Chemical Datasheet
OSMIUM TETROXIDE |
|
Chemical Identifiers
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec1_help","sec1_help_marker","/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
The
Chemical Identifier fields
include common identification numbers, the
NFPA diamond,
U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general
description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes
from a variety of
data sources.
| CAS Number | UN/NA Number | DOT Hazard Label | USCG CHRIS Code |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
none |
NFPA 704
data unavailable
| NIOSH Pocket Guide | International Chem Safety Card |
|---|---|
Osmium tetroxide
|
General Description
A colorless or yellow solid with a pungent odor of chlorine. Begins to sublime below melting point. Soluble in alcohol. Toxic by inhalation and a strong irritant to the eyes and mucous membranes.
Hazards
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec2_help","sec2_help_marker","/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
The
Hazard fields
include
special hazard alerts,
air and water
reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and
details about
reactive groups assignments
and
potentially incompatible absorbents.
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
- Strong Oxidizing Agent
Air & Water Reactions
Soluble in water.
Fire Hazard
Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:
Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. For electric vehicles or equipment, ERG Guide 147 (lithium ion batteries) or ERG Guide 138 (sodium batteries) should also be consulted. (ERG, 2016)
Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. For electric vehicles or equipment, ERG Guide 147 (lithium ion batteries) or ERG Guide 138 (sodium batteries) should also be consulted. (ERG, 2016)
Health Hazard
Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:
TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution. (ERG, 2016)
TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution. (ERG, 2016)
Reactivity Profile
OSMIUM TETROXIDE is incompatible with hydrochloric acid and easily oxidizes organic materials. Contact with other materials may cause fire. (NIOSH, 2016). Reacts explosively with 1-methylimidazole [J. Chem. Soc., Dalton Trans., 1979, 1084].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...
- Cellulose-Based Absorbents
- Expanded Polymeric Absorbents
Response Recommendations
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec3_help","sec3_help_marker","/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
The
Response Recommendation fields
include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for
firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The
information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:
As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: Increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown above.
FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)
As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: Increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown above.
FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)
Firefighting
Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.
LARGE FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk. Dike fire-control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2016)
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.
LARGE FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk. Dike fire-control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2016)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2016)
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2016)
Protective Clothing
Skin: Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
Eyes: Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.
Wash skin: The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.
Remove: Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.
Change: Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premise.
Provide: Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substance; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection. (NIOSH, 2016)
Eyes: Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.
Wash skin: The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.
Remove: Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.
Change: Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premise.
Provide: Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substance; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection. (NIOSH, 2016)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
Eye: If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this chemical.
Skin: If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.
Breathing: If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Swallow: If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. (NIOSH, 2016)
Skin: If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.
Breathing: If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Swallow: If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. (NIOSH, 2016)
Physical Properties
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec4_help","sec4_help_marker","/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
The
Physical Property fields
include properties such as vapor pressure and
boiling point, as well as explosive limits and
toxic exposure thresholds.
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
| Chemical Formula: |
|
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point:
105 ° F
(NIOSH, 2016)
Vapor Pressure:
7 mm Hg
(NIOSH, 2016)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: data unavailable
Boiling Point:
266 ° F
at 760 mm Hg
(NIOSH, 2016)
Molecular Weight:
254.2
(NIOSH, 2016)
Water Solubility:
6 %
at 77° F
(NIOSH, 2016)
Ionization Potential:
12.60 eV
(NIOSH, 2016)
IDLH:
1 mg/m3
(NIOSH, 2016)
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
| Exposure Period | AEGL-1 | AEGL-2 | AEGL-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | NR | 0.015 ppm | 5 ppm |
| 30 minutes | NR | 0.011 ppm | 5 ppm |
| 60 minutes | NR | 0.0084 ppm | 4 ppm |
| 4 hours | NR | 0.0033 ppm | 2.5 ppm |
| 8 hours | NR | 0.0017 ppm | 2 ppm |
NR = Not recommended due to insufficient data
(NAC/NRC, 2016)
ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
No ERPG information available.PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
| Chemical | PAC-1 | PAC-2 | PAC-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osmium tetroxide (20816-12-0) | 0.0006 ppm | 0.0084 ppm | 4 ppm |
(DOE, 2016)
Regulatory Information
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec5_help","sec5_help_marker","/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
The
Regulatory Information fields
include information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title
III Consolidated List of Lists and the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (see more about these
data sources).
EPA Consolidated List of Lists
| Regulatory Name | CAS Number/ 313 Category Code |
EPCRA 302 EHS TPQ |
EPCRA 304 EHS RQ |
CERCLA RQ | EPCRA 313 TRI |
RCRA Code |
CAA 112(r) RMP TQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osmium oxide OsO4 (T-4)- | 20816-12-0 | 1000 pounds | X | P087 | |||
| Osmium tetroxide | 20816-12-0 | 1000 pounds | 313 | P087 |
- "X" indicates that this is a second name for an EPCRA section 313 chemical already included on this consolidated list. May also indicate that the same chemical with the same CAS number appears on another list with a different chemical name.
(EPA List of Lists, 2015)
DHS Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
No regulatory information available.Alternate Chemical Names
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec6_help","sec6_help_marker","/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical,
including trade names and synonyms.
- MILAS' REAGENT
- OSMIC ACID ANHYDRIDE
- OSMIUM OXIDE
- OSMIUM OXIDE (OSO4)
- OSMIUM OXIDE OSO4 (T-4)-
- OSMIUM TETRAOXIDE
- OSMIUM TETROXIDE
- OSMIUM(IV) OXIDE
- REAGENTS, MILAS'
- TETRAOXOOSMIUM
Web site owner:
Office of Response and Restoration,
National Ocean Service,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
USA.gov.
CAMEO Chemicals version 2.7 rev 2.