SECTION 1 — CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

Potassium

Flinn Scientific, Inc. P.O. Box 219, Batavia, IL 60510 (800) 452-1261
Chemtrec Emergency Phone Number: (800) 424-10132

Signal Word
DANGER

Hazard class: Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases (Category 1). In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously (H260). Handle under inert gas. Protect from moisture (P231+232).

Hazard class: Skin corrosion or irritation (Category 1). Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314).

Pictograms

SECTION 3 — COMPOSITION, INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

Component Name	CAS Number	Formula	Formula Weight	Concentration
Potassium	2023695	K	39.1

SECTION 4 — FIRST AID MEASURES

Immediately call a POISON CENTER or physician (P310).
If inhaled: Remove victim to fresh air in a position comfortable for breathing (P304+P340).
If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do so. Continue rinsing (P305+P351+P338). If on skin: Brush off loose particles from skin (P335). Immediately remove all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water (P303+P361+P353). Wash contaminated clothing before reuse (P363).
If swallowed: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting (P301+P330+P331).

SECTION 5 — FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

Flammable solid. Dangerous fire risk; reacts violently with moisture evolving much heat, spattering and flammable hydrogen gas. Very difficult to extinguish a potassium fire.
In case of fire: Use Class D, Met-L-X, or dry sand as a fire extinguisher. Avoid water contact, violent reaction with water.

NFPA Code

H-3
F-3
R-2
No Water

SECTION 6 — ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

Restrict unprotected personnel from area. Remove all ignition sources and water. Coat with mineral oil, carefully pick up and place in a bottle with clean, dry mineral oil. Ventilate area and wash spill site after material pickup is complete. See Sections 8 and 13 for further information.

SECTION 7 — HANDLING AND STORAGE

Flinn Suggested Chemical Storage Pattern: Inorganic #1. Store with metals and metal hydrides.
Store under oil in a PVC coated glass bottle in a Flinn Chem-Saf™ can. Keep away from water and handle with dry utensils.

SECTION 8 — EXPOSURE CONTROLS, PERSONAL PROTECTION

Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection (P280). Wash hands thoroughly after handling (P264).

SECTION 9 — PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Soft, silvery metal when fresh. Older potassium may be covered with a soft, spongy coating which could be an explosive peroxide.
Soluble: Do not attempt to place in solution.

Melting point: 63.2 °C
Specific gravity: 0.862
Boiling point: 759 °C

SECTION 10 — STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

Avoid contact with oxidizers, Teflon, chlorinated solvents, water, acids.
Shelf life: Poor. Avoid contact with moisture. See Section 7 for further information.

SECTION 11 — TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Acute effects: Corrosive
Chronic effects: N.A.
Target organs: N.A.

ORL-RAT LD₅₀: N.A.
IHL-RAT LC₅₀: N.A.
SKN-RBT LD₅₀: N.A.

SECTION 12 — ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Data not yet available.

SECTION 13 — DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

Please review all federal, state and local regulations that may apply before proceeding.
Flinn Suggested Disposal Method #3 is one option.

SECTION 14 — TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Shipping name: Potassium. Hazard class: 4.3, Dangerous when wet. UN number: UN2257. Packing group I

SECTION 15 — REGULATORY INFORMATION

TSCA-listed, EINECS-listed (231-119-8), RCRA code D001, D002, D003.

SECTION 16 — OTHER INFORMATION

This Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is for guidance and is based upon information and tests believed to be reliable. Flinn Scientific, Inc. makes no guarantee of the accuracy or completeness of the data and shall not be liable for any damages relating thereto. The data is offered solely for your consideration, investigation, and verification. The data should not be confused with local, state, federal or insurance mandates, regulations, or requirements and CONSTITUTE NO WARRANTY. Any use of this data and information must be determined by the science instructor to be in accordance with applicable local, state or federal laws and regulations. The conditions or methods of handling, storage, use and disposal of the product(s) described are beyond the control of Flinn Scientific, Inc. and may be beyond our knowledge. FOR THIS AND OTHER REASONS, WE DO NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGE OR EXPENSE ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE HANDLING, STORAGE, USE OR DISPOSAL OF THIS PRODUCT(S).

Consult your copy of the Flinn Science Catalog/Reference Manual for additional information about laboratory chemicals.