Material Safety Data Sheet for Potassium Sodium Citrate

Identification

Chemical Name: Potassium Sodium Citrate
Common Names: Triple Salt of Citric Acid, Trisodium Tripotassium Citrate
CAS Number: 144-62-7 (citric acid base), 6100-05-6 (specific salt variant)
Relevant Uses: Food additive, pharmaceutical excipient, alkalizing agent, buffer solution component
Supplier/Distributor: Contact details required upon procurement for up-to-date guidance in case of emergency
Emergency Contact: Chemtrec or regional poison control centers for immediate instructions during incidents

Hazard Identification

Physical State: White crystalline powder or granules
Major Hazards: May cause mild respiratory or skin irritation if handled without protection, ingestion of large amounts could upset electrolyte balance
Hazard Pictograms: Not classified under GHS for acute toxicity or chronic health effects
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, accidental ingestion
Signal Word: Not required, though precautionary statements advised
Precautionary Statements: Prevent dust generation, ensure good ventilation, avoid contact with eyes or prolonged skin exposure

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Potassium Sodium Citrate
Chemical Formula: C6H5K3Na2O7
Molecular Weight: 324.32 g/mol
Concentration: 100% for pure chemical; in mixtures, concentration must be specified by manufacturer
Impurities: Trace amounts of water, related citrates possible in material of lesser grade

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, monitor for coughing or shortness of breath, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash area thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, medical evaluation for irritation or allergic response
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids if necessary, medical attention for symptoms like redness, pain or vision changes
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, seek medical attention for large quantities ingested especially in children or those with renal impairment
Symptoms of Overexposure: Nausea, vomiting, possible muscle cramps; pre-existing kidney problems may worsen

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry powder, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: None known for the material itself
Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides (CO, CO2), potassium and sodium oxides in strong fire conditions
Firefighting Instructions: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, keep containers cool by spraying with water, guard against inhalation of decomposition fumes
Specific Hazards: Substance does not burn, though packaging may be combustible, decomposition at high temperature yields irritating gases

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear dust mask, gloves, and splash goggles to prevent contact with skin and eyes
Environmental Precautions: Do not allow undiluted material to enter surface water or sewer systems
Clean-Up Methods: Scoop up spilled powder carefully, avoid raising dust, transfer to suitable container for recovery or disposal, ventilate area, wash site of spillage thoroughly

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Use only in ventilated areas, minimize dust generation, avoid direct physical contact, keep containers tightly closed
Conditions for Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, keep away from strong acids and oxidizing substances, avoid exposure to moisture which can cause caking or degradation
Storage Containers: Sealable poly or glass containers, label all storage systems appropriately

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific TLV or OSHA PEL established for this compound
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation to minimize airborne dust
Personal Protective Equipment: Protective gloves (nitrile), safety goggles or glasses, dust mask if powder is handled in bulk, protective clothing in large-scale settings, access to eyewash stations nearby

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Slight, characteristic of citrates, non-irritating
Solubility in Water: Freely soluble, forming clear solutions
pH (1% solution): 7.5–9.0
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting at approximately 300°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Relative Density: Approximately 1.8 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not volatile at ambient conditions
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not relevant (ionic compound)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Chemically stable under normal temperatures and recommended storage conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizers, excessive heat can cause breakdown
Hazardous Reactions: Formation of carbon oxides and metal oxides during heating or fire
Conditions to Avoid: Humidity/moisture, uncontrolled heat, contact with incompatible chemicals
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, potassium and sodium oxides in intense fire or extreme decomposition

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) over 5000 mg/kg - considered low toxicity
Sensitization: Not known to cause allergic reactions in most persons
Chronic Effects: High intake over time may affect metabolism of electrolytes, caution warranted for those with renal impairment
Inhalation Effects: Dust may cause coughing, throat irritation
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP or OSHA, no evidence for cancer hazard
Reproductive Toxicity: No reported adverse effects to reproduction in available studies

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Low toxicity for aquatic organisms, but introduction in large quantities can increase water alkalinity
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable in water and soil under normal conditions
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate due to high water solubility
Mobility in Soil: High mobility, freely moves through water and soil due to ionized state
Other Adverse Effects: Large spills may cause local ecological imbalance by shifting pH or salinity

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Small amounts can be flushed to sewer with plenty of water if local regulation allows, otherwise treat as non-hazardous chemical waste
Container Disposal: Empty containers should be rinsed before recycling or disposal, labels removed
Regulatory Requirements: Follow federal, state, and local environmental disposal requirements to avoid fines or contamination

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated under UN transport regulations
Proper Shipping Name: Potassium Sodium Citrate
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions for Transport: Containers should be tightly sealed, protected from moisture and crushing, keep documentation accessible during transit

Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed in U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory
REACH Registration: Registered for use in Europe according to ECHA guidelines
FDA Status: Recognized as GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) for food applications
Other Regulations: Compliant with food additive standards in most countries, workplace safety standards set at company or regional level
Labeling Requirements: Adhere to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard in the U.S., similar systems globally demand clear labeling of contents and hazard information