Material Safety Data Sheet for Potassium Tartrate

Identification

Product Name: Potassium Tartrate
Synonyms: Dipotassium tartrate, Rochelle Salt, E336(ii)
CAS Number: 304-59-6
Molecular Formula: K2C4H4O6·4H2O
Recommended Use: Laboratory chemical, food additive, buffering agent, mild laxative
Manufacturer/Supplier: Check label for detailed supplier contact information
Emergency Contact: Refer to national emergency telephone numbers or supplier-specific response lines

Hazard Identification

Classification According to GHS: Not classified as a hazardous substance
Primary Hazards: Low toxicity, but large doses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort
Signal Word: None required
Pictograms: None assigned
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Potential Health Effects: Ingestion may result in nausea or diarrhea; dust can irritate eyes and respiratory tract
Environmental Hazards: Substance is not considered highly hazardous to aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Potassium tartrate, tetrahydrate
CAS Number: 304-59-6
EC Number: 206-136-2
Concentration: 100%
Impurities/Additives: In commercial products, only trace impurities typical of production

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air. Provide reassurance. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with water and soap. Remove contaminated clothing.
Eye Contact: Rinse well with plenty of cool water for several minutes, gently lifting eyelids. If discomfort remains, consult medical advice.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Drink water to dilute. Seek medical attention for any prolonged symptoms or concerns.
Symptoms Requiring Attention: Gastrointestinal upset, respiratory irritation, eye discomfort

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Special Hazards: On decomposition, may emit potassium oxide and carbon oxides
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing for large fires
Precautions: Avoid breathing dust, fumes, and gases generated by fire; keep unnecessary personnel away
Foam or water spray acts as preferred extinguishing medium for most storage situations

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation. Wear suitable protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and dust mask.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff into waterways and sewer systems. Use absorbent materials to contain spills.
Clean-up Methods: Sweep up solid; avoid raising dust. Dispose in suitable container.
Decontamination: Wash area with water after collection

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid creating dust. Use in well-ventilated workspace. Wash hands after handling.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed container. Keep away from moisture and incompatible substances.
Special Considerations: Store in cool, dry area. Protect from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Keep container tightly sealed to minimize risk of contamination and product degradation

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits for potassium tartrate
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation for dust control
Personal Protection: Safety goggles, gloves, and dust mask or respirator if dust is present
Hygiene Measures: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during use. Wash hands after handling.
Workplace Monitoring: Regular air quality checks in facilities handling large quantities

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White, crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point/Range: 70–80°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility in Water: Easily soluble, increases with temperature
pH Value: 6.5–8.0 in aqueous solution
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Density: Approximately 1.79 g/cm³
Other Properties: Hygroscopic, slightly sweet taste, non-volatile

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Hazardous Reactions: May react with strong acids, oxidizers, and alkali metals
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, moisture, open flames
Decomposition Products: Potassium oxides, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide on thermal decomposition
Incompatibility: Strong acids, strong oxidizing agents

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral/rat) above 4,000 mg/kg indicates low acute toxicity
Skin and Eye Irritation: Mild irritant to skin and eyes, especially at high concentrations or dust exposure
Sensitization: Not reported as a sensitizer
Chronic Effects: Overexposure may cause gastrointestinal upset with cramps or diarrhea
Carcinogenicity, Mutagenicity, Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence found linking with cancer, gene mutations, or reproductive harm
Target Organs: Digestive tract if ingested in large amounts

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low hazard to aquatic organisms; no significant bioaccumulation expected
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in natural environments
Mobility in Soil: Water-soluble, may migrate in moist conditions
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Other Adverse Effects: Large releases may lead to potassium enrichment in soil or water

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with national and local regulations. Landfill or incinerate only if permitted.
Packaging: Rinse empty containers before recycling or disposal.
Special Practices: Avoid disposal to natural water systems or sewage without proper treatment

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous for transport
Packing Group: Not assigned
Proper Shipping Name: Potassium Tartrate
Additional Guidance: Transport in sealed, labeled packaging to prevent spillage and contamination

Regulatory Information

TSCA (US): Listed
EINECS (EU): Listed
REACH Status: Exempted as food ingredient and for other specific uses
Other Inventories: Present on AICS (Australia), DSL (Canada), ENCS (Japan)
Labeling Requirements: No special hazard labeling needed under GHS or EU regulations
Other Notes: Always refer to national and international regulations for commercial use or disposal