Potassium superoxide Property

Melting point:

400 °C

Density 

2,14 g/cm³

storage temp. 

Store at +15°C to +25°C.

solubility 

Soluble in ethanol and ether.

form 

powder

color 

Yellow-green

Specific Gravity

2.14

PH

>7 (H2O, 20℃)

Water Solubility 

reacts

Sensitive 

Air & Moisture Sensitive

Stability:

Stable, but reacts violently with water. Incompatible with moisture, alcohols, strong reducing agents, strong acids, finely powdered metals.

CAS DataBase Reference

12030-88-5(CAS DataBase Reference)

NIST Chemistry Reference

Potassium superoxide(12030-88-5)

EPA Substance Registry System

Potassium superoxide (K(O2)) (12030-88-5)

Safety

Hazard Codes 

O,C

Risk Statements 

8-14-34-35

Safety Statements 

17-27-36/37/39-8-45-26

RIDADR 

UN 2466 5.1/PG 1

WGK Germany 

3

RTECS 

TT6053000

TSCA 

Yes

HazardClass 

5.1

PackingGroup 

I

HS Code 

28259080

Hazard and Precautionary Statements (GHS)

Symbol(GHS)

Signal word

Danger

Hazard statements

H271May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidiser

H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage

Precautionary statements

P220Keep/Store away from clothing/…/combustible materials.

P280Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.

P305+P351+P338IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing.

P310Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.

Potassium superoxide Chemical Properties,Usage,Production

Chemical Properties

light yellow powder or chunks

Uses

Reagent and intermediate.
One use of potassium superoxide,KO2, is for generating oxygen. It has the ability to absorb carbon dioxide, while giving out oxygen at the same time:
4KO2(s)+ 2CO2(g)--->2K2CO3(s)+ 3O2(g)
This property has been made use of in breathing equipment,e.g.for mountaineers, in submarines and in spacecraft.

Uses

Potassium oxide is used as a carbon dioxide scrubber, water dehumidifier and oxygen generator. It finds application in rebreathers for fighting with fire and mine rescue work. It is also used in spacecraft, submarines and spacesuit life support systems.

General Description

A yellowish to white solid. Melting point 948°F. Mixtures with combustible material readily ignite by friction, heat, or contact with moisture. Prolonged exposure to fire or heat may cause vigorous decomposition of the material and rupturing of the container.

Air & Water Reactions

Reacts explosively with water [Mellor 2, Supp. 3: 1631. 1963].

Reactivity Profile

Potassium superoxide is a powerful oxidizer. Forms on the surface of potassium metal, solid or molten, that is exposed to the air. Attempts to extinguish burning potassium with powdered graphite has resulted in violent explosions [Chem. Abstr. 63:424. 1965]. Highly oxidized potassium metal was dropped into a dish of ethyl alcohol, an immediate explosion shattered the dish. Potassium superoxide was considered the cause of the reaction [Health and Safety Inf. 251. 1967]. Potassium superoxide should not be added to pure organic materials (hydrocarbons), as ignition and violent explosion may occur. Oxidation of arsenic, antimony, copper, potassium, tin, or zinc proceeds with incandescence, [Mellor, 1941, Vol. 2, 493]. Interaction between the superoxide and diselenium dichloride is violent, [Mellor, 1947, Vol. 10, 897].

Hazard

Corrosive to tissue.

Health Hazard

TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. Toxic fumes or dust may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars, etc.). Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

May explode from friction, heat or contamination. These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire. May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels). Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.

Safety Profile

Explosive reaction when heated with carbon, 2-aminophenol + tetrahydrofuran (at 65°C). Forms a friction- sensitive explosive mixture with hydrocarbons. Violent reaction with lselenium dichloride, ethanol, potassium- sodium alloy. May ignite on contact with organic compounds. Incandescent reaction with metals (e.g., arsenic, antimony, copper, potassium, tin, and zinc). When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of K2O. See also PEROXIDES.