Another key use of germanium comes from the favorable optical properties of it and some of its compounds. Germanium oxide has a high index of refraction and low optical dispersion, making it appropriate for use in wide-angle lenses and some microscopes. Germanium oxide also imparts some of these properties when used as a dopant in silica glass, and is used as such in the core of optical fibers. An additional useful optical property is that germanium glass is transparent to infrared radiation. It is therefore used in thermal imaging cameras, night vision systems, and sensitive infrared detectors. Another use of germanium in optical systems is in the material germanium-antimony-tellurium, or GeSbTe, a phase change material used in rewritable optical disks (CD-RW, DVD-RW) and other phase change memory devices.

Germanium is a semiconducting metalloid with properties similar to silicon, and its use in electronic devices actually pre-dated the use of the more famous element. The first transistors were produced from germanium in Bell labs in 1947. Ultimately, the technologies available for use with silicon and the abundance of silicon led to many more semiconductor applications using silicon, including standard computer chips, and for many years germanium played a limited role in semiconductor devices. However, today new technologies are again making germanium a key material for electronics applications. Germanium is preferable to silicon in some types of photovoltaic cells used to harvest solar energy, and is used as a key substrate material in production of high-brightness LEDs for flashlights, automobile tail lights, cameras, traffic signals, and display screens. As an LED component, germanium is sometimes preferable to the alternative, gallium arsenide, as it breaks less frequently and poses fewer disposal issues. Additionally, microchip designs using germanium-on-insulator or silicon-germanium technology are seeing increased use.

Germanium is not toxic in its elemental form; however, safety data for Germanium metal, nanoparticles and its 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 Germanium material or compound referenced in the Products tab.

Germaniumatomic mass

Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures Not required. Environmental precautions: Do not allow material to be released to the environment without proper governmental permits. Do not allow product to reach sewage system or any water course. Do not allow to penetrate the ground/soil. Methods and material for containment and cleaning up: Pick up mechanically. Prevention of secondary hazards: No special measures required. 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.

Information on basic physical and chemical properties General Information Appearance: Form: Solid in various forms Color: Silver-colored Odor: Odorless Odor threshold: Not determined. pH-value: Not applicable. Change in condition Melting point/Melting range: 937.2 °C (1719 °F) Boiling point/Boiling range: 2830 °C (5126 °F) Sublimation temperature / start: Not determined Flammability (solid, gaseous) Not determined. 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 at 20 °C (68 °F): 0 hPa Density at 20 °C (68 °F): 5.32 g/cm³ (44.395 lbs/gal) Relative density Not determined. Vapor density Not applicable. Evaporation rate Not applicable. Solubility in / Miscibility with Water: Insoluble Partition coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined. Viscosity: dynamic: Not applicable. kinematic: Not applicable. Other information No further relevant information available.

Germaniumatomic number

Classification of the substance or mixture Classification according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 The substance is not classified as hazardous to health or the environment according to the CLP regulation. Classification according to Directive 67/548/EEC or Directive 1999/45/EC Not applicable Information concerning particular hazards for human and environment: No information known. Hazards not otherwise classified No information known. Label elements Labelling according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 Not applicable Hazard pictograms Not applicable Signal word Not applicable Hazard statements Not applicable WHMIS classification Not controlled Classification system HMIS ratings (scale 0-4) (Hazardous Materials Identification System) HEALTH FIRE REACTIVITY 0  0  0  Health (acute effects) = 0 Flammability = 0 Physical Hazard = 0 Other hazards Results of PBT and vPvB assessment PBT: Not applicable. vPvB: Not applicable.

Handling Precautions for safe handling Keep container tightly sealed. Store in cool, dry place in tightly closed containers. Information about protection against explosions and fires: No special measures required. 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: Not required. Further information about storage conditions: Keep container tightly sealed. Store in cool, dry conditions in well sealed containers. Specific end use(s) No further relevant information available.

Germaniumsymbol

UN-Number DOT, ADN, IMDG, IATA Not applicable UN proper shipping name DOT, ADN, IMDG, IATA Not applicable Transport hazard class(es) DOT, ADR, ADN, IMDG, IATA Class Not applicable Packing group DOT, IMDG, IATA Not applicable Environmental hazards: Not applicable. Special precautions for user Not applicable. Transport in bulk according to Annex II of MARPOL73/78 and the IBC Code Not applicable. Transport/Additional information: DOT Marine Pollutant (DOT): No

Information on toxicological effects Acute toxicity: 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: Generally the product does not irritate the skin. Eye irritation or corrosion: No irritant effect. 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: The Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) contains multiple dose toxicity data for this substance. Additional toxicological information: To the best of our knowledge the acute and chronic toxicity of this substance is not fully known. Carcinogenic categories OSHA-Ca (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) Substance is not listed.

