SECTION 1 — CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

Potassium Nitrate

Flinn Scientific, Inc. P.O. Box 219, Batavia, IL 60510 (800) 452-1261
Chemtrec Emergency Phone Number: (800) 424-10170

Signal Word
WARNING

Hazard class: Oxidizing solids (Category 3). May intensify fire; oxidizer (H272). Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces. No smoking (P210).

Hazard class: Acute toxicity, oral (Category 5). May be harmful if swallowed (H303).

Pictograms

SECTION 3 — COMPOSITION, INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

Component Name	CAS Number	Formula	Formula Weight	Concentration
Potassium nitrate Synonyms: Saltpeter; Nitrate of potash	7757-79-1	KNO₃	101.11

SECTION 4 — FIRST AID MEASURES

Call a POISON CENTER or physician if you feel unwell.
If inhaled: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do so. Continue rinsing.
If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
If swallowed: Rinse mouth. Call a POISON CENTER or physician if you feel unwell.

SECTION 5 — FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

Strong oxidizer. Dangerous fire risk if shocked or heated. Avoid contact with organic materials. Potassium nitrate decomposes on heating producing nitrogen oxides, oxygen, which increases fire hazard
In case of fire: Use a tri-class dry chemical fire extinguisher.
Hazardous combustion products: Not combustible but enhances combustion of other substances. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

NFPA Code

H: 1
F: 0
R: 0
OX

SECTION 6 — ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

Sweep up, place in sealed bag or container and dispose. Ventilate area and wash spill site after material pickup is complete. See Sections 8 and 13 for further information.

SECTION 7 — HANDLING AND STORAGE

Flinn Suggested Chemical Storage Pattern: Inorganic #3. Store with amides, nitrates, nitrites and azides.
Slightly hygroscopic. Store in a Flinn Chem-Saf™ bag in a cool, dry place. Keep away from combustible materials (P220). Take any precautions to avoid mixing with combustibles (P221).

SECTION 8 — EXPOSURE CONTROLS, PERSONAL PROTECTION

Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection (P280). Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

SECTION 9 — PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Transparent, colorless crystals or powder. Odorless.
Soluble: Water and glycerin. Slightly in alcohol.

Melting point: 333 °C Boiling point: 400 °C (decomposes)
Specific gravity: 2.1062

SECTION 10 — STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

Avoid contact with strong reducers, finely powdered metals, strong acids, organic and combustible materials.
Shelf life: Good, slightly hygroscopic. See Section 7 for further information.
Hazardous decomposition products: KNO₃ decomposes on heating producing nitrogen oxides, oxygen, which increases fire hazard

SECTION 11 — TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Acute effects: Irritant
Chronic effects: N.A.
Target organs: Blood, central nervous system

ORL-RAT LD₅₀: 3750 mg/kg
IHL-RAT LC₅₀: N.A.
SKN-RBT LD₅₀: N.A.

SECTION 12 — ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Data not yet available.

SECTION 13 — DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

Please review all federal, state and local regulations that may apply before proceeding.
Flinn Suggested Disposal Method #26b is one option.

SECTION 14 — TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Shipping name: Potassium Nitrate. Hazard class: 5.1, Oxidizer. UN number: UN1486.

SECTION 15 — REGULATORY INFORMATION

TSCA-listed, EINECS-listed (231-818-8), RCRA code D001.

SECTION 16 — OTHER INFORMATION

This Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is for guidance and is based upon information and tests believed to be reliable. Flinn Scientific, Inc. makes no guarantee of the accuracy or completeness of the data and shall not be liable for any damages relating thereto. The data is offered solely for your consideration, investigation, and verification. The data should not be confused with local, state, federal or insurance mandates, regulations, or requirements and CONSTITUTE NO WARRANTY. Any use of this data and information must be determined by the science instructor to be in accordance with applicable local, state or federal laws and regulations. The conditions or methods of handling, storage, use and disposal of the product(s) described are beyond the control of Flinn Scientific, Inc. and may be beyond our knowledge. FOR THIS AND OTHER REASONS, WE DO NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGE OR EXPENSE ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE HANDLING, STORAGE, USE OR DISPOSAL OF THIS PRODUCT(S).

Consult your copy of the Flinn Science Catalog/Reference Manual for additional information about laboratory chemicals.