About Rubidium
The history, properties, and uses of rubidium and cesium align very closely. The two heaviest nonradioactive alkali (group 1) metals are also the two most electropositive elements and are so reactive that they will ignite when they come into contact with air or water--a property that classifies rubidium and cesium as hazardous substances despite their minimal toxicity. Both are extremely soft and ductile solids, and while cesium is one of the few metals that is liquid at room temperature, rubidium remains a silvery-white solid up to its slightly higher melting point at 39.3 °C. Shortly after identifying cesium as a new element using flame spectroscopy in 1861, Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff discovered rubidium in the same manner while examining the mineral lepidolite. The scientists named both elements after the vibrant color of lines in their emission spectra, and thus “rubidium” derives from rubidus, the Latin word for “dark red."
The relative abundance of rubidium in the earth’s crust is higher than originally assessed; now considered to be the 16th most abundant element, rubidium is found in the minerals lepidolite (its primary commercial source), leucite, pollucite, carnallite, and zinnwaldite, in addition to some potassium minerals and brines. Natural rubidium is composed of one stable isotope (85Rb) and one radioactive isotope (87Rb) in a 72.2 to 27.8 ratio; because 87Rb decays to 87Sr with a half-life of 49 billion years (close to 3 times the estimated age of the universe), the mechanism serves as the basis for a rock and mineral dating method.
Rubidium has a variety of medical applications, from using rubidium chloride as a biomarker to detecting brain tumors using radioactive 82sup>Rb. Rubidium compounds are used in components of photoelectric cells and optical glass, as catalysts and “getters” in vacuum tubes, and as a source of the color purple in fireworks. Vaporized rubidium is often employed in laser cooling and Bose-Einstein condensation, as its spectral absorption range aligns with many commercially available laser diodes. Like cesium, rubidium is also used in highly accurate atomic clocks that form the standards for GPS and telecommunication networks.
Products
Rubidium has various applications in medicine and photo-electronics. Since it is easily vaporized, rubidium's spectral absorption range is a good target for laser manipulation of atoms. Rubidium is available as metal and in compound forms with purities from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra-high purity). Rubidium oxide is available in forms including powders and dense pellets for such uses as optical coating and thin film applications. Oxides tend to be insoluble. Fluorides are another insoluble form for uses in which oxygen is undesirable such as metallurgy, chemical and physical vapor deposition and in some optical coatings. Rubidium is available in soluble forms including chlorides, nitrates and acetates. These compounds are also manufactured as solutions at specified stoichiometries.
Rubidium Properties
Rubidium is a Block S, Group 1, Period 5 element. 
The number of electrons in each of Rubidium's shells is 2, 8, 18, 8, 1 and its electronic configuration is [Kr] 5s1. The rubidium atom has a radius of 247.5.pm and a Van der Waals radius of 200.pm. Rubidium is highly reactive, with properties similar to other Group 1 elements, e.g., rapid oxidation in air. In its elemental form, CAS 7440-17-7, rubidium has a gray white appearance. Rubidium is found in the minerals lepidolite, leucite, pollucite, carnallite, and zinnwaldite as well as some potassium minerals. Rubidium was first discovered by Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff in 1861. The name rubidium originates from the Latin word rubidus, which means dark or deepest red.
Health, Safety & Transportation Information for Rubidium
Safety data for rubidium compounds can vary widely depending on the form. For potential hazard information, toxicity, and road, sea and air transportation limitations, such as DOT Hazard Class, DOT Number, EU Number, NFPA Health rating and RTECS Class, please see the specific material or compound referenced in the Products tab. The below information applies to elemental (metallic) Rubidium.
| Safety Data | |
|---|---|
| Signal Word | Danger |
| Hazard Statements | H260-H314 |
| Hazard Codes | F,C |
| Risk Codes | 14/15-34 |
| Safety Precautions | 26-36/37/39-43-45 |
| RTECS Number | VL8500000 |
| Transport Information | UN 1423 4.3/PG 1 |
| WGK Germany | 3 |
| Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling (GHS) |
 |
SECTION 1. IDENTIFICATION
Product Name: Rubidium Metal
Product Number: All applicable American Elements product codes, e.g. RB-M-02
CAS #: 7440-17-7
Relevant identified uses of the substance: Scientific research and development
Supplier details:
American Elements
1093 Broxton Ave. Suite 2000
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Tel: +1 310-208-0551
Fax: +1 310-208-0351
Emergency telephone number:
Domestic, North America +1 800-424-9300
International +1 703-527-3887
SECTION 2. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
Classification of the substance or mixture in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
GHS02 Flame
Water-react. 1 H260 In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously.
