Chemical Name: Potassium Carbonate
Synonyms: Dipotassium carbonate, Pearl ash
CAS Number: 584-08-7
Molecular Formula: K2CO3
Physical Appearance: White, odorless solid, typically in granular or powder form
Recommended Uses: Glass manufacturing, soap production, food additive (E501), water softening
Supplier Information: Company name, address, and emergency contact numbers should stay handy on all shipping documents and packaging for any workplace using or storing potassium carbonate
Hazard Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2A), Skin irritation (Category 2)
Health Hazards: Eye contact leads to irritation or even burns, redness, tearing; extended skin exposure creates redness, dryness; inhalation of dust irritates respiratory system, cough and sore throat sometimes occur; large amounts ingested upset digestive tract, nausea, vomiting
Label Elements: Exclamation mark pictogram, signal word “Warning”
Precautionary Statements: Avoid dust formation, don’t breathe dust, keep away from eyes, skin, clothing; wash up after handling
Other Hazards: Moisture pulls potassium carbonate from air; slippery when spilled, especially on smooth floors
Component: Potassium Carbonate
Concentration: 99-100%
Impurities: Minute traces of potassium bicarbonate, potassium hydroxide sometimes show up, rarely any other chemicals present
Formula: K2CO3
CAS Number: 584-08-7
Eye Contact: Flush eyes continuously with running water for at least fifteen minutes, lift eyelids occasionally, go straight to medical care if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected skin with soap and lots of water; if skin reaction continues, check with healthcare professional
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, stay calm, help slow breathing if coughing; if symptoms develop beyond mild irritation, get medical advice
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink small sips of water; don’t induce vomiting; call poison control or a doctor at once
Most Important Symptoms/Effects: Burns, irritation, pain, coughing, stomach upset in large accidental exposures
Flammability: Non-combustible, does not burn
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, CO2 extinguisher, foam, or dry chemical agents for anything else on fire nearby; potassium carbonate itself plays no fuel role
Hazardous Combustion Products: Potassium oxide fumes given off if heated above melting point, mix of carbon oxides in major fire
Protective Equipment: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus, wear chemical-resistant gear
Unusual Hazards: Heat forces potassium carbonate to break down, makes corrosive fumes in rare high-temperature fire
Personal Precautions: Close off dust sources, put on gloves, long sleeves, goggles, or shield
Environmental Protection: Sweep up carefully, do not wash material down storm drains, pick up solid, keep away from waterways
Containment: Avoid making dust clouds, cover spills with damp cloth or clean-up powder if needed to limit airborne spread
Clean-up Methods: Scoop or sweep up crystals and powder, place in tightly-sealed, labeled sacks for disposal; flush residue on hard surfaces only with lots of water
Handling: Use in a well-ventilated space, wear protective gloves and goggles, keep containers closed when not using; avoid direct breathing of dust
Storage Conditions: Store in dry, cool, well-ventilated spot; potassium carbonate absorbs moisture, so use sealed containers; keep away from acids, ammonium salts, moisture sources
Incompatibles: Strong acids (form CO2 gas instantly), ammonium compounds (gives off ammonia), moisture (caking, clumping, corrosion of metal bins)
Occupational Exposure Limits: No official OSHA or ACGIH set levels; control dust at source
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust, general room ventilation, dust collectors make sense in industrial areas
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Nitrile, latex, or chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, lab coat or apron, mask or N95 respirator if dust gets thick
Hygiene Measures: Wash up before eating, no smoking or drinks near work areas, handle with care to avoid contact with eyes, mouth, or cuts
Appearance: White to colorless, granular or powder pelleted solid
Odor: Odorless
pH (aqueous solution): Strongly alkaline, 11.5 for 1% solution
Melting Point: 891°C (1636°F) – decomposes at high temp
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility in Water: Very high, more than 110 g/100mL at room temp
Specific Gravity: 2.43
Vapor Pressure: Not volatile
Other Data: Hygroscopic, absorbs CO2 from air and slowly becomes potassium bicarbonate
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal, dry storage
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, humid environments, strong heat, acids
Incompatible Materials: Acids (vigorous reaction, CO2 gas), ammonium salts (ammonia gas), oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition: Potassium oxide, carbon monoxide, and dioxide made if overheating occurs
Polymerization: Does not polymerize
Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, mouth, nose/lungs (dust)
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): about 1870 mg/kg; inhaling dust above normal use can irritate respiratory tract
Skin Contact: Irritation, redness, itching; severe exposure: corrosive
Eye Contact: Serious risk of persistent pain, burns, blurred vision in bad exposure
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure leads to dry, cracked skin, recurring eye rash or sensitivity
Sensitization: Not known to cause allergic reaction in most people
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, ACGIH, NTP, or OSHA as a carcinogen
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful for fish and water plants at high concentrations, alters water pH
Mobility: Dissolves in water quickly, spreads fast in soil/runoff
Persistence/Degradability: Breaks down to potassium, carbonate ions, both elements show up naturally in environment
Bioaccumulation: No tendency to build up in living things
Environmental Impact: Spills into surface water or streams change water chemistry, upset local ecology until diluted
Disposal Methods: Collect leftovers and contaminated material, send to approved chemical disposal site, do not dump in regular trash or pour in drains
Container Disposal: Rinse empty bags and drums thoroughly, send for recycling or disposal as non-hazardous solid waste if completely decontaminated
Regulatory Compliance: Handle waste according to local, state and federal guidelines, consult environmental agency if in doubt
Best Practice: Avoid making slurries for disposal, stop accidental dust from escaping during cleanup
UN Number: Not regulated under most transport rules
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as a dangerous good
Transport Hazard Class: Not hazardous
Packaging Requirements: Moisture-resistant bags or drums, well-sealed, clear labeling for identification
Special Precautions: Prevent package breakage and leaks, keep dry in storage and during transit, no contact with acids or ammonium salts during shipping
US TSCA: Listed
OSHA Regulations: Not classified as hazardous chemical under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, but irritation risk means it shows up on safety plans
SARA 313: Not subject to reporting
EU Regulations: Listed in EINECS, carries Xi (irritant) symbol, R36/37/38 (irritating to eyes, respiratory system, skin)
Other Guidelines: Food grade potassium carbonate used only under strict limits, must meet purity laid out by FDA and EU rules for food additives; store, label, and document all handling carefully for audits
