Material Safety Data Sheet for Rochelle Salt

Identification

Product Name: Rochelle Salt
Chemical Name: Potassium sodium tartrate tetrahydrate
Synonyms: Seignette’s salt, E337
CAS Number: 6381-59-5
EC Number: 229-865-9
Recommended Use: Used in laboratories, food additives, and piezoelectric applications
Supplier’s Details: Manufacturer contact provided on order documentation
Emergency Contact: Listed with supplier’s documentation

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Physical Hazards: No known significant effects or critical hazards
Health Hazards: May cause mild skin irritation or eye irritation on contact
Environmental Hazards: Non-toxic to aquatic organisms but avoid large-scale release
Label Elements: No pictogram required, precautionary statements focus on minimizing dust and direct contact
Precautionary Statements: Avoid dust formation, wash hands after handling, keep containers closed

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical: Potassium sodium tartrate tetrahydrate
Formula: KNaC4H4O6 · 4H2O
Concentration: 100%
Impurities/Stabilizing Additives: None known at standard purity

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, monitor respiratory symptoms, seek medical attention if coughing or discomfort persists
Skin Contact: Rinse skin with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contaminated clothing, consult physician if irritation remains
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, lift upper and lower eyelids to ensure thorough irrigation, seek medical help if redness or pain occurs
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, drink water if conscious, seek medical advice for persistent symptoms
Symptoms: Dust may cause mild irritation to mucous membranes

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam
Specific Hazards: Product is not flammable, thermal decomposition may release carbon oxides, potassium oxides, sodium oxides
Protective Equipment: Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Procedures: Cool containers with water spray near fire exposure, avoid inhalation of decomposition products

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use personal protective equipment, avoid dust inhalation, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains or natural waterways, sweep up material to minimize environmental impact
Cleanup Methods: Pick up mechanically, place in suitable, labeled containers for disposal, clean spill area with water
Safety Measures: Keep unauthorized personnel away from spill site

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work with adequate ventilation, avoid dust generation, handle with chemical-resistant gloves, wash thoroughly after use
Storage: Store in original container, tightly sealed, in cool, dry area away from incompatible substances like strong acids or bases
Safe Practices: Use designated containers, avoid storing with food or drink

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No workplace exposure limit established
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general room ventilation
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles for eye protection, gloves for skin protection, dust mask if dust forms in air
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke near working area

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless or white crystals
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH (5% solution): Around 7
Melting Point: Decomposes above 75°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Not flammable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Solubility: Soluble in water
Partition Coefficient: Not determined
Auto-ignition Temperature: Data not available
Decomposition Temperature: Above 75°C
Viscosity: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, exposure to moisture, strong oxidizers, acids
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, potassium oxides, sodium oxides on decomposition
Polymerization: Product will not polymerize

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity, oral LD50 (rat) exceeds 10,000 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause slight irritation with prolonged contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause mild, temporary discomfort
Respiratory Effects: Dust may trigger coughing or irritation
Chronic Effects: No evidence of serious health effects from repeated low-level exposure
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: No known toxicity to aquatic life at typical concentrations
Mobility: Readily soluble in water, moves quickly if spilled
Persistence and Degradability: Salt degrades into naturally occurring ions
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Other Environmental Effects: Avoid uncontrolled discharge to environment, large spills may cause localized changes in water salinity

Disposal Considerations

Safe Disposal Methods: Dispose of waste according to local, regional, and national regulations, dissolve small amounts in plenty of water and pour down the drain if permitted, large amounts require hazardous waste collection
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly before recycling or disposal
Precautions: Do not mix with incompatible substances during disposal, clearly label waste containers

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: None
Packing Group: Not applicable
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Transport Precautions: Keep container tightly closed, avoid generating dust during handling or transport

Regulatory Information

National Regulations: Not listed as hazardous by EPA, EU, OSHA, or Canadian WHMIS
SARA 313 Status: Not subject to reporting
TSCA Inventory: Listed
Other Regulations: Food-grade material may require additional certifications for use in food products, local environmental regulations for discharge apply
Label Requirements: Standard chemical labeling with proper hazard communication for workplace safety