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Potassium superoxide

Basic information Safety Supplier Related

Potassium superoxide Basic information

Product Name:
Potassium superoxide
Synonyms:
  • PotassiuM Superoxide, Uncatalyzed Granules
  • PotassiuM Superoxide, Uncatalyzed Granules, 3/8 to 1/4 in.
  • PotassiuM dioxide powder
  • Potassium dioxide chunks, 5-10 mm
  • burntpotash
  • cacinedpotash
  • K(O2)
  • Potassium oxide super
CAS:
12030-88-5
MF:
KO2*
MW:
71.1
EINECS:
234-746-5
Product Categories:
  • metal oxide
Mol File:
12030-88-5.mol
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Potassium superoxide Chemical Properties

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)
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Safety Information

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

MSDS

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Potassium superoxide Usage And Synthesis

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.

Potassium superoxide Preparation Products And Raw materials

Raw materials

Potassium superoxide Supplier