Chemical Name: Potassium Dihydrogen Citrate
Common Synonyms: Monopotassium citrate
Formula: C6H7KO7
Uses: Food additive, pharmaceutical ingredient, buffer agent
Appearance: Usually a white crystalline powder, soluble in water
Odor: Odorless
Major Hazards: Low acute toxicity but can irritate eyes, skin, or airways through direct contact or inhalation of dust
Routes of Exposure: Ingestion, inhalation, direct contact
Chronic Effects: Large doses may disturb electrolyte balance
Warning Symbols: Not classified as a dangerous substance for most workplace situations, but dust can still irritate
Main Ingredient: Potassium Dihydrogen Citrate, typically above 98% purity
Impurities: Small amounts of water and possible trace mineral contaminants
CAS Number: 866-84-2
Eye Contact: Immediately flush with plenty of water, keeping eyelids open, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash off with water, remove contaminated clothing
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, monitor for any respiratory discomfort
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute, seek attention if large amounts swallowed or symptoms develop
Flammability: Non-combustible
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide all work to control fires in the area
Combustion Products: Heating can release potassium oxides, carbon oxides
Firefighting Advice: Use self-contained breathing apparatus for large fires near chemical stores, prevent runoff from entering water courses
Spill Cleanup: Use a dustpan and brush for dry spills, wear gloves and goggles to prevent contact
Personal Protection: Avoid raising dust, ventilate area
Disposal: Sweep up and place in clearly labeled waste containers, don’t flush to drain
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry to sewer, soil, or waterways to avoid harm to aquatic systems
Handling: Use gloves or tools to handle, especially in bulk, avoid dust generating activities
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in dry rooms, away from acids, moisture, and sources of contamination
Temperature Sensitivity: Stable at room temperature if dry, prolonged humidity can cause clumping
Container Requirements: Glass, high-density plastic, or corrosion-resistant metals are standard for chemical storerooms
Ventilation: Keep workplace ventilated to reduce dust levels
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust hoods help limit inhalation risk in large-scale processing
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses, gloves, and dust mask where airborne powder is present
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, avoid eating or drinking near work area
Physical State: Solid
Color: White or nearly white
Melting Point: Decomposes above 230°C
Solubility in Water: Readily soluble
Odor: None
pH in Solution: Moderately acidic
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal dry storage
Reactivity: Can react with strong acids or materials that generate acids to release carbon dioxide gas
Hazardous Decomposition: At high heat, produces oxides of potassium and carbon which can be harmful if inhaled
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizers
Acute Toxicity: Low, but excess ingestion creates hyperkalemia risks in people with kidney problems
Skin/Eye Irritation: Dust may cause mild and temporary irritation
Allergy Potential: Rare, not known to frequently cause allergic reaction
Long-Term Effects: Not linked to cancer, birth defects, or other long-term effects for most people at standard exposure
Water Toxicity: Large spills can negatively affect water chemistry and aquatic life
Persistence and Degradability: Citrates are biodegradable
Bioaccumulation: Not considered bioaccumulative
Waste Methods: Treat as non-hazardous, but avoid dumping in large quantities to water bodies
Packaging: Empty containers pose minimal risk but rinse before recycling
Local Requirements: Follow local environmental agency guidelines for chemical waste
Transport Risk: Not regulated as a hazardous material by main transport agencies
Packing: Standard chemical transport packaging, sealed to prevent leaks and dust generation
Accident Protocol: Clean up spills immediately to prevent slips and environmental entry
Global Standards: Falls under general workplace chemical rules, not listed in restrictive substance inventories for food-grade or pharmaceutical use
Labeling: Needs standard cautionary labeling about dust and storage
Worker Safety: Occupational exposure limits rely on safe dust handling rather than toxicity