ICSC 1731 - POTASSIUM METHYLATE

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POTASSIUM METHYLATE	ICSC: 1731 (April 2009)
Methanol, potassium salt Potassium methanolate Methoxy potassium Potassium methoxide

CAS #: 865-33-8

UN #: 3206

EC Number: 212-736-1

	ACUTE HAZARDS	PREVENTION	FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION	Highly flammable. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with water, moisture or metals.	NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with water.	NO water. NO hydrous agents. Use dry powder, dry sand. In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. NO direct contact of the substance with water.

AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
	SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID
Inhalation	Sore throat. Cough. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing.	Use local exhaust and 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.	First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Refer immediately for medical attention.
Eyes	Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe deep burns.	Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention.
Ingestion	Burns in mouth and 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
Remove all ignition sources. Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Sweep spilled substance into covered dry plastic containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT wash away into sewer.	According to UN GHS Criteria Self-heating; may catch fire Causes severe skin burns and eye damage Transportation UN Classification UN Hazard Class: 4.2; UN Subsidiary Risks: 8
STORAGE
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, acids, metals and food and feedstuffs. Dry. Cool. Well closed. Store in an area having corrosion resistant concrete floor. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
PACKAGING
Airtight. Unbreakable packaging. Put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

POTASSIUM METHYLATE

ICSC: 1731

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION
Physical State; Appearance WHITE-TO-YELLOW HYGROSCOPIC POWDER. Physical dangers No data. Chemical dangers Heating may cause violent combustion or explosion. Reacts violently with water. This produces flammable methanol and corrosive potassium hydroxide. The substance may ignite spontaneously on contact with moist air. The substance is a strong reducing agent. It reacts violently with oxidants. The substance is a strong base. It reacts violently with acid and is corrosive. Attacks many metals. This produces flammable/explosive gas (hydrogen - see ICSC 0001).	Formula: CH₃OK Molecular mass: 70.1 Melting point: No melting point; decomposes at >50°C Density: 1.7 g/cm³ Solubility in water: reaction Vapour pressure, Pa at 25°C: (negligible) Flash point: 11°C c.c. Auto-ignition temperature: >50°C Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.74

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
WHITE-TO-YELLOW HYGROSCOPIC POWDER.

Physical dangers
No data.

Chemical dangers
Heating may cause violent combustion or explosion. Reacts violently with water. This produces flammable methanol and corrosive potassium hydroxide. The substance may ignite spontaneously on contact with moist air. The substance is a strong reducing agent. It reacts violently with oxidants. The substance is a strong base. It reacts violently with acid and is corrosive. Attacks many metals. This produces flammable/explosive gas (hydrogen - see ICSC 0001).

Formula: CH₃OK
Molecular mass: 70.1
Melting point: No melting point; decomposes at >50°C
Density: 1.7 g/cm³
Solubility in water: reaction
Vapour pressure, Pa at 25°C: (negligible)
Flash point: 11°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: >50°C
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.74

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 may cause lung oedema, but only after initial corrosive effects on eyes and/or airways have become manifest.	Inhalation risk A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed. Effects of long-term or repeated exposure

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 may cause lung oedema, but only after initial corrosive effects on eyes and/or airways have become manifest.

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
This substance may be hazardous to the environment. Special attention should be given to aquatic organisms.

NOTES
Potassium methylate is a very reactive solid and is handled in solution in most cases. The solid is very hygroscopic and decomposes quickly. It is only stable under exclusion of air and moisture. Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water. Rinse contaminated clothing with plenty of water because of fire hazard.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EC Classification
Symbol: F, C; R: 11-14-34; S: (1/2)-8-16-26-43-45

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