Chemical Name: Anhydrous Dipotassium Phosphate
Other Names: Potassium phosphate dibasic, K2HPO4
Common Uses: Food additive, fertilizer, buffering agent, ingredient in detergents, lab chemical
Appearance: White crystalline powder, soluble in water, nearly odorless
Main Hazards: Skin and eye irritation; inhaling dust can cause respiratory problems
Environmental Impact: Harmful to aquatic life if not contained
Physical Risks: Not flammable, but dust may be mildly irritating
GHS Classification: Eye irritation (category 2A)
Label Elements: Warning pictogram for irritation, instructions to avoid dust, statements about preventing eye and skin contact
Main Ingredient: Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (approx 99-100%)
Chemical Formula: K2HPO4
Impurities: Trace levels of potassium pyrophosphate or related phosphates; no common toxic contaminants reported
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, seek medical advice if cough or discomfort continues
Skin Contact: Wash area thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical help if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, consult medical support for continued irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, avoid vomiting unless directed by medical personnel, consult health professionals if symptoms develop
Flammability: Not flammable
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide—no special hazards expected from combustion
Special Equipment: Standard firefighting gear, dust mask for airborne particulates
Hazardous Combustion Products: Phosphorus oxides may form at high temperatures
Personal Precautions: Wear protective gloves, safety goggles, dust mask, and avoid breathing dust
Spill Cleanup: Sweep up, avoid raising dust into the air, collect into containers for disposal
Disposal Guidance: Small spills can be washed with plenty of water—avoid washing into drains; always comply with local rules
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large quantities reaching waterways or soil to protect local ecosystems
Safe Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, avoid contact with skin and eyes, do not eat or drink in work area
Storage Needs: Store in tightly sealed containers, protect from moisture, keep away from incompatible substances such as acids or oxidizers
General Practice: Train staff about dust risks and basic hygiene, implement regular checks for container damage or leaks
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or dust collection helps reduce particulate exposure
Protective Equipment: Use gloves, safety glasses, laboratory coat or apron
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask for airborne dust, expanded respiratory gear for large-scale or industrial use
Hygiene: Wash hands before breaks and meals, avoid eye rubbing, do not wear contaminated clothing outside work area
Physical State: Solid
Color: White
Odor: None or very faint
Melting Point: Above 250°C
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
pH: 9.0 (solution)
Vapor Pressure: Not relevant for powders
Density: About 2.44 g/cm³
Stability in Air: Stable when kept dry, absorbs moisture if exposed to air
Chemical Stability: Remains stable under recommended conditions
Reactivity: Avoid mixing with strong acids (forms corrosive fumes); incompatible with strong oxidizers
Decomposition: May release irritating fumes such as potassium oxide or phosphorus compounds at high temperatures
Possible Health Effects: Eye and skin irritation, respiratory discomfort from dust
Acute Toxicity: Overexposure can lead to nausea, headache, mild gastrointestinal upset—rare with normal use
Chronic Effects: Ongoing exposure at high levels may affect kidney and electrolyte balance in those with preexisting conditions
Avoidance: Basic respect for chemical hygiene rules prevents nearly all significant harm
Environmental Impact: Excessive release to water can encourage algae growth, disturbing aquatic environments
Persistence: Dissolves readily and disperses in water
Bioaccumulation: Not expected
Special Risks: Large spills near streams or lakes call for immediate containment and removal
Preferred Practices: Use all product for intended purpose if possible, collect any waste for chemical disposal through certified waste companies
Regulatory Compliance: Follow all local and national waste management rules—landfilling untreated product can raise environmental concerns due to phosphate runoff
Packaging Waste: Rinse packaging thoroughly, recycle containers where allowed or dispose with chemical waste
Shipping Name: Dipotassium phosphate
Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous for transport
Precautions: Keep container dry, sealed, prevent physical damage during loading and unloading
Handling During Transport: Prevent release into environment, report any spillage
Global Chemical Inventories: Registered for use in major regions such as USA, EU, and Asia, mainly as a food additive and fertilizer
Workplace Restrictions: Occupational exposure limits for phosphates may apply in some regions
Labeling: Warning about eye and skin irritation required; statements on dust control are needed in workplace settings
Consumer Uses: Strict concentration limits apply in some countries for food and water treatment uses
Environmental Protections: Discharge controls exist to keep phosphate levels safe in waterways