Product Identification

Product Name

Potassium methoxide

Synonyms

Methanol, potassium salt
Methoxypotassium
Potassium methoxide
Potassium methylate

CAS

865-33-8

Formula

CH3KO

Molecular Weight

70.14

EINECS

212-736-1

Beilstein/Gmelin

3551544

Beilstein Reference

3-01-00-01147

EC Index Number

603-040-00-2

EC Class

Highly flammable; Corrosive; Reacts violently with water

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Liquid.

Solubility in water

Decomposition

Density

0.85 g/cm3

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Do NOT induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately.

Inhalation

Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. DO NOT use mouth-to-mouth respiration. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag and a mask.

Skin

Get medical aid immediately. Immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Destroy contaminated shoes.

Eyes

Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately. Do NOT allow victim to rub or keep eyes closed. Extensive irrigation is required (at least 30 minutes).

Handling and Storage

Storage

Keep away from heat, sparks, and flame. Keep away from sources of ignition. Keep container closed when not in use. Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Flammables-area.

Handling

Ground and bond containers when transferring material. Use spark-proof tools and explosion proof equipment. Do not breathe dust, vapor, mist, or gas. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Empty containers retain product residue, (liquid and/or vapor), and can be dangerous. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid contact with heat, sparks and flame. Do not ingest or inhale. Use with adequate ventilation. Use only in a chemical fume hood. Discard contaminated shoes. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill, grind, or expose empty containers to heat, sparks or open flames.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Harmful if inhaled. Inhalation of high concentrations may cause central nervous system effects characterized by headache, dizziness, unconsciousness and coma. May cause irritation of the respiratory tract with burning pain in the nose and throat, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and pulmonary edema. Causes chemical burns to the respiratory tract. May cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and inflammation of the gums and mouth. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation.

Skin

Causes skin burns.

Eyes

Causes eye burns.

Ingestion

May be fatal or cause blindness if swallowed. May cause severe and permanent damage to the digestive tract. Poison by ingestion. Causes gastrointestinal tract burns. May cause liver and kidney damage. May cause central nervous system depression, characterized by excitement, followed by headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. Advanced stages may cause collapse, unconsciousness, coma and possible death due to respiratory failure. May cause cardiac disturbances. Aspiration of material into the lungs may cause chemical pneumonitis, which may be fatal.

Hazards

Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion and poison hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.

EC Risk Phrase

R 11 14 34

EC Safety Phrase

S 8 16 26 43.6 45

UN (DOT)

1992

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.

Respirators

A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant a respirator's use. Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.

Exposure Effects

Chronic inhalation and ingestion may cause effects similar to those of acute inhalation and ingestion.

Poison Class

2

Fire Fighting Measures

Flash Point

7

Autoignition

30

Fire Fighting

Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. Will burn if involved in a fire. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Containers may explode in the heat of a fire. Dust can be an explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame. Extinguishing media: For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam. For large fires, use water spray, fog, or alcohol-resistant foam. Use water spray to cool fire-exposed containers. Water may be ineffective. DO NOT USE WATER! Do NOT use straight streams of water.

Fire Potential

HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Absorb spill with inert material, (e.g., dry sand or earth), then place into a chemical waste container. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Remove all sources of ignition. Use a spark-proof tool. Provide ventilation. A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.

Stability and Reactivity

Disposal Code

3

Incompatibilities

Acids, methanoic acid, oxalic acid), azo, diazo, and hydrazines (e.g. dimethyl hydrazine, hydrazine, methyl hydrazine), isocyanates (e.g. methyl isocyanate), metals (alkali and alkaline, e.g. cesium, potassium, sodium), nitrides (e.g. potassium nitride, sodium nitride), peroxides and hydroperoxides (organic, e.g. acetyl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, butyl peroxide, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide), epoxides (e.g. butyl glycidyl ether), oxidizing agents (strong, e.g. bromine, hydrogen peroxide, nitrogen dioxide, potassium nitrate), reducing agents (strong, e.g. aluminum carbide, chlorosilane, hydrogen phosphide, lithium hydride), water reactive substances (e.g. acetic anyhdride, alkyl aluminum chlori

Stability

Stable under normal temperatures and pressures. Absorbs carbon dioxide from the air.

Decomposition

Nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.

Combustion Products

Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

Transport Information

UN Number

1992

Hazard Class

3

Packing Group

I; II; III

HS Code

2905 19 00