Potassium Metal Extra Pure
$ 17.79 Original price was: $ 17.79.$ 17.67Current price is: $ 17.67.
Potassium Metal Extra Pure is a highly reactive, soft, silvery alkali metal that is typically stored under mineral oil to prevent oxidation. It is primarily used in laboratory demonstrations and synthesis as a powerful reducing agent due to its vigorous reaction with water, producing potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. This extra pure grade ensures high chemical integrity, making it ideal for sensitive applications in research, organic chemistry, and material science. Due to its reactivity, it must be handled with extreme caution under controlled conditions and proper safety measures.
Potassium Metal Extra Pure
PRIMARY USES
- Laboratory Reagent:
- Used in scientific research and chemical synthesis for studying reactivity trends of alkali metals.
- Acts as a strong reducing agent in organic and inorganic reactions.
- Production of Potassium Compounds:
- Reacted with other substances to produce potassium hydroxide, potassium superoxide, or potassium alkoxides.
- Heat Transfer Medium:
- In combination with sodium (NaK alloy), used as a liquid metal coolant in some nuclear reactors.
SECONDARY USES
- Metal Reduction in Industry:
- Reduces metal halides (e.g., titanium tetrachloride) to produce pure metals such as titanium or tantalum.
- Organic Synthesis Applications:
- Used in specific reactions like the Birch reduction, where it helps reduce aromatic rings under anhydrous conditions.
- Battery Technology (Experimental):
- Studied for potential use in high-energy density batteries, although reactivity limits commercial deployment.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name: Potassium
- CAS Number: 7440-09-7
- HS Code: 2805.19.00
- Molecular Formula: K
- Synonyms:
- Metallic potassium
- Elemental potassium
- Kalium (Latin name)
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Solid (soft, silvery metal)
- Color & Odor: Silvery-white to gray; no significant odor
- Boiling Point & Melting Point:
- Boiling Point: ~759 °C
- Melting Point: ~63.5 °C
- Density/Specific Gravity: ~0.86 g/cm³ (lighter than water)
- Solubility:
- Reacts violently with water
- Insoluble in common organic solvents
- pH Level: Not applicable (elemental metal)
- Vapor Pressure & Volatility: Low at room temperature; vaporizes at high temperatures
- Flash Point: Not applicable (ignites on contact with water)
- Autoignition Temperature: ~250 °C (in air)
- Viscosity: Not applicable (solid)
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS Classification):
- Water-reactive
- Flammable solid
- Corrosive to skin and eyes
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 3
- Flammability: 3
- Reactivity: 3
- Exposure Limits:
- No established TLV or PEL for elemental potassium
- Must avoid inhalation of combustion products (e.g., potassium oxide)
- Reactivity:
- Reacts explosively with water, acids, and moist air
- Forms potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas (which may ignite)
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Store under dry mineral oil, kerosene, or inert gas (argon)
- Keep tightly sealed in an inert atmosphere
- Store in a cool, dry, flameproof cabinet
- Incompatible Materials:
- Water, acids, halogens, oxidizing agents, alcohols
- Container Type:
- Airtight glass or stainless steel containers submerged in oil
- Shelf Life & Expiration Date:
- Stable indefinitely under inert storage conditions
- Special Handling Requirements:
- Use under dry inert gas or oil
- Gloves, goggles, lab coat, and face shield recommended
- Handle with non-sparking tools only
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status:
- Regulated under DOT, OSHA, and EU REACH
- Controlled for transport as a dangerous substance
- Transportation Restrictions:
- UN Number: UN 2257
- Hazard Class: 4.3 (Dangerous When Wet)
- Packing Group: I
- Waste Disposal Method:
- Quench small amounts carefully under mineral oil with isopropanol (by trained personnel)
- Dispose through a licensed hazardous waste contractor
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity:
- Highly toxic to aquatic life due to reaction with water
- Reacts to form strong bases (KOH), altering water pH
- Persistence in Environment:
- Not persistent; reacts rapidly with moisture
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
- Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
- Biodegradability:
- Not biodegradable; reacts chemically to form potassium hydroxide
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Flame-resistant lab coat
- Nitrile gloves (use with caution; inspect for integrity)
- Safety goggles or full face shield
- Use under inert atmosphere in a glove box or dry, inert gas-purged enclosure
Handling:
- Handle only under dry, inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen or argon)
- Avoid contact with water, air, acids, and oxidizers
- Do not touch with bare hands — reacts violently with moisture
- Keep away from heat, sparks, and sources of ignition
Storage:
- Store under mineral oil or in sealed containers under inert gas
- Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated, fireproof area
- Keep away from incompatible materials (water, alcohols, halogens)
- Never store in glass containers with ground-glass stoppers
FIRST AID MEASURES
Inhalation:
- Remove to fresh air immediately
- Provide oxygen if breathing is difficult
- Seek immediate medical attention
Skin Contact:
- May cause severe burns — rinse with copious amounts of water if possible
- Do not apply oil or ointment
- Remove contaminated clothing
- Seek emergency medical help immediately
Eye Contact:
- Rinse immediately with water for at least 15 minutes
- Hold eyelids open while flushing
- Urgent medical attention required
Ingestion:
- DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING
- Rinse mouth with water if conscious
- Give nothing by mouth and seek emergency help immediately
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
Flammability:
- Highly flammable and reactive — ignites spontaneously in moist air
Extinguishing Media:
- DO NOT use water, CO₂, or foam
- Use Class D dry powder extinguishers (e.g., graphite, dry sand, sodium chloride)
Hazardous Combustion Products:
- Potassium oxide fumes, explosive hydrogen gas
Firefighter Protection:
- Full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
- Approach from upwind
- Use extreme caution — may reignite after extinguishing

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