Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Potassium Acetate

Identification

Product Name: Potassium Acetate
Chemical Formula: CH₃COOK
Synonyms: Acetic acid, potassium salt; E261
CAS Number: 127-08-2
Recommended Use: Laboratory chemical, deicing agent, food additive, buffer solution component
Supplier Details: Name and address of supplier or manufacturer, emergency contact number, email contact, business phone number.
Emergency Phone Number: Available for reporting spills, exposures, or accidents.

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS criteria
Signal Word: None required under GHS
Hazard Statements: May irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory system in sensitive individuals
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wear protective gloves, wash hands after handling
Potential Health Effects: Eye irritation (redness or pain), mild skin irritation, respiratory discomfort from dust, nausea if swallowed in large quantity
Environmental Hazards: Low toxicity to aquatic life, but large spills may alter local pH or contribute to eutrophication.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Potassium Acetate
Common Name: Potassium Acetate
Synonyms: E261, Acetic acid potassium salt
CAS Number: 127-08-2
Concentration: 100% if supplied as a pure material, lower percentages when in mixture or solution form
Impurities: No significant impurities expected under standard manufacturing, otherwise reported by supplier.

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms persist, provide artificial respiration if difficulty breathing develops
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash area thoroughly with soap and water, consult a doctor if irritation occurs
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, seek medical advice if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, give water unless unconscious, seek medical care if large amounts are swallowed or symptoms appear
Symptom Notes: Symptoms include shortness of breath, rash, or burning sensation in eyes, skin or throat.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Flammability: Not considered flammable
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, foam, or water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High-pressure water jet may cause splattering and spread contamination
Specific Hazards: Emits potassium oxides or acetic acid fumes at high temperatures
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Explosion Data: Dust may form explosive mixtures in air, practice standard precautions.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, avoid contact with skin and eyes, use dust mask if airborne powder
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large spills from reaching soil, sewers, or waterways
Containment Procedures: Sweep up spills with non-sparking tools, collect in suitable containers for disposal
Clean-up Methods: Absorb residue with damp cloth or mop, ventilate area, wash spill site after material pickup
Reporting: Report spills to local authorities if required by regulations.

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, avoid generating dust, handle with gloves and safety goggles, do not eat or drink in chemical use areas
Hygienic Practices: Wash thoroughly after handling, keep working surfaces clean
Conditions for Safe Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, keep container tightly closed, keep away from acids and incompatible materials
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, oxidizing agents
Special Requirements: Ensure containers are clearly labeled and protected from physical damage.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits for potassium acetate
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to minimize dust in working area, provide access to eyewash stations in case of accidental contact
Personal Protection: Wear safety goggles, gloves, laboratory coat or apron, appropriate dust mask in case of powder handling
Hygiene Controls: Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing, remove contaminated clothing after work, wash hands before eating, smoking, or leaving work area
Special Instructions: Provide routine safety training for workers handling chemicals.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Faint acetic (vinegar-like) scent
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH: 7.5 – 9.0 (5% aqueous solution)
Melting Point: 292 °C (558 °F)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not available
Flammability: Not flammable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Vapor Density: Not available
Relative Density: About 1.57 (water = 1)
Solubility: Freely soluble in water; slightly soluble in alcohol
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not self-igniting
Decomposition Temperature: 292 °C (decomposes, not boils)
Viscosity: Not applicable.

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable in normal storage and handling, sensitive to high humidity, may absorb moisture from air
Possible Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong acids to release acetic acid, incompatible with oxidizing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Excess humidity or moisture, open flames, incompatible chemicals
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizers (such as peroxides or chlorates)
Hazardous Decomposition Products: At high temperatures, can produce carbon oxides, potassium oxides, acetic acid fumes.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low oral toxicity; large ingestion may cause digestive upset, nausea, vomiting
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause slight skin irritation
Eye Damage/Irritation: Dust can cause eye redness or mild irritation on contact
Respiratory Sensitization: Dust may irritate throat or lungs
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No known effects on fertility or unborn child
Chronic Effects: Not expected to cause long-term health effects
Other Information: Sensitization reactions are unlikely, but possible in highly sensitive individuals.

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not considered harmful to aquatic or terrestrial life at environmental concentrations
Aquatic Toxicity: Breakdown produces acetate, a natural ion found in biological systems
Persistence/Degradability: Readily biodegradable, broken down by soil and water microorganisms
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low (does not significantly accumulate in living organisms)
Mobility in Soil: Highly water soluble, leaches easily through soil with water movement
Other Adverse Effects: Excess discharge into water systems may contribute to nutrient imbalances, disrupt biological treatment processes in high concentrations.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Waste Disposal: Dilute solutions may be flushed with large quantities of water, solid material should be contained and sent to a licensed chemical disposal facility
Container Disposal: Rinse containers with plenty of water before recycling or discarding, never reuse chemical containers for food or drink
Special Precautions: Avoid contaminating soil, water, or drains with residues or rinsates.

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material for ground, air, or sea
Proper Shipping Name: Potassium Acetate
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant
Transport Precautions: Store securely to prevent spillage during transport, check all containers are labeled, sealed, and undamaged.

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Potassium acetate is not listed as a hazardous substance
TSCA: Listed in the Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed on Domestic Substances List
Other National Inventories: Included on EINECS (EU), AICS (Australia), ENCS (Japan), among others
SARA 313: Not subject to reporting under Section 313
California Proposition 65: Not listed as a chemical known to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm
Workplace Labeling: Label containers clearly, provide safety training for workers, keep MSDS posted for reference
Other Regulations: Always check with local and regional authorities for the most up-to-date compliance requirements.