Potassium bitartrate

Synonyms

Acid potassium tartrate; Butanedioic acid, 2,3-dihydroxy-, (R-(R*,R*))-, monopotassium salt; Cream of tartar; Cremor tartari; Faccla; Faccula; Faecla; Faecula; Monopotassium 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioate, (R-(R*,R*))-; Monopotassium tartrate; Potassium L-bitartrate; Potassium L-tartrate (KC4H5O6); Potassium acid tartrate; Potassium hydrogen tartrate; Potassium tartrate; Potassium tartrate (KHC4H4O6); Tartar; Tartar cream; Tartaric acid, monopotassium salt; Potassium acid salt of L-(+)-tartaric acid; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Organic Acids, Metal Salts

Description

Colorless or white solid; [Merck Index] White powder; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Used as a mordant in textile dyeing; [www.ci.tucson.az.us/arthazards/medium.html] Obtained from sediments of wine manufacturing; [Merck Index] Used for coloring and galvanic tinning of metals; as reducer of chromium trioxide in mordants for wool; in dusting powders for gloves; to make hard candies; in baking powders and baking mixes; as metal processing agent (prevents oxidation); as intermediate for other potassium tartrates; to remove sulfur dioxide from waste gases (in solution); as medical cathartic; as veterinary laxative and diuretic; [HSDB]

Comments

Emergency treatment after ingestion: "Laxatives-saline"; [HSDB] May cause irritation; [MSDSonline]

Biomedical References

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Electroplating
• Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing)

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Textile arts