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Send EmailPotassium Polysulfide, Sulfurated Potash, Sulfur-bearing Potassium, 1312-73-8
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Potassium polysulfide |
| Other Names | Potassium sulfide, Sulfurated potash, Sulfur-bearing potassium |
| CAS Number | 1312-73-8 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 215-197-0 |
| Chemical Formula | K₂Sₓ (x = 2–6, variable) |
| Chemical Class | Inorganic sulfide / Polysulfide salt |
| Appearance | Yellowish to reddish crystalline solid or dark-colored solution |
| Odor | Sharp, sulfur-like (rotten eggs) |
| Density | ~1.8 g/cm³ (solid) |
| pH (Aqueous Solution) | ~11-13 (strongly alkaline) |
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:
Potassium Polysulfide (K₂Sₓ) is a class of compounds formed by potassium and sulfur. The polysulfide chain length varies with x ranging from 2 to 6. This chain structure gives the compound its characteristic color ranging from yellow to red. It is soluble in water, forming strongly alkaline and reducing solutions. It is used in agriculture as a fungicide and insecticide, in the leather industry for tanning processes, in the chemical industry as an intermediate, and in metal surface treatment applications. It has a strong, sharp odor and must be prevented from contaminating water sources.
Structural Features:
Potassium cation (K⁺) and polysulfide anion (Sₓ²⁻)
Variable sulfur chain length (x = 2–6)
Soluble in water, forms alkaline solutions
Sharp sulfur odor
Strong reducing properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | K₂Sₓ (x = 2–6) |
| Molecular Weight | Variable (depends on x value) |
| Appearance | Yellowish to reddish crystalline solid or dark-colored liquid |
| Odor | Sharp, sulfur-like |
| Density | ~1.8 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~100-150°C (depending on polysulfide composition) |
| Solubility in Water | Soluble (alkaline solution) |
| Solubility in Organic Solvents | Slightly soluble |
| pH (Aqueous Solution) | ~11-13 (strongly alkaline) |
| Hygroscopicity | Hygroscopic |
| Solvent | Solubility |
|---|---|
| Water | Soluble (alkaline solution) |
| Acids | Reacts (releases H₂S gas) |
| Organic Solvents | Slightly soluble |
| Alkaline Solutions | Soluble |
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Class | Inorganic sulfide / Polysulfide salt |
| pH (Aqueous Solution) | ~11-13 (strongly alkaline) |
| Reaction with Acids | Releases H₂S gas and sulfur precipitate |
| Oxidation | Slowly oxidizes in air (to sulfate or thiosulfate) |
| Reduction | Strong reducing agent |
| Hydrolysis | Hydrolyzes in water (alkaline solution) |
| Hygroscopicity | Hygroscopic |
Key Reactions:
Acid Reaction (HAZARDOUS):
K₂Sₓ + 2HCl → 2KCl + H₂S ↑ + (x-1)S ↓
Air Oxidation:
2K₂Sₓ + 3O₂ → 2K₂S₂O₃ + (2x-4)S
Hydrolysis with Water:
K₂Sₓ + H₂O → KOH + KHSₓ
| Sector | Application |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Fungicide and insecticide (plant disease and pest control) |
| Leather Industry | Tanning processes |
| Chemical Industry | Intermediate (organic and inorganic sulfur compounds) |
| Metal Surface Treatment | Metal surface cleaning and processing |
| Mining | Flotation processes |
| Laboratory | Analytical reagent and precipitation agent |
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Purity | ≥ 95.0% |
| Appearance | Yellowish-reddish crystalline or solution |
| Water Solubility | Complete (clear solution) |
| Alkali Content | ≤ 1.0% |
| Sulfate (SO₄) | ≤ 0.5% |
| Chloride (Cl) | ≤ 0.1% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.001% |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 0.001% |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area |
| Storage Temperature | 15-25°C |
| Keep Away From | Acids, oxidizers, moisture |
| Shelf Life | 12-24 months (under proper storage) |
| Packaging | Tightly closed containers (glass, plastic, or coated metal) |
| Transport | Hazardous material class, proper packaging and labeling required |
Handling Notes:
NEVER mix with acids (H₂S gas risk)
Use only in well-ventilated areas
Protect from moisture (hydrolysis risk)
Store in tightly closed containers to prevent air oxidation
Avoid contact with water
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GHS Classification | GHS05 (Corrosion), GHS07 (Warning) |
