SECTION 1 — CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

Potassium Hydroxide

Flinn Scientific, Inc. P.O. Box 219, Batavia, IL 60510 (800) 452-1261
Chemtrec Emergency Phone Number: (800) 424-10161

Signal Word
DANGER

Hazard class: Acute toxicity, oral (Category 4). Harmful if swallowed (H302). Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product (P270).

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 hydroxide Synonyms: Caustic potash	1310-58-3	KOH	56.11

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: 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

Nonflammable solid.
When heated to decomposition, may emit toxic fumes.
In case of fire: Use a tri-class dry chemical fire extinguisher.

NFPA Code

H-3
F-0
R-1

SECTION 6 — ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

Do not allow solid to become airborne. Ventilate area. Wipe up, place in sealed bag or container and dispose. 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 #4. Store with hydroxides, oxides, silicates and carbonates.
Absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from the air. Keep container tightly closed. Store in a cool, dry place. Use only in a hood or in a well-ventilated area.

SECTION 8 — EXPOSURE CONTROLS, PERSONAL PROTECTION

Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection (P280). Wash hands thoroughly after handling (P264). Use only in a hood or in a well-ventilated area.
Exposure guidelines: Ceiling 2 mg/m³ (ACGIH)

SECTION 9 — PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

White pellets or flakes. Odorless.
Soluble: Water, alcohol and glycerol
Reagent potassium hydroxide contains 10-15% water.

Boiling point: 1320 °C
Melting point: 405 °C (varies with water content)
pH: basic
Specific gravity: 2.044

SECTION 10 — STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

Avoid contact with aluminum, organic materials, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, magnesium, and copper.
Shelf life: Fair, absorbs water and carbon dioxide from the air.

SECTION 11 — TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Acute effects: Corrosive to skin, eyes, and other tissues.
Chronic effects: N.A.
Target organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory system

ORL-RAT LD₅₀: 1,230 mg/kg
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 #10 is one option.

SECTION 14 — TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Shipping name: Potassium hydroxide, solid. Hazard class: 8, Corrosive. UN number: UN1813.

SECTION 15 — REGULATORY INFORMATION

TSCA-listed, EINECS-listed (215-181-3), RCRA code 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.