Product Name: Carbonyl Sulfide
Chemical Formula: COS
CAS Number: 463-58-1
Synonyms: Carbon oxysulfide, Carbon oxy-sulfide, Oxycarbon sulfide
Recommended Use: Laboratory research, chemical manufacturing, fumigant, precursor for organic synthesis
Supplier / Manufacturer: Refer to package label
Emergency Contact: Refer to local emergency services
UN Number: 2204
GHS Classification: Flammable gas (Category 2), Acute Toxicity Inhalation (Category 3), Gas under pressure (Liquefied gas)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Extremely flammable gas; Toxic if inhaled; Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated
Pictograms: Flame, Gas Cylinder, Skull and Crossbones
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation (primary), skin and eye contact (secondary)
Health Effects: High exposures can cause respiratory irritation, dizziness, headache, nausea, unconsciousness, seizures, possible fatality
Environmental Effects: Likely hazardous to aquatic and terrestrial life
Chemical Name: Carbonyl Sulfide
Concentration: 100%
CAS Number: 463-58-1
Impurities/Byproducts: Not routinely present in hazardous quantities
Inhalation: Remove victim to fresh air. Seek immediate medical attention. Begin artificial respiration if breathing has stopped.
Skin Contact: Rinse exposed skin with plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical help if irritation develops.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally. Obtain medical assistance.
Ingestion: Not expected due to gaseous state. If suspected, seek emergency medical attention.
Most Important Symptoms: Shortness of breath, headache, drowsiness, disorientation, convulsions, unconsciousness, potential respiratory failure
Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically. Ensure airway and support ventilation. Oxygen therapy may help.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray, fog in large quantity
Inappropriate Media: Do not use water jet as primary measure
Special Fire Hazards: Gas is highly flammable, forms explosive mixtures with air, may ignite easily from heat, sparks, flame
Hazardous Combustion Products: Sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear, keep distance
Firefighting Instructions: Stop flow if safe. Cool containers with water spray. Evacuate nonessential personnel.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ventilate space, keep out unprotected persons. Wear suitable respiratory protection and chemical-resistant clothing.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent uncontrolled release to atmosphere. Avoid discharge into drains, watercourses, soil.
Cleanup Methods: Shut off release if it can be done safely. Leave area, allow gas to disperse and ventilate thoroughly before entry.
Special Procedures: Notify emergency response team. Test air quality before re-entering area.
Safe Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas. Avoid inhalation, contact with skin or eyes. No smoking, sparks or open flames. Use explosion-proof equipment.
Storage Conditions: Store cylinders upright in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers. Keep cool, dry, well-ventilated, away from incompatible materials such as oxidizers and strong acids.
Technical Measures: Ensure electrical installations comply with safety standards for flammable gases. Secure containers from movement.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents, ammonia
Occupational Exposure Limit (OSHA): 10 ppm (TWA)
Engineering Controls: Material should be handled with local exhaust ventilation or supplied-air systems.
Respiratory Protection: Use air-purifying respirator with appropriate filter cartridge or self-contained breathing apparatus in case of insufficient ventilation.
Body Protection: Flame-resistant antistatic clothing recommended. Avoid synthetic fibers.
Hand Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene).
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or chemical-resistant face shield.
General Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing promptly.
Appearance: Colorless, odorless to faintly sulfurous gas
Molecular Weight: 60.08 g/mol
Melting Point: −138 °C
Boiling Point: −50.2 °C
Vapor Pressure: 37 atm at 20 °C
Solubility in Water: Slightly soluble
Density (gas): 2.4 kg/m³ at 0 °C
Flammability: Highly flammable
Flash Point: Not applicable (gas)
Explosive Limits: 12–29% (v/v) in air
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 560 °C
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended conditions, reacts vigorously with strong oxidizers, decomposes in hot water or with alkalis
Reactivity: Forms toxic carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide on combustion or decomposition
Hazardous Polymerization: Does not occur under normal conditions
Hazardous Decomposition Products: CO, SO₂, elemental sulfur (small amounts)
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flame, incompatible chemicals, excessive pressure
Acute Toxicity: LC50 (inhalation, rat): ~309 ppm (4h)
Inhalation Effects: Causes central nervous system depression, seizures, and respiratory failure, potentially fatal at high concentrations
Skin Effects: Possible mild irritation; no significant absorption expected
Eye Effects: May cause irritation or redness
Chronic Effects: Prolonged/repeated exposure can damage nervous and respiratory systems, may aggravate lung and kidney conditions
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP or OSHA
Other Data: No known reproductive or developmental effects reported
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms at high concentrations
Mobility: Volatile; disperses rapidly to atmosphere
Persistence and Degradability: Undergoes slow oxidation, degraded in air by photochemical reaction
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Other Information: May contribute sulfur compounds to acid rain. Spilled gas may contribute to local air pollution.
Disposal Methods: Incinerate in approved facility in accordance with local regulations. Large quantities should be handled by professional hazardous waste specialists.
Contaminated Packaging: Return cylinders to supplier or qualified handler for reuse or proper disposal
Prohibited Disposal: Do not dispose of in drains, surface water, or regular trash
Regulations: Comply with all national, regional and local environmental regulations regarding hazardous waste
UN Number: 2204
UN Proper Shipping Name: Carbonyl sulfide, compressed
Transport Hazard Class: 2.3 (Toxic Gases); 2.1 (Flammable gases)
Packing Group: Not applicable
Labels Required: Toxic Gas, Flammable Gas
Environmental Risks: Marine pollutant; emergency procedures required during transport
Special Precautions: Protect containers during transport. Secure and vent in accordance with regulations.
OSHA: Listed as hazardous by definition
TSCA (U.S.): Listed
EU Regulation: CLP classified as toxic, flammable gas
WHMIS (Canada): Class A (Compressed Gas), Class B1 (Flammable Gas)
NFPA Ratings: Health 3, Flammability 4, Reactivity 0
SARA Title III: Not listed in Section 302/304/313
Other Country Regulations: May require specific environmental or occupational controls, consult relevant national authority