Potassium carbonate

138.20600

137.91200

209-529-3|241-378-9

BQN1B9B9HA

1588

DTXSID2036245

Colorless cubic crystals; hygroscopic|Granules or granular powder|White, deliquescent, granular, translucent powder

2836400000

63.19000

-2.44700

white powder or granules

2.29 g/cm³

891 °C

333.6ºC at 760 mmHg

111ºC

H2O: 1120 g/L (20 ºC)

Store at RT.

LD50 orally in rats: 1.87 g/kg, H. F. Smyth et al., Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J. 30, 470 (1969)

Odorless

Alkaline taste

Hygroscopic|Enthalpy of fusion: 27.60 kJ/mol at 899 °C|Decomposes on heating with CO2 loss.|Deliquesces in moist air|For more Other Experimental Properties (Complete) data for POTASSIUM CARBONATE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

III

UN 3262

1

R22; R36/37/38

S26-S37/39

TS7750000

Xn

Stable. Incompatible with moisture, acids, magnesium bromine trifluoride and magnesium bromine trichloride.

P261-P305 + P351 + P338

H302-H315-H319-H335

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.|Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.

Incompatible with KCO; chlorine trifluoride; magnesium.|The mixture of magnesium and potassium carbonate recommended by Castellana as a safe substitute for molten sodium in the Lassaigne test can itself be hazardous, as an equimolar mixture gives an explosive substance (possibly 'carbonylpotassium', potassium benzenehexoxide) on heating.|Combination of chlorine trifluoride and ... potassium carbonate ... results in a violent reaction.

Substance added directly to human food affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).|Potassium carbonate used as a general purpose food additive in animal drugs, feeds, and related products is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing or feeding practice.|Drug products containing certain active ingredients offered over-the-counter (OTC) for certain uses. A number of active ingredients have been present in OTC drug products for various uses, as described below. However, based on evidence currently available, there are inadequate data to establish general recognition of the safety and effectiveness of these ingredients for the specified uses: potassium carbonate is included in antidiarrheal drug products.|Drug products containing certain active ingredients offered over-the-counter (OTC) for certain uses. A number of active ingredients have been present in OTC drug products for various uses, as described below. However, based on evidence currently available, there are inadequate data to establish general recognition of the safety and effectiveness of these ingredients for the specified uses: potassium carbonate is included in digstive aid drug products.

European Chemicals Bureau; ESIS Database/IUCLID Dataset for Potassium Carbonate (584-08-7) (2000 CD-ROM edition) contains information on use, toxicology, and environmental effects of this chemical as supplied to the European Union by industry.[Available from, as of February 23, 2011: http://esis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/]

Not combustible.

|Warning|H315 (100%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]|P261, P264, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P321, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362, P403+P233, P405, and P501|Aggregated GHS information provided by 29 companies from 2 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.|H302 (20.02%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]|P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301+P312, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P321, P330, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362, P403+P233, P405, and P501|Aggregated GHS information provided by 2683 companies from 58 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.|Danger|H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]|P261, P271, P280, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P310, P312, P403+P233, P405, and P501|H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]|P264, P270, P280, P301+P312, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P321, P330, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362, and P501

Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a dust mask type N95 (US) or type P1 (EN 143) respirator. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).|Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed.

Use extinguishing measures that are appropriate to local circumstances and the surrounding environment. The product itself does not burn.|Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.

Accidental release measures. Do not let product enter drains.

Hand protection: handle with gloves. Eye protection: safety glasses. Skin and body protection: choose body protection according to the amount and concentration of the dangerous substance at the work place.|Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.|Accidental release measures. Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing dust.|If breathed in, move person into fresh air. If not breathing give artificial respiration Consult a physician. In case of skin contact, wash off with soap and plenty of water. Consult a physician. In case of eye contact, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician. If swallowed, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water. Consult a physician.|SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

May cause respiratory tract irritation...May cause skin irritation... May cause eye irritation.|...Irritating to skin, mucous membrane of eyes and upper respiratory tract.

Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.

Dry. Separated from strong acids.

A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed.

The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.

PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!

Use local exhaust or breathing protection.

Protective gloves.

Wear safety goggles.