GHS05 Corrosion
Skin Corr. 1B H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Eye Dam. 1 H318 Causes serious eye damage.
Hazards not otherwise classified No information known.
Label elements
GHS label elements The product is classified and labeled in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
Hazard pictograms
GHS02 GHS05
Signal word Danger
Hazard statements
H260 In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously.
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Precautionary statements
P231+P232 Handle under inert gas. Protect from moisture.
P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P303+P361+P353 If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower.
P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P405 Store locked up.
P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations.
WHMIS classification
B6 - Reactive flammable material
D2B - Toxic material causing other toxic effects
E - Corrosive material
Classification system
HMIS ratings (scale 0-4)
(Hazardous Materials Identification System)
HEALTH
FIRE
REACTIVITY
3
3
3
Health (acute effects) = 3
Flammability = 3
Physical Hazard = 3
Other hazards
Results of PBT and vPvB assessment
PBT: Not applicable.
vPvB: Not applicable.
SECTION 3. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Chemical characterization: Substances
CAS# Description:
7440-17-7 Rubidium
Identification number(s):
EC number: 231-126-6
SECTION 4. FIRST AID MEASURES
Description of first aid measures
General information Immediately remove any clothing soiled by the product.
After inhalation
Supply fresh air. If required, provide artificial respiration. Keep patient warm.
Seek immediate medical advice.
After skin contact
Immediately wash with water and soap and rinse thoroughly.
Seek immediate medical advice.
After eye contact Rinse opened eye for several minutes under running water. Then consult a doctor.
After swallowing Seek medical treatment.
Information for doctor
Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed
Causes severe skin burns.
Causes serious eye damage.
Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed No further relevant information available.
SECTION 5. FIREFIGHTING MEASURES
Extinguishing media
Suitable extinguishing agents In case of fire, use sand, carbon dioxide or powdered extinguishing agent. Never use water.
For safety reasons unsuitable extinguishing agents Water
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Reacts violently with water
If this product is involved in a fire, the following can be released:
Rubidium oxide
Advice for firefighters
Protective equipment:
Wear self-contained respirator.
Wear fully protective impervious suit.
SECTION 6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Wear protective equipment. Keep unprotected persons away.
Ensure adequate ventilation
Keep away from ignition sources
Environmental precautions: Do not allow product to reach sewage system or any water course.
Methods and material for containment and cleaning up:
Use neutralizing agent.
Dispose of contaminated material as waste according to section 13.
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Do not flush with water or aqueous cleansing agents
Prevention of secondary hazards: Keep away from ignition sources.
Reference to other sections
See Section 7 for information on safe handling
See Section 8 for information on personal protection equipment.
See Section 13 for disposal information.
SECTION 7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling
Precautions for safe handling
Handle under dry protective gas.
Keep container tightly sealed.
Store in cool, dry place in tightly closed containers.
Ensure good ventilation at the workplace.
Reacts violently with water
Information about protection against explosions and fires: No information known.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Storage
Requirements to be met by storerooms and receptacles: No special requirements.
Information about storage in one common storage facility:
Store away from water/moisture.
Store away from air.
Store away from oxidizing agents.
Further information about storage conditions:
Store under dry inert gas.
Protect from humidity and water.
Keep container tightly sealed.
Store in cool, dry conditions in well sealed containers.
Specific end use(s) No further relevant information available.
SECTION 8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
Additional information about design of technical systems:
Properly operating chemical fume hood designed for hazardous chemicals and having an average face velocity of at least 100 feet per minute.
