Product Name: Potassium Tartrates
Common Names: Dipotassium tartrate, Potassium bitartrate (cream of tartar)
Chemical Formula: K2C4H4O6 or KC4H5O6
CAS Numbers: 868-14-4 (Dipotassium tartrate), 868-06-4 (Potassium bitartrate)
Recommended Uses: Food additive, laboratory reagent, pharmaceutical ingredient, stabilizer in baked goods, component in metallurgical fluxes
Supplier Information: Manufacturers’ and distributors’ contact details including phone numbers, addresses, emergency contact lines
Classifications: Potassium tartrates generally fall under non-hazardous materials for ordinary handling, but larger quantities or dust inhalation can cause mild irritation.
GHS Classification: Not classified as dangerous.
Pictogram: No symbol required under GHS.
Hazard Statements: May cause eye or skin irritation. Dust or powder can irritate the respiratory system.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Avoid breathing dust. Use with adequate ventilation. Keep away from food and drink.
Chemical Name: Dipotassium tartrate or Potassium bitartrate
Percentage: Typically >99% pure
Impurities: Small traces of sodium tartrate, water, organic contaminants (often below reporting threshold)
Molecular Weight: Dipotassium tartrate: 226.27 g/mol; Potassium bitartrate: 188.18 g/mol
Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air. If coughing or difficulty breathing develops, seek medical attention. Rinse mouth and clear throat of any powder.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash affected area with soap and water. If irritation persists, contact a physician.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Keep eyelids open and away from eyeball. Seek medical attention for persistent irritation.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Drink water to dilute. Never induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. If a substantial quantity is swallowed, get medical advice.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray or fog, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide. Avoid direct water jets.
Special Hazards: During combustion, potassium tartrates may produce carbon oxides and potassium oxides.
Protective Equipment: Wear full protective gear, including NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus, fire-resistant clothing, goggles, and gloves.
Advice for Firefighters: Approach from upwind. Keep containers cool. Avoid inhaling combustion fumes.
Personal Precautions: Wear safeguards like gloves, goggles, and a dust mask. Ventilate area if powder is airborne. Limit entry, especially by unprotected personnel.
Environmental Precautions: Keep material out of drains and watercourses. Sweep or scoop up undamaged product to minimize dust.
Methods for Clean-Up: Collect and containerize the spill using inert, clean-up materials. Remove residue with water. Dispose according to local regulations.
Safe Handling: Avoid generating dust. Handle in ventilated areas. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Do not eat, drink, or smoke near the material.
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Use tightly closed, labeled containers made of compatible material (polyethylene, glass). Keep away from strong acids or oxidizers. Protect from moisture, direct sunlight, and extreme temperatures.
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits for potassium tartrates.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to keep airborne concentrations below recommended limits. Provide eyewash stations and safety showers.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, dust mask or respirator if airborne dust is present, lab coat or apron. Good laboratory hygiene prevents accidental exposure.
Appearance: White, odorless crystalline or powdery solid
Odor: Odorless
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral in solution (pH ~3.5–6.0 depending on form)
Melting Point: Decomposes above 230°C (Dipotassium tartrate), 168–170°C (Potassium bitartrate, decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not applicable; decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Slightly soluble in cold water, more soluble in warm water
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: 1.98 g/cm³ (Potassium bitartrate), 2.0 g/cm³ (Dipotassium tartrate)
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions.
Reactivity: Non-reactive under normal use; may react with strong acids to produce tartaric acid and release carbon dioxide
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, concentrated acids, strong bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Releases carbon oxides and potassium oxide if heated to decomposition
Risk of Polymerization: Does not occur
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity via oral, dermal, or inhalation routes. Oral LD50 in rats: >2000 mg/kg
Potential Health Effects: May irritate eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Large ingestions may cause stomach discomfort, nausea, or diarrhea.
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Chronic Effects: No chronic health effects under normal handling
Sensitization: Not expected to cause allergic reactions
Ecotoxicity: Low expected environmental hazard. Unlikely to bioaccumulate. High concentrations in water may temporarily disturb aquatic ecosystems.
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable by soil and water microorganisms.
Mobility: Solid, water-soluble — may move through soil into groundwater if spilled in large amounts.
Bioaccumulation: Not expected due to low octanol-water partition coefficient.
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of non-recyclable stock through a licensed chemical waste contractor. Store residue in tightly sealed, labeled containers.
Disposal of Packaging: Rinse empty containers. Dispose of via municipal waste, recycling, or hazardous-waste procedures, according to local regulation.
Special Precautions: Prevent release to sewage and natural waterways.
UN Number: Not regulated for transport (non-hazardous material)
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Labels: None required
Shipping Name: Potassium tartrates
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as a marine pollutant. Avoid large releases to water during transit.
Inventory Listings: Registered in TSCA (US), EINECS/ELINCS (EU), DSL (Canada), ENCS (Japan)
Regulatory Status: Not classified as hazardous under OSHA, EU-CLP, or GHS guidelines. FDA-approved as a food additive under specified limits.
Restriction Notes: Use in food applications limited by national food safety agencies for maximum purity and allowable daily intake.
Other Regulations: No SARA Title III, CERCLA, or RCRA hazardous listing. Follow worker safety laws and general chemical handling regulations.
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