Changes in urinary parameters (electrolyte levels and pH) and DNA synthesis and the morphology of the bladder epithelium were investigated in rats that were fed for 4 to 6 weeks on diets containing various Na, K, Mg, or Ca carbonate salts (3%) with or without L-ascorbic acid (5%). Beside increases in urinary pH and electrolyte levels, DNA synthesis in the bladder epithelium was increased in groups given sodium bicarbonate /and/ potassium carbonate with or without L-ascorbic acid. Furthermore some morphological alterations in the bladder epithelium were induced. Administration of ascorbic acid in combination with the salts induced levels of change greater than those with the salts alone. After administration of ascorbic acid with NH4Cl alone ... those effects on the bladder epithelium were not observed. Therefore, the authors suggest that the degree of DNA synthesis and/or morphological alteration in the rat bladder epithelium after treatment with various bases may depend on changes in urinary concentrations of sodium or potassium ions and/or pH and the presence of ascorbic acid in the urine.

LD50 Rat oral >2000 mg/kg|LD50 Rat oral 1870 mg/kg|LD50 Mouse oral 2570 mg/kg

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Interaction of potash and Decis /Deltametarim/ in the ecophysiology of a freshwater fish, Oreochromis mossambicus, was studied. It was found that 300, 550 and 700 mg/L of potash were sublethal (LC0), median lethal (LC50), and toxic (LC100) to O. mossambicus for 96 hr exposure, respectively. Sublethal concentrations of potash and decis were exposed to fishes individually and in combination for 28 days. The results revealed that the combined effect of these chemicals was more highly toxic to food intake, growth, and conversion efficiencies than the individual chemicals.

According to the 2006 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in the industrial manufacturing, processing, and use of potassium carbonate is 1000 or greater; the data may be greatly underestimated(1).|NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 478,866 workers (139,011 of these were female) were potentially exposed to potassium carbonate in the US(1).

MEDICATION (VET): EXPTL IN SHEEP FEEDS TO REDUCE INCIDENCE OF URINARY CALCULI.|ALKALIZER; DIURETIC AGENT|MEDICATION (VET): DEGREASING AGENT, KERATIN SOFTENER|For the temporary relief of symptoms due to constipation: abdominal bloating, abdominal discomfort, irregularity of bowel movements. ... Disclaimer: This homeopathic product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration for safety or efficacy. FDA is not aware of scientific evidence to support homeopathy as effective.

Small amounts of sodium and chloride plus trace amounts (< 2ppm) of heavy metals such as lead.

Fresh air, rest.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

/SRP:/ Immediate first aid: Remove patient from contact with the material. Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on the left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Inorganic Bases/Alkaline Corrosives and Related Compounds/|/SRP:/ Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 6 to 12 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patent can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Do not attempt to neutralize. Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Inorganic Bases/Alkaline Corrosives and Related Compounds/|/SRP:/ Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Early intubation, at the first signs of upper airway obstruction, may be necessary. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors if patient is hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Inorganic Bases/Alkaline Corrosives and Related Compounds/

/OTHER TOXICITY INFORMATION/ Too strong alkali to be used internally. In large doses it is caustic irritant.

K2CO3

The substance can be absorbed into the body by ingestion.

Sore throat. Cough.

Redness. Pain.

Redness. Pain.

Grades: Crystals; technical; reagent; calcined 80-85%, 85-90%; 90-95%; 96-98%; hydrated 80-85%; Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) grade.|SALT OF CARBONIC ACID & POTASSIUM. COTTONSEED HULL ASHES, SUNFLOWER PLANT ASH, VEGETABLE POTASH & WOOD ASHES ARE ALL IMPURE FORMS OF POTASSIUM CARBONATE. PEARL ASH IS POTASSIUM CARBONATE MADE FROM WOOD ASHES.|Available commercially as a concentrated solution containing ca 47 wt % K2CO3 or in granular crystalline form containing 99.5 wt % K2CO3.

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting|Carbonic acid, potassium salt (1:2): ACTIVE|It has been added to...skin ointments & lotions to aid contact with affected areas or skin penetration of active ingredients by dissolving keratin, sebaceous matter, or skin greases.|The cost of producing potassium carbonate is four to five times greater than that of producing sodium carbonate. Thus sodium carbonate is almost always used for applications in which the two carbonates are equivalent chemically.|In Anglo-American usage, the term potash today includes potassium carbonate as well as all potassium salts, such as KCl, K2SO4, K2SO4.MgSO4.xH2O that are used as fertilizers; the potassium content is given as K2O.|Potash is an impure form of potassium carbonate mixed with other potassium salts obtained by leaching wood ash. Pearl ash is a purer form of potassium carbonate.

EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Processing Aids and Additives|Safer Chemical Classes -> Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern|Food additives|Food Additives -> ACIDITY_REGULATOR; -> JECFA Functional Classes|Cosmetics -> Buffering

Food Additives -> ACIDITY_REGULATOR;