Control parameters
Components with limit values that require monitoring at the workplace:
The product does not contain any relevant quantities of materials with critical values that have to be monitored at the workplace.
Additional information: No data
Exposure controls
Personal protective equipment
General protective and hygienic measures
The usual precautionary measures for handling chemicals should be followed.
Keep away from foodstuffs, beverages and feed.
Remove all soiled and contaminated clothing immediately.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of work.
Avoid contact with the eyes and skin.
Maintain an ergonomically appropriate working environment.
Breathing equipment: Use suitable respirator when high concentrations are present.
Recommended filter device for short term use:
Use a respirator with type P100 (USA) or P3 (EN 143) cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. Risk assessment should be performed to determine if airpurifying
respirators are appropriate. Only use equipment tested and approved under appropriate government standards.
Protection of hands:
Impervious gloves
Check protective gloves prior to each use for their proper condition.
The selection of suitable gloves not only depends on the material, but also on quality. Quality will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Material of gloves Nitrile rubber, NBR
Penetration time of glove material (in minutes) 480
Glove thickness 0.11 mm
Eye protection:
Tightly sealed goggles
Full face protection
Body protection: Protective work clothing.
SECTION 9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Information on basic physical and chemical properties
General Information
Appearance:
Form: Solid
Color: Silvery-white
Odor: Not determined
Odor threshold: Not determined.
pH-value: Not applicable.
Change in condition
Melting point/Melting range: 38.9 °C (102 °F)
Boiling point/Boiling range: 688 °C (1270 °F)
Sublimation temperature / start: Not determined
Flammability (solid, gaseous) Contact with water liberates extremely flammable gases.
Ignition temperature: Not determined
Decomposition temperature: Not determined
Auto igniting: Not determined.
Danger of explosion: Not determined.
Explosion limits:
Lower: Not determined
Upper: Not determined
Vapor pressure: Not applicable.
Density at 20 °C (68 °F): 1.532 g/cm³ (12.785 lbs/gal)
Relative density Not determined.
Vapor density Not applicable.
Evaporation rate Not applicable.
Solubility in / Miscibility with
Water: Reacts violently
Contact with water releases flammable gases
Partition coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined.
Viscosity:
dynamic: Not applicable.
kinematic: Not applicable.
Other information No further relevant information available.
SECTION 10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Reactivity
Reacts violently with water.
In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously.
Chemical stability Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Thermal decomposition / conditions to be avoided: Decomposition will not occur if used and stored according to specifications.
Possibility of hazardous reactions
Reacts with strong oxidizing agents
Contact with water releases flammable gases
Reacts violently with water
Conditions to avoid No further relevant information available.
Incompatible materials:
Air
Oxidizing agents
Water/moisture
Hazardous decomposition products: Rubidium oxide
SECTION 11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Information on toxicological effects
Acute toxicity:
Swallowing will lead to a strong corrosive effect on mouth and throat and to the danger of perforation of esophagus and stomach.
The Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) contains acute toxicity data for this substance.
LD/LC50 values that are relevant for classification: No data
Skin irritation or corrosion: Causes severe skin burns.
Eye irritation or corrosion: Causes serious eye damage.
Sensitization: No sensitizing effects known.
Germ cell mutagenicity: No effects known.
Carcinogenicity: No classification data on carcinogenic properties of this material is available from the EPA, IARC, NTP, OSHA or ACGIH.
Reproductive toxicity: No effects known.
Specific target organ system toxicity - repeated exposure: No effects known.
Specific target organ system toxicity - single exposure: No effects known.
Aspiration hazard: No effects known.
Subacute to chronic toxicity: No effects known.
Additional toxicological information: To the best of our knowledge the acute and chronic toxicity of this substance is not fully known.
SECTION 12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Toxicity
Aquatic toxicity: No further relevant information available.
Persistence and degradability No further relevant information available.
Bioaccumulative potential No further relevant information available.
Mobility in soil No further relevant information available.
Additional ecological information:
General notes:
Do not allow undiluted product or large quantities to reach ground water, water course or sewage system.
Avoid transfer into the environment.
Results of PBT and vPvB assessment
PBT: Not applicable.
vPvB: Not applicable.
