ZIRCONIUM TETRACHLORIDE

Diamond	Hazard	Value	Description
0 3 2 W	Health	3	Can cause serious or permanent injury.
	Flammability	0	Will not burn under typical fire conditions.
	Instability	2	Readily undergoes violent chemical changes at elevated temperatures and pressures.
	Special	W	Reacts violently or explosively with water.

White lustrous crystalline solid. Used as a source of pure zirconium, as a tanning agent, in analytical chemistry and in treating textiles. Zirconium tetrachloride is decomposed by water. Corrosive to metals in the presence of moisture and to tissue.

• Water-Reactive

Reacts vigorously with water forming hydrochloric acid with the evolution of heat.

Behavior in Fire: Will not burn - sublimes above 626°F (331°C). May give off HCl fumes. (USCG, 1999)

INHALATION: Irritating to upper respiratory tract; presumably caused by liberated HCl. EYES: Irritating. SKIN: Irritating. INGESTION: Burning pain in the mouth and throat, vomiting, watery or bloody diarrhea, retching, collapse, and convulsions. (USCG, 1999)

ZIRCONIUM TETRACHLORIDE is corrosive to metals in the presence of moisture and to tissue. Behavior in Fire: Will not burn - sublimes above 626°F (331°C). May give off HCl fumes (USCG, 1999). It is incompatible with alcohols (ethanol), lithium metal, and tetrahydrofuran.

• Acids, Strong Non-oxidizing

No information available.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 137 [Substances - Water-Reactive - Corrosive]:

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 tank car or highway tank 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, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 137 [Substances - Water-Reactive - Corrosive]:

When material is not involved in fire, do not use water on material itself.

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical or CO2. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

LARGE FIRE: Flood fire area with large quantities of water, while knocking down vapors with water fog. If insufficient water supply, responders should withdraw.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Do not get water inside containers. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 137 [Substances - Water-Reactive - Corrosive]:

Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors; do not put water directly on leak, spill area or inside container. Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2024)

Helmet, self-contained breathing apparatus, rubber boots, gloves, bands around legs, arms and waist. Facemask as well as covering rest of head. (USCG, 1999)

No information available.

Call a physician.

INHALATION: Remove from exposure.

EYES: Flush with water.

SKIN: Wash with soap and plenty of water.

INGESTION: Dilute with water or milk. Give milk of magnesia. (USCG, 1999)

• TETRACHLOROZIRCONIUM
• ZIRCONIUM CHLORIDE
• ZIRCONIUM CHLORIDE (ZR2CL8)
• ZIRCONIUM CHLORIDE (ZRCL4)
• ZIRCONIUM TETRACHLORIDE
• ZIRCONIUM TETRACHLORIDE, [SOLID]
• ZIRCONIUM(IV) CHLORIDE