Rhodium

Formula Rh
Structure
Description White, hard, ductile, malleable metal; bluish-gray luster.
Uses In alloy with platinum for catalysts & thermocouples, for spinnerets in rayon prodn, for glass-fiber bushings, for furnace winding, component of dental alloys, electroplating agent for bright or reflective surfaces, for electrical contacts, ingredient in gold decorations on glass & porcelain.

Registry Numbers and Inventories.
CAS 7440-16-6
EC (EINECS/ELINCS) 231-125-0
EC Safety Phrase S 22 24/25
RTECS VI9069000
RTECS class Other
UN (DOT) 3089
Merck 12,8353
Beilstein/Gmelin 16245 (G)
Swiss Giftliste 1 G-9581
Canada DSL/NDSL DSL
US TSCA Listed
Austrailia AICS Listed
New Zealand Listed
Korea ECL Listed

Properties.
Formula Rh
Formula mass 102.91
Melting point, °C 1960
Boiling point, °C 3400 - 3700
Density 12.41 g/cm3 (20 C)
Solubility in water Insoluble
Thermal expansion 8.5E-6/K (40 C)
Heat of fusion 22.4 kJ/mol

Hazards and Protection.
Storage Keep away from heat, sparks, and flame. Keep away from sources of ignition. Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances.
Handling Wash thoroughly after handling. Use with adequate ventilation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid contact with heat, sparks and flame. Avoid ingestion and inhalation.
Protection Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.
Small spills/leaks Sweep up, then place into a suitable container for disposal. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Remove all sources of ignition.
Stability Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
Incompatibilities Strong oxidizing agents, interhalogens.

Fire.
Fire fighting Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Will burn if involved in a fire. This material in sufficient quantity and reduced particle size is capable of creating a dust explosion. Flammable solid. Extinguishing media: Use dry chemical to fight fire.
Hazards Oxides from metallic fires are a severe health hazard. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

Health.
Exposure limit(s) TLV: ppm; 1 mg/m3 (as TWA) (ACGIH 1993-1994). OSHA PEL: TWA 0.1 mg/m3 NIOSH REL: TWA 0.1 mg/m3 NIOSH IDLH: 100 mg/m3 (as Rh)
Poison_Class -
Exposure effects
   Ingestion May cause irritation of the digestive tract. The toxicological properties of this substance have not been fully investigated.
   Inhalation May cause respiratory tract irritation. The toxicological properties of this substance have not been fully investigated.
   Skin May cause skin irritation.
   Eyes May cause eye irritation.

First aid
 
   Ingestion If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid.
   Inhalation Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. Get medical aid if cough or other symptoms appear.
   Skin Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical aid if irritation develops or persists.
   Eyes Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid.

Transport.
UN number 3089
Response guide 170
Hazard class 4.1
Packing Group II; III