Material Safety Data Sheet for Potassium Phosphate Dibasic (K2HPO4)

Identification

Product Name: Potassium Phosphate Dibasic
Chemical Formula: K2HPO4
Other Names: Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, Potassium phosphate, dibasic
CAS Number: 7758-11-4
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, buffer, fertilizer ingredient
Supplier Details: Manufacturer or supplier name, address, emergency contact phone number needed upon actual procurement
Emergency Overview: White, odorless crystalline solid mainly used for analytical or industrial processes; not combustible, easily dissolves in water

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Eye irritation – Category 2, Not considered highly hazardous or toxic as per GHS, but can still irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory tract if mist or dust is generated during handling
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Pictograms: Exclamation mark (for irritation)
Hazard Statements: May cause mild irritation to respiratory system, eyes, or skin if large amounts of dust are present
Precautionary Statements: Avoid creating dust; wash thoroughly after handling; use proper ventilation; wear protective gear to limit exposure; seek medical attention for any discomfort or if symptoms develop

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate
Synonyms: Potassium phosphate, dibasic
CAS Number: 7758-11-4
Concentration: Pure substance, usually sold as ≥98% K2HPO4 by mass
Impurities: Trace potassium chloride or phosphate salts might be present in technical grades

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical help if breathing discomfort persists
Skin Contact: Wash exposed skin with plenty of water and soap, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously under running water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if safe, seek medical assistance if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, and seek medical attention if large amounts ingested or if feeling unwell
Notes for Physician: Symptomatic treatment recommended, no specific antidote known

Fire-Fighting Measures

Flammability: Not flammable nor combustible
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, CO2, dry chemical, or foam for surrounding fires; product itself does not contribute fire risk
Hazardous Combustion Products: May emit potassium oxides or phosphorus oxides under intense fire or heat
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters need full gear and self-contained breathing apparatus if dust or toxic fumes produced by overheating or combustion; keep product containers cool by spraying water
Specific Hazards: Container may rupture if exposed to intense heat; product dust could become airborne and mildly irritate the respiratory tract during fire incidents

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust, ventilate area well, wear appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves, safety goggles, dust mask or respirator
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains or waterways, sweep up spills dry if possible, reduce dust generation using water mist if needed
Cleanup Methods: Use broom or vacuum for cleanup, bag in tightly closed containers for disposal according to local regulations, wash area with water after material removal

Handling and Storage

Handling Procedures: Use only in well-ventilated spaces, minimize dust generation, avoid ingestion and contact with eyes or skin, wear protective clothing
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers, keep product dry and on shelves away from incompatible substances such as strong acids
Incompatibilities: Reacts with strong acids; avoid moisture, direct sunlight, or sources of heat that may degrade product
Specific Uses: Common in labs and industrial settings for preparation of buffers or nutritional supplements, proper handling reduces chances of exposure or spillage

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established regulatory limits for potassium phosphate dibasic, but keep airborne dust as low as possible
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or process enclosures to control dust in work area
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses with side shields, chemical-resistant gloves, disposable dust mask or NIOSH-approved respirator if dust is significant, protective lab coat or apron to shield skin
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat or smoke in work area, change contaminated clothing promptly

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Odorless
Molecular Weight: 174.18 g/mol
Melting Point: 340°C (with decomposition, no boiling point)
Solubility: Easily dissolves in water (approximately 140g per 100ml at 25°C), insoluble in alcohol
pH: 8.8 – 9.4 (5% solution in water)
Density: 2.44 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not volatile
Other Physical Data: Forms stable solutions in water, not hygroscopic under standard conditions

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids to release phosphoric acid and related byproducts
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Phosphorus oxides and potassium oxides may form under fire or extreme heat
Polymerization: Does not polymerize under standard or expected use conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to strong mineral acids, prolonged moisture, direct high heat

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low acute toxicity, LD50 (oral, rat): around 3,000 mg/kg
Potential Health Effects: May cause eye and skin irritation, ingestion of large quantities may upset stomach and alter electrolyte balance, inhaling dust can irritate nose and throat
Chronic Effects: Repeated overexposure could aggravate pre-existing conditions affecting bones or kidneys due to high phosphate
Sensitization: Not known to cause respiratory or skin sensitization
Carcinogenicity, Mutagenicity, Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence from studies of carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive effects in humans

Ecological Information

Environmental Effects: Can contribute to eutrophication in aquatic environments with significant discharge, potentially disturbing aquatic plant and animal life
Mobility: Highly soluble in water, will migrate readily in soils and through aquatic systems
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic compound, does not degrade but disperses in environment
Ecotoxicity: Not highly toxic, but large spills in water may unbalance nutrient cycles, promote algal blooms
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate significantly in organisms

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Collect material in sealable container, follow local or national regulations for disposal; avoid washing large amounts into sewers or waterways
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers may retain residues, rinse well before reusing or recycling, dispose of as chemical waste if heavily contaminated
Best Practices: Redistribute unused or uncontaminated product for industrial/laboratory reuse wherever possible to minimize waste

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Potassium phosphate dibasic
Transport Hazard Class: Not a dangerous good, no specific hazard label required
Packing Group: None assigned
Special Precautions: Keep container tightly sealed, use secondary containment to reduce spill risk, handle carefully to avoid generating dust during transit

Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed in US Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) inventory
REACH Status: Registered in European Union
Canadian DSL: Listed
OSHA Hazards: Irritant for eyes and respiratory tract, no specific exposure limits enforced
Other Regulatory Listings: EINECS, AICS, NZIoC, PICCS include the substance
Labeling Requirements: Appropriate hazard statements, pictograms, and handling instructions must be present on commercial packaging according to local regulations