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Product Name: Germanium Tetrachloride
Chemical Formula: GeCl4
SYNONYMS: Germanium(IV) chloride, Tetrachlorogermane
CAS Number: 10038-98-9
Manufacturer: Reliable chemical supply companies who manage high-purity specialist reagents
Recommended Use: Semiconductor manufacturing, fiber optics, chemical synthesis
Emergency Contact: Consult local poison control center; emergency services number available on supplier documentation
Classification: Corrosive substance, serious eye damage, skin corrosion, specific target organ toxicity
GHS Label Elements: Danger symbol, Corrosive pictogram, Exclamation mark pictogram
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, may cause respiratory irritation, reacts violently with water
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation, wear gloves/clothing/eye/face protection, wash hands after handling
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Manifestation: Chemical burns, irritation to mucous membranes, respiratory distress
Chemical Name: Germanium Tetrachloride
Purity: Typically over 99%
Impurities: Trace halides or moisture breakdown products may occur in poorly sealed storage
Other Ingredients: No other components present at significant levels
REACH Registration: Regulated under chemical safety legislation in many jurisdictions
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, loosen clothing; call for medical help immediately if symptoms like cough, shortness of breath, dizziness appear
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing fast, thorough washing with running water for at least 15 minutes
Eye Contact: Rinse gently with water for at least 15 minutes, consult eye specialist or emergency physician
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, seek medical advice right away
General Note: Ensure responders have personal protection; contaminated clothing must be professionally cleaned before reuse
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or sand; avoid water-based options due to violent reaction
Unsuitable Media: Water, foam (product reacts with moisture, produces toxic gases)
Specific Hazards: Hydrogen chloride fumes, risk of toxic and corrosive gas release
Protective Equipment: Full-face self-contained breathing apparatus, complete protective clothing
Firefighting Techniques: Prevent runoff to sewers and waterways as reaction with water forms hazardous acids
Personal Precautions: Ventilate area, evacuate personnel not involved in response, avoid contact and inhalation
Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant suit, gas-tight goggles, gloves offering splash protection
Containment: Dike spill with dry, inert material (such as sand); avoid water
Cleanup: Collect leaking material in sealable containers with solid inert absorbent
Disposal: Label all contaminated materials for hazardous waste collection; use local licensed waste disposal facility
Handling: Carry out operations in ventilated chemical fume hood, use non-sparking tools, minimize direct contacts
Safety Precautions: Never add water to this chemical, avoid inhaling vapors and mist, wash hands thoroughly after handling
Storage: Store in tightly sealed glass or compatible container, cool and well-ventilated area, separated from acids and strong bases/moisture sources
Incompatibilities: Moisture, alcohols, alkalis, amines, organics
Special Notes: Examine containers regularly for corrosion or leaks; keep emergency spill kit and antidote supplies available
Workplace Controls: Fume extraction, local exhaust, chemical-resistant surfaces, leak detection
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits in most regions, treat as highly toxic material
Personal Protective Equipment: Full-face respirator filter type B, chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., butyl rubber), splash-proof eye protection
Clothing: Acid-resistant apron or full-body suit for direct handling tasks
Hygiene Measures: No eating/drinking in areas where this material handled, routine hand and face washing; decontaminate all surfaces after use
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow fuming liquid
Odor: Sharp, irritating, similar to strong hydrochloric acid
Boiling Point: About 83°C (181°F)
Melting Point: -50°C (-58°F)
Density: Approximately 1.88 g/cm³ at 20°C
Vapor Pressure: 70 mm Hg at 25°C
Solubility: Reacts violently with water, forming hydrochloric acid
pH: Highly acidic hydrolysis
Viscosity: Low, very volatile
Other: Decomposes under moist air, generates pungent corrosive fumes during release
Chemical Stability: Stable only under dry, inert atmosphere and sealed containers
Hazardous Reactions: Vigorous reaction with water; hydrolyzes to germanium dioxide and hydrochloric acid
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride gas, germanium dioxide
Incompatibilities: Reacts with moisture, oxidizers, alcohols, strong acids, bases, reducing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Humid air, open containers, elevated temperature, exposure to active metals
Acute Toxicity: Causes severe respiratory tract, skin, and eye burns
Inhalation Effects: May lead to coughing, pulmonary edema, burning sensations
Skin Effects: Severe burns, ulceration, delayed healing
Eye Effects: Permanent eye damage, risk of blindness with concentrated exposure
Ingestion Risks: Strong corrosive action on mucous membranes, risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and shock
Chronic Exposure: Long-term effects on respiratory tract, dermatitis, no evidence of carcinogenicity reported in standard literature
Sensitization: Not expected, but repeated exposure can worsen chemical burns and scarring
Ecotoxicity: Hydrolysis in water releases hydrochloric acid, harmful to aquatic life
Persistence: Not persistent, breaks down to oxides that may be less mobile but still a heavy metal concern
Mobility: Volatile fumes airborne, soluble breakdown products
Bioaccumulation: No evidence of ongoing accumulation in aquatic species
Other Adverse Effects: Forms acidified solutions toxic to most environmental biota; strict containment needed to prevent leakage
Regulatory Note: Strict limits exist in wastewater discharge and environmental release due to local government stance on heavy metals and corrosives
Waste Treatment: Neutralize with lime slurry or soda ash in controlled environment designed for hazardous substance deactivation
Packaged Waste: Use chemical-resistant, sealed drums clearly labeled
Disposal Method: Deliver to licensed chemical waste management facility; burning, sewer or landfill strictly forbidden
Packaging: Decontaminate and rinse containers with neutralizing solution before secondary disposal
Legal Requirements: Follow regional and international codes; provide all necessary documentation for chain of custody
UN Number: 2735
Proper Shipping Name: Germanium Tetrachloride
Transport Class: 8 (Corrosive)
Packing Group: II
IMDG/ICAO/IATA: Lists this product as dangerous goods, subject to restricted transportation protocol
Labeling: Use corrosive, toxic, and environmental hazard panels
Special Precautions: Isolate containers during transfer; ensure vapor-tight seals; emergency response procedures must be followed in transit
EU Regulations: Classified under CLP Regulation EC No 1272/2008; REACH registered substance; Environmental hazard labeling required
US TSCA: Listed
Canada DSL: Listed
OSHA: Regulated hazardous substance; ensure workplace hazard communication signage and emergency plans are posted and practiced
Other Local Legislation: Additional packaging, storage, and reporting rules based on national substance control programs or directives
Worker Protection: Mandated safety training, personal protective equipment, and exposure monitoring required under occupational safety laws
