Material Safety Data Sheet: Potassium Bitartrate

Identification

Product Name: Potassium Bitartrate
Synonyms: Cream of Tartar, Potassium Hydrogen Tartrate
CAS Number: 868-14-4
Molecular Formula: C4H5KO6
Molecular Weight: 188.18 g/mol
Recommended Use: Food additive, laboratory reagent, acidulant in baking
Supplier Contact: Provided by manufacturer or distributor
Emergency Telephone: Refer to regulatory region for emergency phone

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
Physical Hazards: Not considered flammable or explosive
Health Hazards: May cause mild irritation to eyes, skin, or respiratory tract in dusty environments
Environmental Hazards: Low environmental hazard when used properly
Label Elements: No pictogram required under normal handling, Nonhazardous statement may apply
Precautionary Statements: Avoid generating or breathing dust, wash exposed skin after handling, seek fresh air if difficulty breathing

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Potassium Bitartrate
Content: >99% pure
CAS Number: 868-14-4
Impurities: Trace amounts of tartaric acid, nonhazardous stabilizers possible at very low percentages

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, offer water, rest, seek medical help if coughing or discomfort persists
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, see doctor for prolonged irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse gently with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present, get medical attention if irritation lingers
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute, seek medical advice if large quantities consumed or symptoms appear
Important Notes: Provide this information to healthcare providers for tailored care

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, water spray, foam, or CO2 for surrounds
Hazardous Combustion Products: May emit carbon oxides, potassium oxides, other unidentified fumes under fire
Advice for Firefighters: Wear protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus, avoid inhaling fumes, evacuate nonessential personnel
Protective Actions: Keep containers cool using water spray to prevent bursting from heat
Explosion Data: No specific explosion hazards known under normal use

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear dust mask or respirator, goggles, gloves for contact protection, avoid breathing dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spills from entering water supplies or drainage, sweep up spill and transfer to proper waste container
Clean-Up Methods: Sweep or vacuum solid, use damp cloth to remove fine particles, ventilate area as needed, wash site post-collection
Disposal: Place in suitable container for local disposal practices, secure to avoid secondary release

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Store in well-ventilated, cool, dry space, avoid formation and inhalation of dust, wash thoroughly after use
Storage Conditions: Keep tightly closed in original packaging, away from incompatible materials such as strong acids or alkalis, avoid heat and moisture
Incompatibilities: Avoid storage with oxidizers or strong bases to prevent possible reactions
Hygiene Measures: Regular handwashing recommended, do not eat or drink in work area, change out of contaminated clothing promptly

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits for potassium bitartrate
Engineering Controls: Use local ventilation or extraction for dust control, maintain adequate airflow in processing areas
Personal Protective Equipment: Recommended use of safety glasses or goggles, dust mask or NIOSH-approved respirator for extended exposures, gloves for skin protection
Personal Hygiene: Wash hands after handling, remove contaminated clothing, avoid contact with face during use
Environmental Controls: Employ standard waste and air discharge management protocols to minimize environmental release

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: White or off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Decomposes at approximately 220°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (6 g/L at 20°C), insoluble in alcohol
pH: Acidic aqueous solution, around 3.5 – 4.5
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Density: About 1.953 g/cm3
Vapor Pressure: Negligible under ambient conditions
Appearance: Fine to coarse powder, sometimes crystalline granules

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Chemically stable under recommended temperatures and storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid exposure to humid conditions, strong oxidizers or extreme heat
Incompatible Materials: Strong bases, strong oxidants
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, potassium oxides, other unknown fumes if broken down by fire
Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization expected during normal use

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, inhalation, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Very low toxicity; reported oral LD50 in rats > 5000 mg/kg
Chronic Effects: No evidence of significant chronic toxicity from occupational or dietary exposure
Irritation: Dust may irritate eyes, skin, or throat after prolonged contact
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA as carcinogen
Other Effects: May affect electrolyte balance at very high intake, no mutagenic or reproductive effects reported

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low environmental hazard, little risk to aquatic life at expected concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable by natural processes
Bioaccumulation Potential: No significant bioaccumulation expected
Mobility in Soil: Soluble portion can move with water, but most will settle or degrade
Other Adverse Effects: Excessive discharge may cause localized shifts in pH

Disposal Considerations

Product Handling: Dispose according to local, regional, and national regulations for nonhazardous chemical waste
Packaging Disposal: Empty containers thoroughly before recycling or discarding, triple-rinse and remove labels if required
Large Volumes: Consult environmental regulator or licensed waste disposal company
Precautions: Avoid bulk disposal into waterways or sewage networks, limit dust during handling

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated under current UN dangerous goods codes
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous for air, road, or sea transport
Packing Group: Not assigned due to low hazard
Shipping Name: Potassium Bitartrate
Special Precautions: Ensure containers remain sealed and dry, avoid spillage during route transfers
Transport Labels: None required under standard carriage

Regulatory Information

US Federal Regulations: Not subject to SARA Title III, not on CERCLA hazardous substance list
EU Regulations: Listed on EINECS, not classified as dangerous under regulation EC 1272/2008
Other International Inventories: Canada (DSL/NDSL), Australia (AICS), Japan (ENCS), China (IECSC) all list potassium bitartrate
Workplace Labelling: No special warning labels mandatory under GHS for typical quantities
California Proposition 65: Not listed as chemical known to cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm