Material Safety Data Sheet: Acid Potassium Tartrate

Identification

Product Name: Acid Potassium Tartrate
Synonyms: Potassium Hydrogen Tartrate, Cream of Tartar
Chemical Formula: KC4H5O6
CAS Number: 868-14-4
Manufacturer: Available from most chemical suppliers, distributed worldwide
Use: Commonly used in baking, industrial labs, winemaking, and as a laboratory reagent
Contact Information: Supplier emergency contact number listed on individual container label; reach local emergency services in case of severe incident

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS, but dust can be irritating
Physical Hazards: Powder can form combustible dust clouds
Health Hazards: May irritate eyes, skin, or respiratory tract; ingestion of large quantities can cause stomach upset
Environmental Hazards: Low aquatic toxicity; not expected to pose significant risk at small releases
Signal Word: None assigned
Hazard Statements: May cause eye and respiratory irritation
Pictograms: None required under regular use; dust hazard requires proper notation in labs
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust; wash hands thoroughly after handling; avoid contact with eyes

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Potassium hydrogen tartrate
Concentration: 100%
CAS Number: 868-14-4
Impurities: Commercial batches may contain minimal water, traces of tartaric acid or sodium salts
Additives: No additional stabilizers or preservatives added under standard supply

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse gently with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Inhalation: Move injured person to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical assistance if respiratory symptoms continue
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, drink water to dilute if conscious, do not induce vomiting, obtain medical help if feeling unwell
Special Notes: Allergic reactions rare, but report immediately if shortness of breath develops

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jet may disperse dust clouds
Special Hazards: In combustion, releases CO, CO₂, low levels of organic acids; fine dust can ignite
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Additional Information: Avoid inhaling fumes generated from burning; remove containers from fire zone if safe

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear dust-proof gloves, goggles, and suitable respirator
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering drains, watercourses, or soil
Methods for Cleanup: Gently sweep or scoop spilled product into secure containers, use industrial vacuum with HEPA filter for residue
Disposal of Waste: Place waste in labeled, sealed containers for authorized chemical disposal
Other Considerations: Avoid creating airborne dust during cleanup

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated area, minimize dust generation, avoid ingestion and eye or skin contact
Storage: Store in sealed containers away from moisture and incompatible materials, keep in a dry, cool space
Incompatibilities: Store separate from strong oxidizers and acids; keep container tightly closed
Special Handling Equipment: Local exhaust ventilation and dust collection recommended in bulk operations
Storage Life: Stable for several years under recommended conditions, but exposure to moisture reduces efficacy

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No OSHA or ACGIH limits set; keep airborne dust below nuisance dust threshold (10 mg/m³ recommended)
Engineering Controls: Use appropriate dust extraction systems and HEPA-filter vacuums
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, dust mask with N95 or better rating
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, avoid contact with eyes, do not eat, drink, or smoke while using
Additional Protection: Wear lab coat or protective clothing to prevent contamination of street clothes

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White, odorless crystalline powder
Molecular Weight: 188.18 g/mol
Melting Point: Decomposes above 230°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Solubility in Water: 6 g/L at 20°C
Density: 1.954 g/cm³
pH (1% solution): 3.5 - 4.5
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Odor: None
Flash Point: Not flammable, but fine powder can form combustible mixtures with air
Partition Coefficient: Not determined
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Reactivity: Stable under standard conditions
Chemical Stability: Stable in dry, sealed containers
Possible Hazardous Reactions: Contact with strong oxidizers may cause reaction; acidic component reacts with bases
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, bases
Decomposition Products: Heating releases carbon oxides and organic acids

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low oral and skin toxicity; estimated LD50 (rat, oral): >2000 mg/kg
Chronic Effects: No significant data on chronic toxicity in humans
Potential Health Effects: Eye or skin irritation, cough or sore throat from dust inhalation
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as carcinogenic
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence found for teratogenic or reproductive effects
Sensitization: Not a known sensitizer

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Aquatic organisms show low risk at common exposure levels
Mobility: Soluble in water, can leach through soil into groundwater in significant spills
Degradability: Biodegradable; breaks down quickly in environment
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely due to low fat solubility and rapid breakdown
Other Adverse Effects: Material should not be released in bulk to water bodies or drainage systems

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; small amounts can enter normal waste streams, but bulk material should go to approved chemical disposal
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse and reuse if possible or dispose of as chemical waste
Special Precautions: Small-scale disposal through dilution in excess water, large-scale through licensed chemical waste contractors

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Classification: Non-hazardous for air, sea, and land transport
Packing Group: Not assigned
Shipping Name: Acid Potassium Tartrate, Potassium Hydrogen Tartrate or Cream of Tartar
Environmental Hazards During Transport: Avoid releasing large amounts into environment in transit
Special Precautions: Secure containers to prevent breakage and spillage, keep dry during shipment

Regulatory Information

Inventory Listings: Registered in TSCA, EINECS, AICS, DSL, and other international inventories
Safety Regulations: Complies with OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, workplace labeling required
Right-to-Know: Available on state and federal lists in United States; users should maintain proper workplace documentation
Food Grade Approval: Meets standards for food additive use in many countries; check with local laws for food use
Label Requirements: Product labeling must include warnings about dust hazard, storage advice, and emergency measures