Product Name: Potassium hydrogen tartrate
Synonyms: Cream of tartar, Potassium bitartrate
Chemical Formula: C4H5KO6
CAS Number: 868-14-4
Recommended Use and Restrictions: Laboratory reagent, used in food processing and analytical chemistry, not intended for pharmaceutical or medicinal applications
Manufacturer and Supplier Information: Company contact information includes phone number, address, and emergency contact line for chemical incidents.
Emergency Overview: White crystalline powder with a slight acidic odor, not highly flammable or reactive under normal conditions but may pose health risks with prolonged or high-level exposure.
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS standards
Potential Hazards: May cause mild eye, skin, or respiratory irritation; ingesting large quantities can cause gastrointestinal discomfort or effects related to potassium overload
Label Elements: No pictogram or mandatory hazard warning but precautionary statements should be followed
Emergency Symptoms: Coughing, sore throat, stomach upset, irritant effects, possible itchiness or redness in contact with skin or eyes
Precautionary Statements: Use personal protection like gloves and glasses and handle with adequate ventilation to avoid dust inhalation and direct contact.
Chemical Identity: Potassium hydrogen tartrate
Percentage by Weight: 99% or greater
Impurities and Stabilizing Additives: Contains trace amounts of possible contaminants less than 1%, typically inert or non-hazardous
Molecular Weight: 188.18 g/mol
Physical Appearance: White, odorless crystalline solid, fine powder
Regulatory Listings: Listed for food and reagent use, subject to quality controls.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath develop
Skin Contact: Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, and consult a healthcare provider if irritation continues
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of clean water for at least fifteen minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids periodically, seek medical help if pain or redness persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, and contact a poison control center or healthcare professional if large amounts swallowed
Most Important Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, mild irritation of respiratory system or skin, persistent irritation requires doctor’s evaluation.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, water spray, foam, or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Material may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and potassium oxides if involved in a fire
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Standard firefighting gear, including a self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Fire and Explosion Risk: Low risk under normal use, avoid dust clouds in confined spaces which can pose a mild combustion risk
Special Procedures: Remove containers from danger zone, avoid inhaling smoke, and use gentle water streams to prevent dust dispersion.
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, safety glasses, and dust mask; avoid raising dust and ensure proper ventilation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, surface water, and soil; sweep up spills with non-sparking tools and collect in clearly labeled containers
Cleanup Methods: Pick up using dry methods, avoid using water that may generate slurry, dispose in accordance with local regulations
Reporting Requirements: Notify supervisory personnel in case of significant release; follow local notification guidelines if spillage impacts environment.
Additional Measures: Wash area with plenty of water after removal and ventilate area thoroughly before returning to regular use.
Safe Handling Procedures: Minimize dust generation and accumulation, use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid eating or smoking during handling, wash hands after use
Storage Conditions: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location, store away from incompatible substances such as strong bases or oxidizing agents
Suitable Containers: Use durable, clearly labeled containers made of compatible materials like polyethylene or glass
Incompatibilities: Avoid mixing with strong bases, strong acids, and oxidizing materials
Special Storage Conditions: Keep away from heat sources, make sure storage area has dust control measures present.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No workplace exposure limits established by OSHA or ACGIH
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or containment to minimize airborne dust
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, NIOSH-approved respirator if dust exceeds comfort levels, chemical-resistant gloves, lab coat or apron
Hygiene Practices: Hand wash after handling, keep food and beverages away from work area, remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse
Environmental Controls: Avoid release into the environment by proper disposal practices and use of secondary containment for large volumes.
Appearance: White, odorless crystalline powder
Odor: Slightly acidic
Melting Point: Starts to decompose at 168–170°C
Solubility in Water: Slightly soluble – about 1g per 165ml water at 25°C
pH (1% Solution): Around 3.5 to 4.5
Relative Density: Approximately 1.954 g/cm³
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not applicable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Other Properties: Stable under normal laboratory conditions, tends to cake if exposed to moisture during storage.
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures, slow decomposition may occur in moist air over time
Reactivity: Inert under ordinary laboratory use, reacts with strong bases to form potassium tartrate and with strong acids to produce tartaric acid
Conditions to Avoid: High humidity, strong oxidizers, excessive heat
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and potassium oxides possible at high temperatures or combustion
Incompatible Materials: Avoid mixing with alkalis, oxidizing agents, and concentrated acids.
Toxicity Data: No data indicating acute toxicity for typical laboratory exposure, ingestion of large amounts can affect electrolyte balance
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin or eye contact, accidental ingestion
Chronic Effects: No evidence of carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive effects in available studies; long-term exposure to high doses may cause symptoms in sensitive individuals
Symptoms of Overexposure: Nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, skin or eye irritation, electrolyte disturbances from excessive potassium intake
Target Organs: Overconsumption can impact kidneys and heart due to potassium, otherwise not listed as an organ-specific toxicant.
Environmental Fate: Readily biodegradable, not expected to bioaccumulate
Aquatic Toxicity: Low toxicity toward aquatic organisms; not known to persist or cause significant impact in well-managed use
Mobility in Soil: Soluble in water to a limited extent, likely to remain in upper soil layers
Persistence and Degradability: Completely degrades under natural environmental conditions; no evidence of harmful breakdown products
Special Precautions: Limit discharge in large quantities to water courses; follow best practices for laboratory or small-scale disposal.
Waste Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations for non-hazardous laboratory waste
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse out containers and dispose as regular laboratory glassware or plastic waste, if local policy permits
Environmental Precautions: Do not allow large quantities to enter public sewage systems, prevent residue accumulation in sensitive or protected environments
Incineration or Landfill: Suitable for treatment as non-hazardous waste, incinerate only if local waste authority approves
Special Notes: Consistent with green laboratory protocols and sustainable disposal, minimize unnecessary disposal and prioritize recycling of containers where possible.
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Potassium hydrogen tartrate
Transport Hazard Class: Not assigned due to low risk
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Transport Precautions: Keep in sturdy, sealed containers, protect from moisture, and avoid stacking above weight limits
ICAO/IATA, IMDG, DOT: Not subject to regulation as a hazardous material, but standard lab safety considerations apply during all shipments.
Regulatory Status: Approved for laboratory and food additive use in many regions; not listed as a hazardous substance under US TSCA, EU REACH, or Canadian DSL
Label Requirements: Product labeling should state chemical name, hazard and precautionary information, and intended use
Workplace Safety: Observe general chemical handling standards, including workplace hazard communication protocols
Applicable Laws: Compliant with local occupational, environmental, and workplace safety rules pertaining to non-hazardous laboratory reagents
Addenda: Material not subject to SARA Title III, CERCLA, or California Proposition 65 regulation under current law but always check for updates as requirements evolve.
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