Chemical Datasheet

ZINC CHLORIDE, SOLUTION

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number	UN/NA Number	DOT Hazard Label	USCG CHRIS Code
7646-85-7	1840	Corrosive	ZCL
NIOSH Pocket Guide		International Chem Safety Card
Zinc chloride fume		ZINC CHLORIDE

NFPA 704

data unavailable

General Description

Zinc chloride, solution is a colorless liquid. It is mildly corrosive to metals. It causes burns to eyes, skin and mucous membranes.

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts

none

Air & Water Reactions

When dissolved in water, it is a strong acid. [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 964]

Fire Hazard

Excerpt from 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, 147

(lithium ion batteries) or 138

(sodium batteries) should also be consulted. (ERG, 2020)

Health Hazard

Solid or water solution is astringent and can irritate the eyes. When ingested, can cause intoxication, severe irritation of stomach, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. (USCG, 1999)

Reactivity Profile

When dissolved in water, ZINC CHLORIDE is a strong acid [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 964].

Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)

Acids, Strong Non-oxidizing
Water and Aqueous Solutions

Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

No information available.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation

Excerpt from 154

[Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

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 the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

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, 2020)

Firefighting

Excerpt from 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. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices 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, 2020)

Non-Fire Response

Excerpt from 154

[Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from 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, 2020)

Protective Clothing

Goggles or face shield. (USCG, 1999)

DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics

No information available.

First Aid

INGESTION: give large volumes of water and induce vomiting; repeat process; call a doctor.

EYES: wash with water for at least 15 min. (USCG, 1999)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:

ZnCl2 (aqueous)

Flash Point: data unavailable

Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable

Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable

Autoignition Temperature: Not flammable (USCG, 1999)

Melting Point: 541°F (USCG, 1999)

Vapor Pressure: data unavailable

Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable

Specific Gravity: 2.91 at 77°F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink

Boiling Point: Very high (USCG, 1999)

Molecular Weight: 136.28 (USCG, 1999)

Water Solubility: data unavailable

Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable

IDLH: 50 mg/m3 [From NPG: Zinc chloride fume] (NIOSH, 2023)

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

No AEGL information available.

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical	PAC-1	PAC-2	PAC-3
Zinc chloride (7646-85-7)	2 mg/m3	800 mg/m3	4800 mg/m3

(DOE, 2018)

Regulatory Information

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
Zinc Compounds	N982			&	313
Zinc chloride	7646-85-7			1000 pounds	313c

313c indicates that although not listed by name and CAS number, this chemical is reportable under one or more of the EPCRA section 313 chemical categories.
& indicates that no RQ is assigned to this generic or broad class, although the class is a CERCLA hazardous substance. See 50 Federal Register 13456 (April 4, 1985).

(EPA List of Lists, 2022)

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

No regulatory information available.

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

Alternate Chemical Names