Gadolinium Chloride Hexahydrate, 13450-84-5

Gadolinium Chloride Hexahydrate, 13450-84-5

GADOLINIUM CHLORIDE HEXAHYDRATE (GDCL₃·6H₂O)
GADOLINIUM CHLORIDE HEXAHYDRATE / GADOLINIUM(III) CHLORIDE HEXAHYDRATE
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
2.1. Molecular Structure
Gadolinium chloride hexahydrate is the hydrated form of the chloride salt of the rare earth element gadolinium. Gadolinium ions (Gd³⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻) are present in a 1:3 ratio. Each gadolinium chloride unit contains six molecules of water of hydration. It is readily soluble in water. Due to its hygroscopic nature, it is sensitive to degradation in humid environments.

Structural Features:

                    GADOLINIUM CHLORIDE HEXAHYDRATE [GdCl₃·6H₂O]
                          |
                Gd³⁺ - Cl⁻ Ionic Bonds + 6H₂O
                          |
        +----------------+----------------+
        |                |                |
    White Crystalline  Readily Soluble   Highly
    Powder             in Water          Hygroscopic

2.2. Structural Properties

3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

4. PURITY GRADES

5. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

5.1. Chemical Reactions

• Thermal Decomposition (Hydrated Form):
  GdCl₃·6H₂O → GdCl₃ + 6H₂O (~100-200°C)
  GdCl₃ + H₂O → GdOCl + 2HCl (hydrolysis at high temperature)

• Behavior in Aqueous Solution:
  GdCl₃(aq) → Gd³⁺(aq) + 3Cl⁻(aq)

• Precipitation with Alkali:
  GdCl₃ + 3NaOH → Gd(OH)₃↓ + 3NaCl

6. APPLICATION AREAS
6.1. Medical and Imaging (MRI)

6.2. Research and Rare Earth Chemistry

6.3. Phosphors and Lasers

6.4. Catalyst Synthesis

6.5. Optics and Glass

6.6. Sectoral Suitability Table

7. PRODUCTION PROCESS

7.1. Major Producing Countries

8. ALTERNATIVE / SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS

9. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

9.1. GHS Classification

Signal Word: WARNING

Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

10. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

11. FIRST AID MEASURES

12. STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

13. PACKAGING OPTIONS

14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

15. REGULATORY STATUS

16. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

17. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE

18. CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• Highly Hygroscopic Nature: Gadolinium chloride hexahydrate has a very high moisture absorption capacity. When exposed to air, it rapidly absorbs moisture, begins to dissolve, and loses its quality. Extreme care must be taken to avoid moisture during storage and handling.

• Thermal Decomposition: Above ~200°C, water loss begins; at higher temperatures, toxic hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas is released. Ventilation is essential.

• Incompatibility: Contact with strong oxidizing agents creates a fire and explosion risk.

• Eye and Skin Irritation: Due to its acidic nature, it causes irritation to skin and eyes. Protective equipment is mandatory during use.

• FDA/EFSA Status: Not suitable for direct food and pharmaceutical applications; only used in indirect medical applications such as contrast agent production.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Storage:

  • Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.

  • Use moisture-proof, vacuum-sealed, or inert gas (N₂ or Ar) filled containers.

  • Keep away from oxidizing agents.

  • Store at room temperature (15-25°C).

• Handling:

  • Immediately close containers tightly when not in use.

  • Ensure a dry working environment during use (humidity control).

  • Use a dust mask (N95 or better), protective goggles, and chemically resistant gloves.

  • Avoid dust formation and inhalation.

  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

  • When preparing solutions, add slowly due to acidic character.

• Waste Management:

  • Dispose of in accordance with local regulations as heavy metal waste.

  • Do not discharge into water sources or sewers.

  • For large quantities, rare earth recovery should be considered.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and has been prepared based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transport, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier must be consulted. This document does not substitute professional advice. Gadolinium chloride hexahydrate requires careful handling and storage due to its highly hygroscopic nature; it is a critical raw material in the production of MRI contrast agents.