Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Potassium Hydrogen Malate

Identification

Product name: Potassium Hydrogen Malate
Synonyms: Monopotassium malate, Potassium 2-hydroxybutanedioate
Chemical Formula: C4H5KO5
CAS Number: 492-39-7
Relevant uses: Commonly used in food additives, buffering in pharmaceuticals, laboratory reagent
Manufacturer information: Manufacturer or supplier name, address, phone number, and email for emergencies
Emergency Phone Number: Available through chemical supplier or local emergency services

Hazard Identification

GHS classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS guidelines
Signal word: None assigned
Hazard statements: Dust may cause mild irritation to eyes, skin, or respiratory system
Precautionary statements: Avoid breathing dust; wash hands after handling; use adequate ventilation; keep container closed
Pictograms: Not classified as hazardous, so none assigned
Other hazards: Inhalation of large quantities can result in respiratory discomfort

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Potassium Hydrogen Malate
Common Name: Monopotassium malate
Concentration: 98-100%
CAS Number: 492-39-7
Impurities: Very low levels of water (<1%), trace organic acids possible

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin contact: Rinse skin with plenty of water; remove contaminated clothing; seek medical attention for persistent skin irritation
Eye contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; consult medical personnel if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; drink plenty of water; seek medical attention if symptoms develop
Symptoms: Dust can cause minor irritation, coughing, sneezing, or eye redness

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable extinguishing media: Use alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, or water spray
Unsuitable extinguishing media: None known for this compound
Hazards from combustion products: Emits carbon oxides and potassium oxides on thermal decomposition
Protective equipment for fire-fighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus; full protective clothing; avoid inhaling fumes
Other considerations: Containers can rupture when heated; keep containers cool with water spray

Accidental Release Measures

Personal precautions: Avoid breathing dust; wear gloves, goggles, and dust mask
Clean-up methods: Sweep up gently to avoid dust generation; place in a labelled, sealed container for disposal; wash spill site with water
Environmental precautions: Prevent from entering soil, drains, or watercourses in large amounts
Emergency procedures: Evacuate unnecessary personnel; ventilate area

Handling and Storage

Safe handling advice: Use in well-ventilated area; avoid creating airborne dust; wear protective gear if risk of inhalation or skin/eye exposure is possible
Storage conditions: Store in tightly closed containers; keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; segregate from oxidizing agents
Hygiene measures: Wash thoroughly after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke during use; remove contaminated clothing
Incompatibilities: Keep away from strong oxidizers, strong acids

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure limits: No specific occupational exposure limits established for potassium hydrogen malate
Engineering controls: Use local exhaust ventilation; general area ventilation should control airborne dust
Personal protective equipment: Safety glasses, laboratory coat or apron, dust mask (preferably N95 or better), gloves
Environmental exposure controls: Prevent large releases to soil and waterways; comply with local regulations
Special requirements: Emergency eyewash stations and safety showers should be available

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White or off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
pH: 3.5-4.5 (1% solution in water)
Melting point: 167-170 °C
Boiling point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Flash point: Not flammable
Solubility: Soluble in water; insoluble in most organic solvents
Vapor pressure: Not volatile
Relative density: 1.85-1.90 (water = 1)
Partition coefficient (log Kow): Not available
Other data: Stable at room temperature; forms no explosive dust clouds

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical stability: Stable under normal conditions of temperature and pressure
Reactivity: Inert under normal use; may react with strong oxidizers or acids
Hazardous reactions: None reported with common materials
Decomposition products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, potassium oxides
Conditions to avoid: Exposure to excessive heat, ignition sources, or moisture

Toxicological Information

Acute toxicity: Low toxicity; no harmful effects expected from normal exposure
Oral LD50 (rat): Above 2,000 mg/kg (estimated, based on available data for similar malate salts)
Skin irritation: Unlikely to cause irritation; repeated exposure might result in mild redness
Eye irritation: Dust may cause temporary discomfort or redness
Respiratory irritation: Inhalation of dust may cause coughing or sneezing
Chronic effects: No known long-term health effects or sensitization
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA as a carcinogen
Mutagenicity, teratogenicity: No known risk; animal studies for malic acid derivatives show no mutagenic or reproductive toxicity

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic and terrestrial organisms
Persistence and degradability: Readily biodegradable in the environment
Bioaccumulation potential: Low; does not significantly bioaccumulate
Mobility in soil: Moves readily with water; unlikely to persist or form hazardous residues
Environmental precautions: Avoid uncontrolled releases in large quantities; dilute solutions pose minimal risk

Disposal Considerations

Waste treatment: Dispose as non-hazardous chemical waste; mix with plenty of water and dispose via municipal landfill or sewage system compliant with local regulations
Disposal containers: Use clearly labelled, sealed containers
Precautions: Wear protective gear; avoid generation of dust during disposal
Regulatory waste codes: Consult local, regional, or national regulations to assign correct waste code

Transport Information

UN number: Not regulated as dangerous goods
Proper shipping name: Potassium Hydrogen Malate
Transport hazard class: Not classified
Packing group: Not assigned
Environmental hazards: Not marine pollutant
Special precautions for transport: Keep containers tightly closed; use secure outer packaging; protect from moisture and strong impacts

Regulatory Information

OSHA status: Not considered hazardous by OSHA standards
TSCA inventory: Listed
REACH status: Registered or exempted for laboratory and food use
SARA Title III: Not listed as a hazardous substance
California Prop 65: Not listed as carcinogen or reproductive toxin
Other regulations: Approved for food and pharmaceutical use according to most national and regional agencies
Labeling requirements: Name and hazard information for workplace labeling; follow local requirements for workplace chemicals