POTASSIUM PEROXIDE
![](javascript:dropDownText("section1_info","section1_info_marker","/static/images/up_arrow.png","/static/images/down_arrow.png")){kind=icon}
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec1_help","sec1_help_marker","/static/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/static/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
The
Chemical Identifier fields
include common identification numbers, the
NFPA diamond
U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general
description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes
from a variety of
data sources.
| CAS Number | UN/NA Number |
|---|---|
|
|
| DOT Hazard Label | USCG CHRIS Code |
|
|
| NIOSH Pocket Guide | International Chem Safety Card |
| none | none |
NFPA 704
| Diamond | Hazard | Value | Description | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Health
|
3 | Can cause serious or permanent injury. | |||||||||
Flammability
|
0 | Will not burn under typical fire conditions. | ||||||||||
Instability
|
1 | Normally stable but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures. | ||||||||||
Special
|
OX | Possesses oxidizing properties. |
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
A yellow granular solid. Mixtures of potassium peroxide and combustible material readily ignited by friction, heat or contact with moisture. Prolonged exposure to fire or heat may cause vigorous decomposition of the material and rupture of the container. Used as a bleach.
![](javascript:dropDownText("section2_info","section2_info_marker","/static/images/up_arrow.png","/static/images/down_arrow.png")){kind=icon}
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec2_help","sec2_help_marker","/static/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/static/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
The
Hazard fields
include
special hazard alerts
air and water
reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and
details about
reactive groups assignments
and
potentially incompatible absorbents.
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
- Explosive
- Strong Oxidizing Agent
- Water-Reactive
Air & Water Reactions
Reacts exothermically with water (or moisture in the air) to give oxygen and a caustic solution, potassium hydroxide [NFPA 491M].
Fire Hazard
Behavior in Fire: Increases intensity of fire and can start fires when in contact with organic combustibles (USCG, 1999)
Health Hazard
Inhalation causes respiratory irritation. Ingestion causes severe burns of mouth and stomach. Contact with eyes or skin causes irritation and caustic burns. (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
POTASSIUM PEROXIDE is a strong oxidizing agent. Reacts readily with reducing agents, including most organic compounds, to generate heat and products that may be gaseous (causing pressurization of closed containers). The products may themselves be capable of further reactions (such as combustion in the air). A quantity left on a piece of paper in the open air usually starts a fire in the paper spontaneously in a few minutes [Freeman].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...
- Cellulose-Based Absorbents
- Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
- Expanded Polymeric Absorbents
![](javascript:dropDownText("section3_info","section3_info_marker","/static/images/up_arrow.png","/static/images/down_arrow.png")){kind=icon}
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec3_help","sec3_help_marker","/static/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/static/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
The
Response Recommendation fields
include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for
firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The
information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 144 [Oxidizers (Water-Reactive)]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
Firefighting
Excerpt from ERG Guide 144 [Oxidizers (Water-Reactive)]:
DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM.
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, soda ash or lime.
LARGE FIRE: DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime or withdraw from area and let fire burn. Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)
DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM.
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, soda ash or lime.
LARGE FIRE: DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime or withdraw from area and let fire burn. Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 144 [Oxidizers (Water-Reactive)]:
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers.
SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain.
LARGE SPILL: DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST. (ERG, 2020)
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers.
SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain.
LARGE SPILL: DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Dust mask; goggles or face shield; protective gloves (USCG, 1999)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
INHALATION: remove from exposure; support respiration.
INGESTION: give large amount of water; do NOT induce vomiting; get medical attention.
EYES: irrigate with large quantities of water for at least 15 min.; get medical attention for caustic burns.
SKIN: flush with water; treat caustic burns. (USCG, 1999)
INGESTION: give large amount of water; do NOT induce vomiting; get medical attention.
EYES: irrigate with large quantities of water for at least 15 min.; get medical attention for caustic burns.
SKIN: flush with water; treat caustic burns. (USCG, 1999)
![](javascript:dropDownText("section4_info","section4_info_marker","/static/images/up_arrow.png","/static/images/down_arrow.png")){kind=icon}
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec4_help","sec4_help_marker","/static/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/static/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
The
Physical Property fields
include properties such as vapor pressure and
boiling point, as well as explosive limits and
toxic exposure thresholds
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
| Chemical Formula: |
|
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point:
914°F
(USCG, 1999)
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity:
greater than 1
at 68°F
(USCG, 1999)
Boiling Point: data unavailable
Molecular Weight:
110
(USCG, 1999)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
No AEGL information available.ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
No ERPG information available.PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
No PAC information available.![](javascript:dropDownText("section5_info","section5_info_marker","/static/images/up_arrow.png","/static/images/down_arrow.png")){kind=icon}
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec5_help","sec5_help_marker","/static/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/static/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
The
Regulatory Information fields
include information from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of
Lists,
the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards,
and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's
Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List
(see more about these
data sources).
EPA Consolidated List of Lists
No regulatory information available.CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
No regulatory information available.OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
No regulatory information available.![](javascript:dropDownText("section6_info","section6_info_marker","/static/images/up_arrow.png","/static/images/down_arrow.png")){kind=icon}
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec6_help","sec6_help_marker","/static/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/static/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical,
including trade names and synonyms.
- DIPOTASSIUM PEROXIDE
- POTASSIUM OXIDE (K2(O2))
- POTASSIUM PEROXIDE
- POTASSIUM SUPEROXIDE
Version 3.0.0