| Signal Word | Danger |
| Hazard Statements | H302 (Harmful if swallowed), H314 (Causes severe skin burns and eye damage), H315 (Skin irritation), H319 (Serious eye irritation), H335 (Respiratory tract irritation), H400 (Very toxic to aquatic life) |
| Precautionary Statements | P260, P280, P301+P310, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P405, P501 |
| UN Number | 3262 (solid) / 3266 (solution) |
| Hazard Class | 8 (Corrosive substances) |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | Harmful if swallowed |
| Exposure Routes | Inhalation, ingestion, skin contact |
| Symptoms | Irritation, nausea, headache, skin burns |
| Target Organs | Skin, eyes, respiratory system |
| Ecotoxicity | Very toxic to aquatic life |
Personal Protective Equipment:
Chemical-resistant gloves
Safety goggles
Protective clothing
Dust mask or respirator
Adequate ventilation must be provided
| Exposure Route | Action |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Move to fresh air. If breathing difficulty occurs, administer oxygen. Seek medical attention. |
| Skin Contact | Remove contaminated clothing. Wash with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek IMMEDIATE medical attention. |
| Ingestion | Do NOT induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Drink plenty of water. Seek medical attention. |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Ecotoxicity | Very toxic to aquatic organisms |
| Environmental Impact | Must be prevented from entering water sources |
| Waste Management | Neutralization of sulfur compounds and proper disposal |
| Agricultural Use | Dosage control required |
| Wastewater | Must not be discharged untreated into the environment |
| Bioaccumulation | Expected |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | 3262 (solid) / 3266 (solution) |
| Hazard Class | 8 (Corrosive substances) |
| Packing Group | II |
| Proper Shipping Name | Potassium polysulfide (Solid) / (Solution) |
| Marine Pollutant | Yes |
| ADR/RID Label | 8 |
| Region | Status |
|---|---|
| EU | REACH registered |
| Turkey (KKDİK) | Mandatory compliance; registration required |
| USA (TSCA) | Listed |
| EINECS | 215-197-0 |
| Customs Tariff Code | 2830.90.00.00 |
SUMMARY:
Potassium Polysulfide (K₂Sₓ, CAS 1312-73-8) is a yellowish to reddish crystalline solid or dark-colored liquid. It is soluble in water, forming strongly alkaline solutions. It has a sharp sulfur-like odor. It is classified as UN 3262 (solid) or UN 3266 (solution), Class 8, Packing Group II.
Its most important applications include use as a fungicide and insecticide in agriculture, in tanning processes in the leather industry, as a chemical intermediate, and in metal surface treatment.
Corrosive and irritant. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Harmful if swallowed. Very toxic to aquatic life. Must be prevented from contaminating water sources. Storage should be in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas, in tightly closed containers, away from acids and moisture.
Key Properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Formula | K₂Sₓ (x = 2–6) |
| CAS No | 1312-73-8 |
| Appearance | Yellowish-reddish crystalline/solution |
| Odor | Sharp sulfur |
| Water Solubility | Soluble |
| pH | ~11-13 |
| UN No | 3262 (solid) / 3266 (solution) |
| Hazard Class | 8 (Corrosive) |
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
Corrosive: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Protective equipment is mandatory.
Acid Reaction: Contact with acids releases H₂S GAS (rotten egg odor, toxic). NEVER mix with acids.
Hydrogen Sulfide Risk: H₂S gas may be formed upon contact with acids or hydrolysis. Do not use in confined spaces.
Environmental: Very toxic to aquatic life. Must be prevented from entering water sources.
Storage: Protect from moisture and air (oxidation). Store in tightly closed containers.
Agricultural Use: Dosage control required. Prevent environmental release.
Waste Management: Neutralization of sulfur compounds and proper disposal required.
Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on available data and is believed to be accurate. However, the user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all applicable regulations and safety requirements. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Potassium Polysulfide.