143-18-0

Chemical Properties

Gray-tan paste. Soluble in water and alcohol. Combustible.

Uses

Potassium Oleate is the potassium salt of oleic acid. it is used as a binder, emulsifier, and anticaking agent.

General Description

Brown solid or clear to amber liquid with a soapy odor. Sinks and mixes slowly with water.

Air & Water Reactions

Water soluble. Gives basic aqueous solution.

Reactivity Profile

Salts, basic, such as OLEIC ACID, [POTASSIUM SALT], are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydroxide ions and have pH's greater than 7.0. They react as bases to neutralize acids. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of the bases in reactivity group 10 (Bases) and the neutralization of amines. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible.

Health Hazard

Inhalation of dust causes irritation of nose and throat, coughing, and sneezing. Ingestion causes mild irritation of mouth and stomach. Contact with eyes causes irritation.

Fire Hazard

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Irritating vapors and toxic gases, such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, may be formed when involved in fire.

Safety Profile

An eye irritant. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of K2O.

Purification Methods

Recrystallise it from EtOH (1g/mL). [Beilstein 2 H 465, 2 I 196, 2 I 202, 2 II 436, 2 III 1404, 2 IV 1646.]

Who Evaluation

Evaluation year: 1988