Potassium methylate
Agent Name
Potassium methylate
Alternative Name
Potassium methoxide
CAS Number
865-33-8
Formula
C-H4-O.K
Major Category
Metals
Synonyms
Methanol, potassium salt; Potassium methanolate; [ChemIDplus] Methoxy potassium; Potassium methoxide; [Reference #1] Kaliummethanolat; Kaliummethylat; [OECD SIDS: Methanolates - 2006] UN3206
Category
Metal Alkoxides
Description
White to yellow hygroscopic solid; [Reference #1] Commercial products are powders or 32% solutions in methanol; [Reference #2] White powder; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]
Sources/Uses
Used as a chemical intermediate and in biodiesel production; [OECD SIDS: Methanolates - 2006]
Comments
Rapidly and exothermically reacts with tissue water forming potassium hydroxide (responsible for corrosivity) and methanol; Not likely to cause skin sensitization or be carcinogenic; [OECD SIDS: Methanolates - 2006] Reacts violently with water; Self-heating, may catch fire; Causes burns; Inhalation may cause corrosive injuries to upper respiratory tract and lungs; [Alfa Aesar MSDS] See "Methyl alcohol." See "Potassium hydroxide." See "Sodium methylate."
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Vapor Pressure
4.8E-06 mm Hg
Explanatory Notes
The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Alkali metal alcoholates, self-heating, corrosive, n.o.s."
Adverse Effects
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.