Other adverse effects No further relevant information available.
SECTION 13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Waste treatment methods
Recommendation Consult state, local or national regulations to ensure proper disposal.
Uncleaned packagings:
Recommendation: Disposal must be made according to official regulations.
SECTION 14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
UN-Number
DOT, IMDG, IATA UN1423
UN proper shipping name
DOT Rubidium
IMDG, IATA RUBIDIUM
Transport hazard class(es)
DOT
Class 4.3 Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases.
Label 4.3
Class 4.3 (W2) Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases
Label 4.3
IMDG, IATA
Class 4.3 Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases.
Label 4.3
Packing group
DOT, IMDG, IATA I
Environmental hazards: Not applicable.
Special precautions for user Warning: Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases
EMS Number: F-G,S-N
Transport in bulk according to Annex II of MARPOL73/78 and the IBC Code Not applicable.
Transport/Additional information:
DOT
Marine Pollutant (DOT): No
UN "Model Regulation": UN1423, Rubidium, 4.3, I
SECTION 15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
Safety, health and environmental regulations/legislation specific for the substance or mixture
GHS label elements The product is classified and labeled in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
Hazard pictograms
GHS02 GHS05
Signal word Danger
Hazard statements
H260 In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously.
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Precautionary statements
P231+P232 Handle under inert gas. Protect from moisture.
P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P303+P361+P353 If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower.
P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P405 Store locked up.
P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations.
National regulations
All components of this product are listed in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Toxic Substances Control Act Chemical substance Inventory.
All components of this product are listed on the Canadian Non-Domestic Substances List (NDSL).
SARA Section 313 (specific toxic chemical listings) Substance is not listed.
California Proposition 65
Prop 65 - Chemicals known to cause cancer Substance is not listed.
Prop 65 - Developmental toxicity Substance is not listed.
Prop 65 - Developmental toxicity, female Substance is not listed.
Prop 65 - Developmental toxicity, male Substance is not listed.
Information about limitation of use: For use only by technically qualified individuals.
Other regulations, limitations and prohibitive regulations
Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) according to the REACH Regulations (EC) No. 1907/2006. Substance is not listed.
The conditions of restrictions according to Article 67 and Annex XVII of the Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH) for the manufacturing, placing on the
market and use must be observed.
Substance is not listed.
Annex XIV of the REACH Regulations (requiring Authorisation for use) Substance is not listed.
Chemical safety assessment: A Chemical Safety Assessment has not been carried out.
16. OTHER INFORMATION
Safety Data Sheet according to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH). The above information is believed to be correct but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide. The information in this document is based on the present state of our knowledge and is applicable to the product with regard to appropriate safety precautions. It does not represent any guarantee of the properties of the product. American Elements shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product. See reverse side of invoice or packing slip for additional terms and conditions of sale. COPYRIGHT 1997-2016 AMERICAN ELEMENTS. LICENSED GRANTED TO MAKE UNLIMITED PAPER COPIES FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY.
Rubidium Isotopes
Rubidium (Rb) has 32 isotopes, two of which are naturally occurring: 85Rb (72.2%) and the radioactive 87Rb (27.8%).
