MAGNESIUM PERCHLORATE

A white crystalline solid. Strongly absorbs water from air and dissolves in it. Accordingly, used as a regenerable drying agent. May explode under prolonged exposure to heat or fire.

• Explosive
• Strong Oxidizing Agent

Deliquescent. Water soluble

Behavior in Fire: Can form explosive mixture with combustible material or finely powdered metals. Increases the intensity of fires. (USCG, 1999)

Inhalation of dust irritates mucous membranes. Ingestion of large amounts may be fatal; immediate symptoms include adominal pains, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, pallor, blueness, shortness of breath, unconsciousness. Contact with eyes or skin causes irritation. (USCG, 1999)

MAGNESIUM PERCHLORATE is a strong oxidizing agent. Decomposes at 185-190°C [Hawley]. Noncombustible but accelerates the burning of combustible materials. If large quantities are involved in the fire or the combustible material is finely divided an explosion may result. Avoid contact with mineral acids because of the danger of explosion. In the preparation of anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide by vacuum distillation from anhydrous magnesium perchlorate, an explosion occurred [MCA Case History 1187, 1966]. Drying ethylene oxide with magnesium perchlorate resulted in an explosion [NSC Newsletter. Chem. Soc. 1959]. Magnesium perchlorate used in drying hydrocarbons exploded when heated to 220°C [Ind. & Eng. News 17:70. 1939]. As soon as trimethyl phosphite contacted a small amount of magnesium perchlorate in a flask, there was a flash and an explosion that shattered the flask [Allison 1968].

• Oxidizing Agents, Strong

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents
• Expanded Polymeric Absorbents

Excerpt from 140 [Oxidizers]:

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.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).

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. If ammonium nitrate is in a tank, rail car or tank truck and involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, initiate evacuation including emergency responders for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 140 [Oxidizers]:

SMALL FIRE: Use water. Do not use dry chemicals or foams. CO2 or Halon® may provide limited control.

LARGE FIRE: Flood fire area with water from a distance. Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 140 [Oxidizers]:

Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Do not get water inside containers.

SMALL DRY SPILL: With clean shovel, place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.

SMALL LIQUID SPILL: Use a non-combustible material like vermiculite or sand to soak up the product and place into a container for later disposal.

LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. (ERG, 2020)

U.S. Bu. Mines approved respirator; chemical safety goggles; face shield (USCG, 1999)

No information available.

INHALATION: remove victim to fresh air; get medical attention if irritation persists.

INGESTION: give large amount of water; induce vomiting; call a physician.

EYES: flush with copious quantities of water for at least 15 min.; call physician.

SKIN: flush with water. (USCG, 1999)

• ANHYDRON
• ANHYDRONE
• ANHYDROUS MAGNESIUM PERCHLORATE
• DEHYDRITE
• KHKM 300
• MAGNESIUM DIPERCHLORATE
• MAGNESIUM PERCHLORATE
• MAGNESIUM PERCHLORATE (MG(CLO4)2)
• MAGNESIUM(II) PERCHLORATE