Material Safety Data Sheet for Potassium Acid Tartrate

Identification

Product Name: Potassium Acid Tartrate
Chemical Formula: C4H5KO6
Common Names: Cream of Tartar, KC4H5O6
CAS Number: 868-14-4
Recommended Uses: Used as a food additive, leavening agent, cleaning agent, and in laboratory settings
Manufacturer Contact: Information should include the supplier’s name, address, and phone number for emergencies

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Main Hazards: Contact may cause mild eye or skin irritation. Inhalation of dust can irritate the respiratory tract. Swallowing large amounts may pose a risk of stomach distress or discomfort. Fine powder may present a nuisance dust hazard
Label Elements: Not required to bear a hazard pictogram under GHS
Signal Word: None required
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, use protective gloves and eyewear, and wash hands after handling

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Potassium hydrogen tartrate
Chemical Identity: KC4H5O6
CAS Number: 868-14-4
Purity: Typically above 99% for laboratory or food-grade product
Impurities: May contain trace amounts of other tartrates or minerals from source material but at levels insignificant for safety concerns

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air. Seek medical attention if irritation or difficulty breathing continues
Skin Contact: Wash the affected area with plenty of water and soap. Call a doctor if irritation develops or persists
Eye Contact: Flush immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and continue rinsing. Consult a medical professional if redness or pain continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical advice if large quantities are swallowed or symptoms persist

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Combustion may produce carbon oxides, potassium oxides, and irritating fumes
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear
Special Procedures: Keep substances and run-off out of drains and water supplies whenever possible

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid inhaling dust and contact with skin or eyes; wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spill from entering drains, sewers, or waterways
Containment Methods: Sweep up or vacuum spilled material; avoid creating dust
Cleanup Methods: Dispose of collected material in accordance with local regulations; wash spill area thoroughly with water

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use with adequate ventilation to minimize dust; avoid prolonged or repeated contact with skin; avoid inhaling dust
Storage: Store in sealed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from incompatible materials such as strong acids or bases
Incompatible Materials: Avoid strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong alkalis

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limits established for potassium acid tartrate by OSHA, NIOSH, or ACGIH
Engineering Controls: Provide adequate ventilation; use local exhaust to maintain airborne concentrations below nuisance dust limits
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear gloves resistant to chemicals, safety goggles or glasses, and protective clothing if splashing or dust is possible. Use a respirator if dust levels exceed acceptable standards. Wash hands thoroughly after handling

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White, odorless, crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Decomposes above 230°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Soluble in water; slight solubility in alcohol
Density: Approximately 1.954 g/cm³
pH (1% solution): 3.5 to 4.5
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable at ambient temperatures
Flammability: Not flammable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of use and storage
Reactivity: Not reactive under normal conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to excessive heat, open flames, and incompatibles
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids and bases may react to liberate carbon dioxide or form other products
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Heating can generate carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and potassium oxides

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat) has not been precisely defined, but estimated to be greater than 5 g/kg, indicating low oral toxicity
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Not known to cause significant skin irritation
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause mild, transient irritation
Respiratory Effects: Inhalation of large amounts may irritate the respiratory tract
Chronic Toxicity: No long-term health risks reported at typical exposure levels; excessive ingestion can disrupt electrolyte balance
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA, or ACGIH

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Product shows low toxicity to aquatic life at realistic exposure concentrations; not expected to bioaccumulate significantly
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable under environmental conditions; breaks down into naturally occurring compounds
Mobility in Soil: Soluble in water; moderate mobility may be expected based on physical properties
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid large-scale releases to prevent localized pH effects on soil and waterways

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations. Preferred disposal is in a landfill approved for non-hazardous chemical waste
Container Disposal: Empty containers should be rinsed and recycled or disposed of safely. Follow all regional requirements
Precautions: Do not dispose of in household garbage or via the sewage system. Avoid release to the environment in large quantities

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material by DOT, IATA, or IMDG
Proper Shipping Name: Not applicable
Transportation Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Transport Precautions: Ensure containers are sealed and protected from moisture and physical damage during transport

Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed in the United States TSCA inventory
FDA Status: Classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in food products in the US
WHMIS Classification (Canada): Not a controlled product
REACH Status (Europe): Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) compliant where required
Other Regulations: Check all applicable local, regional, or national legislation for requirements specific to product use, handling, and disposal