MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET







I       PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION



Trade Name:         Potassium                                                 Formula:          K

CAS #:              7440-09-7





II      HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS



TSCA: Listed in the TSCA inventory         ACGIH (TLV): No data               OSHA PEL:         No data           %:      100



Component subject to reporting of the section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act: No Data

Title Compound: Not listed.





III     PHYSICAL DATA



                           760 oC                                                                   63.7 oC

Boiling Point:                                                                Melting Point:

Specific Gravity:          0.86                                               Solubility in H2O:    Reacts violently with water

                           .0899 mm (245 oC)

Vapor Pressure:                                                               Color and Form:       Under argon





IV      FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA



Flash Point (Method used): No data                                            Autoignition Temperature: N/A



Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Highly flammable. Material readily ignited with flame, sparks, friction or heat. Burning material

may release toxic and corrosive fumes. Leave the area unless fitted with a self-contained breathing apparatus and fire protective

clothing.



Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazard: Pyrophoric material. Material may ignite spontaneously on contact with air.





V       HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION



Effects of Over Exposure: Intraperitoneal (mouse): LD50: 700 mg/kg. Details not reported. Contact with skin can cause severe

chemical burns.



Mode of Entry: Inhalation: No Skin: Yes             Ingestion: Yes

Carcinogenicity: NTP: No      IARC: No              OSHA: No



EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:



EYES: In case of eye contact immediately flush the eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.

SKIN: In case of skin contact wash affected area with soap and water for at least 5 minutes.

INHALATION: If inhaled remove victim to fresh air and seek medical attention if coughing, shortness of breath or irritation

persists.

INGESTION: If ingested give victim plenty of water and seek immediate medical assistance.

VI       REACTIVITY DATA



Stability: Air sensitive, moisture sensitive.

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Water, air, oxidizers, halogens, sulfur, phosphorus, carbon, alcohols, halogenated hydrocar-

bons, carbonyl compounds and carbon dioxide.



Hazardous Decomposition Products: Potassium oxide and potassium superoxide.

Hazardous Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization.





VII      SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES



Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled: The material will ignite spontaneously in air. Burning material may

release toxic fumes. Leave the area unless fitted with a self-contained breathing apparatus. Smother fire with dry powder. Do not use

water.



Waste Disposal Method: Material should be disposed of in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.





VIII     SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION



Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): No special respiration equipment required.



Ventilation: Local Exhaust: Yes                                                  Other: No

Protective Gloves: Yes                                                           Eye Protection: Yes



Other Protective Equipment: Wear a full face shield, lab apron and suitable gloves.





IX       SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS



Other Handling and Storage Conditions: Handle and store the material under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen or argon. Keep away

from heat.



          The material will react with air and moisture. Prolonged contact with air may result in the formation of potassium superox-

ide, a potentially explosive compound.





Prepared by:      S. Dierks

Dated:            March 1995