Prepared 01/12/01

By Dr. B. Dunlevy
Page 1 of 5

Chemical

POTASSIUM CHLORATE
Section 1. Chemical identification
Name: Potassium chlorate

Section 2. Composition/information on ingredients

CAS # 3811-04-9

EINECS No: 223-289-7

MF: KClO3

Synonyms
Berthollet's salt, chlorate of potash, oxymuriate of potash, salt of tarter, potassium
oxymuriate.

Section 3. Hazards identification

Label precautionary statements
Oxidizing
Harmful
Contact with combustible material may cause fire.
Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.
Target organ(s): Blood, Liver

Oxidising

Safety precautions
Keep away from combustible material.
In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of
water and seek medical advice.
Wear suitable protective clothing

Harmful

Section 4. First aid measures

In case of eye contact, immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of water
for at least 15 minutes. Assure adequate flushing of the eyes by separating the
eyelids with fingers, and seek medical advice.
In case of skin contact, immediately flush skin with copious amounts of water
for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes.
If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing give artificial respiration. If
breathing is difficult give oxygen.
If swallowed, wash out mouth with water provided person is conscious. Call a
physician. Do not induce vomiting.
Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.

Chemical

POTASSIUM CHLORATE

Prepared 01/12/01
By Dr. B. Dunlevy
Page 2 of 5

Section 5. Fire fighting measures

Extinguishing media
Water spray.
Special fire fighting procedures
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing to prevent
contact with skin and eyes.
Strong oxidiser.
May explode when heated.
Unusual fire and explosions hazards
May explode when heated.
Contact with other materials may cause fire.
Emits toxic fumes under fire conditions, or when heated to decomposition of
oxides of chlorine (e.g. OCl2) and K2O

Section 6. Accidental release measures

Evacuate area.
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, rubber boots and heavy rubber gloves.
Cover with dry lime or soda ash, pick up, keep in a closed container and hold for
waste disposal.
Ventilate area and wash spill site after material pickup is complete.

Section 7. Handling and storage

Refer to Section 8.
Store in YELLOW area.
Additional information
Mixtures of potassium chlorate with many substances are explosive and may be
initiated by light friction, impact or heat.

Section 8. Exposure controls/personal protection

Wear approved respirator EN149 in non-ventilated areas or for exposure above
the OEL, chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, other protective clothing.
Use only in a chemical fume hood.
Safety shower and eye bath.
Avoid breathing dust.
Do not get in eyes, on skin, on clothing.
Avoid prolonged or repeated exposure.
Wash thoroughly after handling.

Chemical

POTASSIUM CHLORATE

Prepared 01/12/01
By Dr. B. Dunlevy
Page 3 of 5

Harmful solid.
Irritant.
Keep tightly closed.
Keep away from combustible materials, heat, sparks, and open flame.
Store in a cool dry place.

Goggles

Gloves

Respirator

Protective
clothing

Wash
hands

Section 9. Physical and chemical properties

Appearance and odour
Solid. Transparent, monoclinic, colorless crystals, or white powder
Melting point
356oC
Boiling point
400oC (dec.)
Density
2.32

Section 10. Stability and reactivity

Incompatibilities
Strong reducing agents.
Finely powdered metals.
Strong acids.
Alcohols.
Organic materials.
Hazardous combustion or decomposition products
Oxygen.

Section 11. Toxicological information

Acute effects
Harmful if inhaled or swallowed.
May be harmful if absorbed through the skin.
Causes eye and skin irritation.
Material is irritating to the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract.
Absorption into the body leads to the formation of methemglobin which in
sufficient concentration cause cyanosis. Onset may be delayed 2 to 4 hours or
longer.
Chronic effects

Chemical

POTASSIUM CHLORATE

Prepared 01/12/01
By Dr. B. Dunlevy
Page 4 of 5

Anaemia.
Target organ(s):
Blood.
Kidneys.
Liver.
toxicity data
orl-rat LD50: 1500 mg/kg
Target organ data
Behavioural (change in motor activity)(coma)
Lungs, thorax or respiration (other changes)
Additional information
Symptoms of overexposure to potassium chlorate include nausea, vomiting,
abdominal pain, diarrhoea, anaemia (haemolytic) and haemorrhage.
Methemoglobin formation results from catalytic oxidation of the blood. Anuria,
damage to the liver, convulsions due to central nervous system effects and coma
may also occur.

Section 12. Ecological information

Data not yet available.

Section 13. Disposal considerations

Cautiously acidify a 3% solution or a suspension of the material to pH 2 with
sulfuric acid. Gradually add a 50% excess of aqueous sodium hydrogen sulfite
with stirring at room temperature. An increase in temperature indicates that a
reaction is taking place. If no reaction is observed on the addition of about 10%
of the sodium hydrogen sulfite solution initiate it by cautiously adding more
acid. If manganese or chromium or molybdenum are present adjust the pH of the
solution to 7 and treat with sulfide to precipitate for burial as hazardous waste.
Destroy excess sulfide, neutralise and flush the solution down the drain.
Observe all EU, Irish and local environmental regulations.

Section 14. Transport information

Contact chemical supplier for transportation information.

Chemical

POTASSIUM CHLORATE

Prepared 01/12/01
By Dr. B. Dunlevy
Page 5 of 5

Section 15. Regulatory information

European information
EC index no: 017-004-00-3
Oxidising
Harmful
Explosive when mixed with combustible material.
R9
R 20/22 Harmful by inhalation and if swallowed.
Keep away from food, drink and animal feeding stuffs.
S 13
Keep away from sources of ignition - no smoking.
S 16
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
S 27

Oxidising

Harmful

Section 16. Other information

This MSDS has been prepared in DkIT and is designed for Irish Second Level School Science
Laboratories use only where quantities handled are less than 50g. The above information is
believed to be correct but does not claim to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide.
Every effort has been made to ensure that this information provided conforms with the latest
available data. DkIT, the Department of Education & Science, Limerick Education Centre,
Sigma, Aldrich, Fluka, Dr. Dunlevy or Ms. F. Dunlevy shall not be held liable for any
information errors in this MSDS or for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with
the above product.
Please address any comments or error observations to: brian.dunlevy@dkit.ie

REFERENCES
Sigma Aldrich Fluka MSDS CD-ROM
Sax CD-ROM
MSDS on Internet