POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE MONOBASIC

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Basic information

  • Chemical formula(s): \({\rm KH_2PO_4}\)
  • Other names: Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, monopotassium phosphate, MKP, KDP
  • CAS number: 7778-77-0
  • EC number: 231-913-4
  • Molecular weight: 136.1 g/mol
  • International Chemical Safety Card (ICSC): 1608
  • Flammability: no (not combustible)
  • Description: Colorless crystals or white crystalline powder. Highly soluble in water (22 g/100ml). Solution is weakly acidic. Used as fertilizer, food additive, and buffer component.

NFPA 704 (fire diamond)

  • Health (blue): 1 - poses no health hazard, requires no precautions, and would offer no hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible materials.
  • Flammability (red): 0 - will not burn under typical fire conditions.
  • Instability–reactivity (yellow): 0 - normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water.
  • Special notice (white): -

Hazard statements

Potassium phosphate monobasic is not classified as hazardous under GHS regulations. However, it may cause mild irritation:

Code Phrase
H315 Causes skin irritation
H319 Causes serious eye irritation

Precautionary statements

Despite not being classified as hazardous, the following precautionary measures apply for handling crystalline powders:

Code Phrase
P261 avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray
P264 wash hands thoroughly after handling
P280 wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection
P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing
P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label).
P332+P313 IF SKIN IRRITATION OCCURS: Get medical advice/attention.
P337+P313 IF EYE IRRITATION PERSISTS: Get medical advice/attention.

Protective measures

Gloves

For routine handling of potassium phosphate powder:

  • Any standard laboratory gloves: very good - potassium phosphate is minimally irritating.
  • Nitrile: very good - prevents contamination and provides good chemical resistance.
  • Natural latex or rubber: very good - adequate for handling salts.
  • PVC: good - suitable for handling non-hazardous salts.
  • Vinyl: good - adequate for food-grade applications.

Safety goggles

  • Standard safety glasses recommended when handling powder to prevent eye irritation.
  • Corrective glasses are not considered safety goggles.
  • Eye protection particularly important as powder may cause irritation.

Clothing

  • Standard laboratory clothing is sufficient.
  • Long sleeves recommended when handling large quantities to minimize skin contact with dust.
  • Closed-toe shoes required as standard laboratory safety.
  • Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

Respiratory protection

  • Ensure adequate ventilation when handling large quantities.
  • Use dust mask when working with fine powder in poorly ventilated areas.
  • Harmful airborne particles can accumulate quickly when powder is dispersed.
  • Minimize dust generation during handling.

Spill management

  • Sweep up material carefully to minimize dust generation.
  • Use vacuum with appropriate filtration if available.
  • Avoid creating dust clouds during cleanup.
  • Collect in appropriate container - can be disposed as non-hazardous waste.
  • Clean area with water to remove residual powder.
  • Weakly acidic in solution - neutralize large spills if necessary.
  • No special disposal requirements - non-hazardous material.

Special warnings

  • Decomposes on heating - produces toxic and irritating phosphorus oxide fumes.
  • Weakly acidic - aqueous solutions have pH around 4.2-4.7.
  • May cause irritation - to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.
  • Hygroscopic - absorbs moisture from air, store in tightly closed containers.
  • Store in cool, dry place away from strong bases.
  • Food additive - generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in foods.
  • Buffer component - commonly used with disodium phosphate for pH control.
  • Fertilizer use - source of potassium and phosphorus for plants.
  • Incompatible with strong bases - may react to form heat.
  • Symptoms of exposure: cough, redness, pain (eyes/skin), abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea if ingested in large amounts.