdSO
4+ H
2CdO + H
2SO
4 → CdSO
4 + H
2O
Cd(OH)
2 + H
2SO
4 → CdSO
4+ 2H
2O.
General Description
Odorless white solid. Sinks and mixes slowly with water.
Air & Water Reactions
Water soluble.
Reactivity Profile
Cadmium sulfate acts as a weakly acidic inorganic salt, which is soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydrogen ions and have pH's of less than 7.0. They react as acids to neutralize bases. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of inorganic acids, inorganic oxoacids, and carboxylic acid. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible. Many of these compounds catalyze organic reactions.
Hazard
A confirmed carcinogen.
Health Hazard
Inhalation may cause dryness of throat, coughing, constriction in chest, and headache. Ingestion may cause salivation, vomiting, abdominal pains, or diarrhea. Contact with eyes causes irritation.
Health Hazard
Exposures to cadmium salts by absorption are most effi cient via the respiratory tract. The
symptoms of health effects include, but are not limited to, irritation, headache, metallic
taste, and/or cough. Severe exposures cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and fl u-like
symptoms with weakness, fever, headache, chills, sweating, nausea and muscular pain,
pulmonary edema, liver and kidney damage, and death. Prolonged exposures, even at
relatively low concentrations, may result in kidney damage, anemia, pulmonary fi brosis,
emphysema, perforation of the nasal septum, loss of smell, male reproductive effects, and
an increased risk of cancer of the lung and of the prostate. Decrease in bone density, renal
stones, and other evidence of disturbed calcium metabolism have been reported.
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic cadmium oxide fume may form in fires.
reaction suitability
reagent type: catalyst
core: cadmium
Safety Profile
Confirmed human
carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic
data. Poison by ingestion, subcutaneous, and
intraperitoneal routes. Experimental
teratogenic and reproductive effects.
Mutation data reported. See also
CADMIUM COMPOUNDS and
SULFATES. When heated to
decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of
Cd and SOx.
Potential Exposure
It is used in pigments, electroplating;
as a fungicide; and in synthetic and analytical chemistry.
Also used in fluorescent screens; as an electrolyte.
Incompatibilities: Acts as a weak inorganic acid; neutralizes bases. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates,
peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine,
fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep
away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids,
oxoacids, epoxides, sulfur, selenium, tellurium, zinc
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for atleast 15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seekmedical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.Medical observation is recommended for 24 48 h afterbreathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may bedelayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor orCadmium sulfate 515authorized paramedic may consider administering a corticosteroid spray.Note to physician: In case of fume inhalation, treat for pulmonary edema. Give prednisone or other corticosteroidorally to reduce tissue response to fume. Positive-pressureventilation may be necessary. Treat metal fume fever withbed rest, analgesics, and antipyretics. The symptoms ofmetal fume fever may be delayed for 4-12 h followingexposure: it may last less than 36 h.Note to physician: For severe poisoning do not use BAL[British Anti-Lewisite, dimercaprol, dithiopropanol(C3H8OS2)] as it is contraindicated or ineffective inpoisoning from cadmium.
storage
Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard: Store in asecure poison location. Prior to working with Cadmium sulfate, you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. A regulated, marked area should be established wherethis chemical is handled, used, or stored in compliance withOSHA Standard 1910.1045. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from oxidizers andmetals.
Shipping
UN2570 Cadmium compounds, Hazard Class:
6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name
Required.
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with strong oxidizers,sulfur, selenium, tellurium, zinc. Acts as a weak inorganicacid; neutralizes bases. May ignite combustible materials.
Precautions
Cadmium compounds cause more health disorders to occupational workers and persons
with pre-existing skin disorders, eye problems, blood disorders, prostate problems, or
impaired liver, kidney, or respiratory function. These workers are more susceptible to the
effects of cadmium salts. On contact with cadmium, exposed workers should wash the
skin and eyes immediately with plenty of water
