Potassium hydrogen tartrate brings together potassium bitartrate and a highly pure grade of tartaric acid salt. This chemical appears under many names, including cream of tartar, and fits a unique slot in both industrial and laboratory settings. With a firm standing among reagents, its formula is KC4H5O6, packing together essential elements—potassium, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen—in a stout crystalline structure. Chemically, this compound holds a molecular weight of 188.18 g/mol, and the distinctive single potassium atom per molecule adds to its identity. Use stretches between baking, chemical preparation, and analytical testing, favored where purity defines the outcome.
Under most working conditions, potassium hydrogen tartrate forms a white, odorless solid, usually found as fine powder, flaky crystals, or irregular pearls. Density measures around 1.954 g/cm3, making it stable on the shelf and during handling. It does not dissolve well in cold water—about 1 g per 162 mL at room temperature—but solubility increases with both temperature and agitation. Place it near heat, and expect a decomposition temperature approaching 230°C, an important threshold for storage and industrial safety. The blend of fine, sandy particles or thicker, crystally flakes often depends on processing method and manufacturer, each batch drawing from the natural sediment left behind during grape fermentation.
The molecular arrangement within potassium hydrogen tartrate produces a mildly acidic property, measured by a pH of 3.5–4 when dissolved. Stability in dry air ensures long shelf life. In wet conditions or acidic environment, reactivity can increase, leading to possible release of tartaric acid or potassium salts. The solubility aspect drives its selection for buffer solutions, especially in laboratory titrations. For industrial use, manufacturers leverage its purity and consistent form to achieve reliable results, using it as a raw material for potassium metal or as a stabilizer in certain applications. The crystalline lattice resists easy breakdown, keeping the product reliable through storage and transit.
Any supplier with a focus on quality provides potassium hydrogen tartrate checked for heavy metal traces, moisture content, and purity. The industry expects purity of 99.5% or higher. Moisture content typically rests below 0.5%, crucial for laboratories seeking repeatable results in analytical chemistry. As for labeling and trade documentation, the HS Code for potassium hydrogen tartrate stands as 2918.12, fitting under carboxylic acids and their derivatives. Shipping and storage follow the established rules for non-flammable, low-toxicity solids, but always with respect to the fine powder's tendency to generate dust during bulk movement.
Potassium hydrogen tartrate generally does not pose major health risks in small amounts; however, exposure to dust or prolonged skin contact can cause irritation to sensitive individuals. Ingestion in large quantities proves harmful, especially to persons with kidney conditions because excess potassium can disrupt electrolyte balance. Storage in a dry, cool place, away from acids or bases, limits accidental decomposition or reactivity. Eye protection and gloves prevent direct contact during handling, especially important when measuring the solid into solutions or moving large volumes. Spillage cleanup involves damp wiping or vacuuming to minimize dust, staying away from sweeping that sends particles airborne.
Applications for potassium hydrogen tartrate unfold across scientific, commercial, and even culinary sectors. Food-grade quality enhances stability in whipped egg whites, a staple in bakeries. Laboratory-grade product supports pH buffering and standardization procedures, assisting in chemical analysis where accuracy matters. When entering the chemical synthesis arena, this material provides a convenient way to introduce potassium into reactions, especially when purity and ease of separation mean the difference between a successful batch and wasted effort. Producers looking to manage dust can switch to larger flakes or pearls to cut airborne particles, while tightly sealed packaging controls moisture pickup. Proper documentation and adherence to the HS Code 2918.12 ease cross-border trade by aligning shipments to recognized global standards.
Factories and labs sourcing potassium hydrogen tartrate rely on regular supply from fermentation waste in wineries or through direct chemical synthesis. Vendors usually stock powder, flakes, or pearls in multi-kilogram drums or smaller laboratory packs, marked clearly with product details and batch traceability. Secure, dry facilities, away from incompatibles like concentrated acids or bases, ensure product longevity. Education about the hazards and necessary precautions must stay front and center for anyone moving, measuring, or mixing the solid or its solutions. Looking at raw materials, transparency in the origin and processing method plays a part in guaranteeing consistent quality for repeated processes, both in research and manufacturing.
Experience shows potassium hydrogen tartrate supports a wide array of techniques—from stabilizing cream in bakeries to calibrating pH in sophisticated labs. What matters most is keeping an eye on storage, handling, and quality control. For buyers, trust grows through transparency with suppliers, verified testing, and clear labeling. Whether used for its acidic buffering, potassium content, or structural properties, this chemical stands as a reliable asset, provided users commit to best practices in safety and documentation. Common sense, routine safety measures, and awareness of the substance’s physical requirements help extract value while reducing risk—from factory floor to research bench.
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