Description of first aid measures General information No special measures required. After inhalation Seek medical treatment in case of complaints. After skin contact Generally the product does not irritate the skin. After eye contact Rinse opened eye for several minutes under running water. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor. After swallowing If symptoms persist consult doctor. Information for doctor Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed No further relevant information available. Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed No further relevant information available.

Germanium is a Block P, Group 14, Period 4 element. The number of electrons in each of germanium's shells is 2, 8, 18, 4 and its electron configuration is [Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p2. The germanium atom has a radius of 122.5.pm and its Van der Waals radius is 211.pm. In its elemental form, CAS 7440-56-4, germanium is a brittle grayish white semi-metallic element. Germanium is too reactive to be found naturally on Earth in its native state. It is commercially obtained from zinc ores and certain coals. It is also found in argyrodite and germanite. Germanium was first discovered by Clemens Winkler in 1886. The name Germanium originates from the Latin word "Germania" meaning "Germany".

Germaniumdensity

Though germanium is not particularly rare, it is not contained in any mineral in large enough percentages to be worth mining for germanium specifically. Instead, germanium is derived from concentrates produced as byproducts of mining for other metals, particularly zinc, and is additionally recovered from the fly ash of some coal power plants.

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.

Reactivity No information known. 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 No dangerous reactions known Conditions to avoid No further relevant information available. Incompatible materials: No information known. Hazardous decomposition products: Metal oxide fume

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GermaniumFacts

Where isgermaniumfound

Additional information about design of technical systems: No further data; see section 7. 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. Maintain an ergonomically appropriate working environment. Breathing equipment: Not required. Protection of hands: Not required. Penetration time of glove material (in minutes) Not determined Eye protection: Safety glasses Body protection: Protective work clothing.

Chemical characterization: Substances CAS# Description: 7440-56-4 Germanium Identification number(s): EC number: 231-164-3

In addition to its electronic and optical applications, germanium also finds uses in a few other key areas. Germanium oxide is used as a catalyst in the making of many plastics. When germanium is added in small amounts to sterling silver, it reduces firescale and tarnish, and makes the final metal harder. Contrary to past beliefs, germanium has not been shown to have any medical function and is considered potentially hazardous if consumed; nonetheless some nutritional supplements contain the element.

Product Number: All applicable American Elements product codes, e.g. GE-E-05-I, GE-E-05-L, GE-E-05-P, GE-E-05-ST, GE-E-05-WSX

Germaniumproperties

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

Extinguishing media Suitable extinguishing agents Special powder for metal fires. Do not use water. For safety reasons unsuitable extinguishing agents Water Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture If this product is involved in a fire, the following can be released: Metal oxide fume Advice for firefighters Protective equipment: No special measures required

Safety, health and environmental regulations/legislation specific for the substance or mixture 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. REACH - Pre-registered substances Substance is listed. Chemical safety assessment: A Chemical Safety Assessment has not been carried out.

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 material to be released to the environment without proper governmental permits. 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.

Germanium is a very important semiconductor and is also finding many other applications including use as an alloying agent, as a phosphor in fluorescent lamps, and as a catalyst. Germanium and germanium oxide are transparent to the infrared and are used in infrared spectroscopes and other optical equipment, including extremely sensitive infrared detectors. The high refractive index and dispersion properties of its oxides have made germanium useful as a component of wide-angle camera lenses and microscope objectives. Elemental or metallic forms of Germanium include pellets, rod, wire and granules for evaporation source material purposes. Germanium 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. Germanium is also available in soluble forms including chlorides, nitrates and acetates. These compounds can be manufactured as solutions at specified stoichiometries.

Germaniumuses

When Mendeleev published his first Periodic Table of the Elements in 1869, he included several as-yet undiscovered elements. He gave each a temporary name and predicted its properties based on the surrounding elements. One of these was named ekasilicon, and Mendeleev almost perfectly predicted the properties of the actual element, which was discovered by Clemens Winkler in 1886 and named after his native Germany: thus, germanium.

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.