IPCS INCHEM Home
POTASSIUM OXIDEICSC: 0769 (October 2006)
Potassium monoxide
Dipotassium oxide
CAS #: 12136-45-7
UN #: 2033
EC Number: 235-227-6

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Not combustible.        Use powder, carbon dioxide. NO hydrous agents.   

 PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Sore throat. Cough. Burning sensation. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath.  Use local exhaust. Use breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer immediately for medical attention. 
Skin Redness. Pain. Serious skin burns.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer immediately for medical attention. 
Eyes Redness. Pain. Burns.  Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  Rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention. 
Ingestion Sore throat. Burning sensation in the throat and chest. Shock or collapse.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer immediately for medical attention. 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Sweep spilled substance into covered dry, plastic containers. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

corr
DANGER
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 8; UN Pack Group: II 

STORAGE
Separated from strong acids and food and feedstuffs. Dry. 
PACKAGING
Airtight.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. 
POTASSIUM OXIDE ICSC: 0769
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
GREY HYGROSCOPIC CRYSTALLINE POWDER. 

Physical dangers
 

Chemical dangers
The solution in water is a strong base. It reacts violently with acid and is corrosive. Reacts violently with water. This produces potassium hydroxide. Attacks many metals in the presence of water. 

Formula: K2O
Molecular mass: 94.2
Decomposes at 350°C
Density: 2.3 g/cm³
Solubility in water: reaction 


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
Serious local effects by all routes of exposure. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the aerosol may cause lung oedema. See Notes. Medical observation is indicated. 

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

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
 

ENVIRONMENT
 

NOTES
Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water.
The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential.
Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor, or by an authorized person, should be considered.
See ICSC 0357. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
 

All rights reserved. The published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Neither ILO nor WHO nor the European Commission shall be responsible for the interpretation and use of the information contained in this material.


    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations