Material Safety Data Sheet: Potassium Bitartrate

Identification

Product Name: Potassium Bitartrate
Other Names: Cream of Tartar
Chemical Formula: KC4H5O6
CAS Number: 868-14-4
Recommended Use: Food additive, baking, cleaning agent, laboratory reagent
Manufacturer/Supplier: Refer to specific sourcing contact
Emergency Contact: Refer to local poison control or health and safety authority

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classed as hazardous by GHS criteria
Physical Hazards: May form dust in powder form, irritates eyes, nose, throat
Health Hazards: Mild irritant, possible minor gastrointestinal distress if ingested in large amounts
Environmental Hazards: Not expected to be significant at commonly used volumes
Label Pictograms: No mandatory hazard symbols for food additive grade

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Potassium Hydrogen Tartrate
Concentration: 99%–100%
Synonyms: Monopotassium tartrate, acid potassium tartrate
Impurities: Trace amounts of moisture and organic matter from extraction processes

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air, seek medical help if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash with water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water, check for irritation and seek medical advice if needed
Ingestion: Drink water to dilute, seek medical help for large doses or if symptoms occur

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: None specified, standard extinguishing agents work effectively
Hazardous Combustion Products: May form potassium oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment: Wear protective clothing, gloves, and a self-contained breathing apparatus

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid generating dust, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry of large amounts into drains or waterways
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or vacuum spilled material, use damp cloth to limit dust, dispose in a suitable container
Disposal: Follow local regulations for non-hazardous household waste

Handling and Storage

Handling: Minimize dust, avoid contact with eyes and prolonged skin exposure
Storage: Store in tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place
Incompatibilities: Strong bases, oxidizers
Temperature Considerations: Stable under normal storage, avoid excessive moisture

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limits set
Ventilation: Use general or local exhaust to minimize dust
Eye Protection: Safety goggles recommended in bulk handling
Skin Protection: Gloves recommended for frequent contact
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask in areas with high airborne particulates

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White, odorless, crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
pH (1% solution): 3.5–5
Melting Point: 168–170°C (decomposes)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol
Relative Density: 1.954 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient: Not available
Flash Point: Not flammable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and usage
Reactivity: Unreactive in standard conditions
Hazardous Reactions: May react with strong alkalies, oxidizing agents
Decomposition Products: Yields potassium oxides, carbon oxides at high temperatures
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, heat, and incompatible materials

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: No significant toxicity reported in normal usage
Skin Contact: May cause slight irritation, no sensitization documented
Eye Contact: Causes minor irritation if directly exposed
Inhalation: Dust may cause coughing or respiratory irritation
Ingestion: Large amounts can upset digestive tract; unlikely in food use
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by major agencies
Chronic Effects: Repeated overexposure could affect electrolyte balance, rare in practical settings

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low risk to aquatic life and soil organisms at usual concentrations
Persistence: Degrades to natural potassium and tartrate ions
Bioaccumulation: Not expected
Mobility: Water soluble but not persistent in the environment
Other Information: No observed adverse effects in standard laboratory tests
Large Releases: Should not be dumped in significant quantities to avoid local pH shifts

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Can be disposed of with household waste in small amounts
Large Quantities: Use landfill or incinerate following local guidelines
Container Disposal: Rinse thoroughly, recycle or dispose according to local regulations

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Precautions: Use sealed containers to prevent moisture uptake or spillage during transit

Regulatory Information

Regulatory Listings: Approved as a food additive under US FDA (21 CFR 184.1077) and EU food law
Label Requirements: Ingredient labeling for food use; not classified as hazardous for bulk use
Workplace Regulations: Covered under local chemical workplace safety policies
Other Requirements: Regular review of safety practices recommended by authorities, especially in industrial settings