POTASSIUM ARSENITE Property

Density 

8.76 g/cm3

solubility 

soluble in H2O

form 

Liquid

color 

Clear colorless

Water Solubility 

soluble H2O, slightly soluble in alcohol [HAW93]

EPA Substance Registry System

Potassium arsenite (10124-50-2)

Safety

RIDADR 

1678

HazardClass 

6.1(a)

PackingGroup 

II

Hazardous Substances Data

10124-50-2(Hazardous Substances Data)

Hazard and Precautionary Statements (GHS)

Symbol(GHS)

Signal word

Danger

Hazard statements

H301Toxic if swalloed

H331Toxic if inhaled

H410Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

Precautionary statements

P261Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.

P264Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

P264Wash skin thouroughly after handling.

P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.

P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

P273Avoid release to the environment.

P301+P310IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.

P304+P340IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and Keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.

P311Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.

P321Specific treatment (see … on this label).

P330Rinse mouth.

P391Collect spillage. Hazardous to the aquatic environment

P403+P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.

P405Store locked up.

P501Dispose of contents/container to..…

POTASSIUM ARSENITE Chemical Properties,Usage,Production

Chemical Properties

White powder. Hygroscopic; decom- poses slowly in air. Variable composition. Keep well stoppered. Soluble in water; slightly soluble in alcohol.

Uses

Reducing agent in silvering mirrors.

General Description

A white powder. Toxic by ingestion and by inhalation.

Air & Water Reactions

Soluble in water. Decomposes slowly in air.

Reactivity Profile

Salts, basic, such as POTASSIUM ARSENITE, are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydroxide ions and have pH's greater than 7.0. They react as bases to neutralize acids. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of the bases in reactivity group 10 (Bases) and the neutralization of amines. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible. Fire may produce irritating or poisonous gases. Unstable. Avoid aeration. [EPA, 1998].

Hazard

Toxic by ingestion and inhalation, strong irritant.

Health Hazard

Very toxic: probable oral lethal dose in humans is 50-500 mg/kg, or between 1 teaspoonful and one ounce for a 150-lb. adult. It is a skin irritant and allergen. Acute allergic reactions to arsenic compounds are fairly common.

Fire Hazard

Fire may produce irritating or poisonous gases. Unstable. Avoid aeration.

Safety Profile

Confirmed human carcinogen producing skin and liver tumors. Poison by ingestion, skin contact, subcutaneous, and intravenous routes. Human mutation data reported. Human systemic effects: dermatitis, liver changes. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of As and K2O. Used in veterinary mehcine and for chronic dermatitis in humans. See also ARSENIC COMPOUNDS.