| Nuclide | Isotopic Mass | Half-Life | Mode of Decay | Nuclear Spin | Magnetic Moment | Binding Energy (MeV) | Natural Abundance (% by atom) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71Rb | 70.96532(54)# | N/A | p to 70Kr | 5/2-# | N/A | 564.68 | - |
| 72Rb | 71.95908(54)# | <1.5 µs | p to 71Kr | 3+# | N/A | 578.35 | - |
| 73Rb | 72.95056(16)# | <30 ns | p to 72Kr | 3/2-# | N/A | 594.81 | - |
| 74Rb | 73.944265(4) | 64.76(3) ms | ß+ to 74Kr | (0+) | N/A | 608.48 | - |
| 75Rb | 74.938570(8) | 19.0(12) s | ß+ to 75Kr | (3/2-) | N/A | 622.15 | - |
| 76Rb | 75.9350722(20) | 36.5(6) s | ß+ to 76Kr; ß+ + a to 78Kr | 1(-) | N/A | 633.02 | - |
| 77Rb | 76.930408(8) | 3.77(4) min | ß+ to 77Kr | 3/2- | N/A | 645.76 | - |
| 78Rb | 77.928141(8) | 17.66(8) min | ß+ to 78Kr | 0(+) | N/A | 655.7 | - |
| 79Rb | 78.923989(6) | 22.9(5) min | ß+ to 79Kr | 5/2+ | N/A | 668.44 | - |
| 80Rb | 79.922519(7) | 33.4(7) s | ß+ to 80Kr | 1+ | N/A | 677.45 | - |
| 81Rb | 80.918996(6) | 4.570(4) h | EC to 81Kr | 3/2- | 2.06 | 689.25 | - |
| 82Rb | 81.9182086(30) | 1.273(2) min | EC to 82Kr | 1+ | 0.554508 | 697.33 | - |
| 83Rb | 82.915110(6) | 86.2(1) d | EC to 83Kr | 5/2- | 1.425 | 708.21 | - |
| 84Rb | 83.914385(3) | 33.1(1) d | EC to 84Kr; ß-to 84Sr | 2- | -1.32412 | 717.22 | - |
| 85Rb | 84.911789738(12) | STABLE | - | 5/2- | 1.35303 | 728.09 | 72.17 |
| 86Rb | 85.91116742(21) | 18.642(18) d | EC to 86Kr; ß-to 86Sr | 2- | -1.692 | 736.17 | - |
| 87Rb | 86.909180527(13) | 4.923(22)E+10 y | ß- to 87Sr | 3/2- | 2.75124 | 746.11 | 27.83 |
| 88Rb | 87.91131559(17) | 17.773(11) min | ß- to 88Sr | 2- | N/A | 752.33 | - |
| 89Rb | 88.912278(6) | 15.15(12) min | ß- to 89Sr | 3/2- | N/A | 759.47 | - |
| 90Rb | 89.914802(7) | 158(5) s | ß- to 90Sr | 0- | N/A | 765.69 | - |
| 91Rb | 90.916537(9) | 58.4(4) s | ß- to 91Sr | 3/2(-) | N/A | 771.9 | - |
| 92Rb | 91.919729(7) | 4.492(20) s | ß- to 93Sr; ß- + n to 92Sr | 0- | N/A | 777.19 | - |
| 93Rb | 92.922042(8) | 5.84(2) s | ß- to 94Sr; ß- + n to 93Sr | 5/2- | N/A | 782.47 | - |
| 94Rb | 93.926405(9) | 2.702(5) s | ß- to 95Sr; ß- + n to 94Sr | 3(-) | N/A | 786.82 | - |
| 95Rb | 94.929303(23) | 377.5(8) ms | ß- to 96Sr; ß- + n to 95Sr | 5/2- | N/A | 792.11 | - |
| 96Rb | 95.93427(3) | 202.8(33) ms | ß- to 97Sr; ß- + n to 96Sr | 2+ | N/A | 795.53 | - |
| 97Rb | 96.93735(3) | 169.9(7) ms | ß- to 98Sr; ß- + n to 99Sr | 3/2+ | N/A | 800.81 | - |
| 98Rb | 97.94179(5) | 114(5) ms | ß- to 98Sr; ß- + n to 97Sr; ß- + 2n to 96Sr | (0,1)(-#) | N/A | 805.16 | - |
| 99Rb | 98.94538(13) | 50.3(7) ms | ß- to 99Sr; ß- + n to 98Sr | (5/2+) | N/A | 809.52 | - |
| 100Rb | 99.94987(32)# | 51(8) ms | ß- to 100Sr; ß- + n to 99Sr; ß- + 2n to 98Sr | (3+) | N/A | 813.87 | - |
| 101Rb | 100.95320(18) | 32(5) ms | ß- to 101Sr; ß- + n to 100Sr | (3/2+)# | N/A | 821.01 | - |
| 102Rb | 101.95887(54)# | 37(5) ms | ß- to 102Sr; ß- + n to 101Sr | N/A | N/A | 829.09 | - |