Potassium handling

Lawson DH, O Connor PC, Jick H. Drug attributed alterations in potassium handling in congestive cardiac failure. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1982 23(l) 21-5. 

Wright, F. S. (1987). Renal potassium handling. Semin. Nephrol 7,174-184. 

Velazquez, H., and F. S. Wright. 1986. Control by drugs of renal potassium handling. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology 26 293-309. 

CH3)2N]3P0. M.p. 4°C, b.p. 232"C, dielectric constant 30 at 25 C. Can be prepared from dimethylamine and phosphorus oxychloride. Used as an aprotic solvent, similar to liquid ammonia in solvent power but easier to handle. Solvent for organolithium compounds, Grignard reagents and the metals lithium, sodium and potassium (the latter metals give blue solutions). 

Other sources of hazard arise from the handling of such chemicals as concentrated acids, alkalis, metallic sodium and bromine, and in working with such extremely poisonous substances as sodium and potassium cyanides. The special precautions to be observed will be indicated, where necessary, in the experiments in which the substances are employed, and will also be supplied by the demonstrator. The exercise of obvious precautions and cautious handling will in most cases reduce the danger to almost negligible proportions. Thus, if concentrated sulphuric acid should be accidentally spilled, it should be immediately washed with a liberal quantity of water or of a solution of a mild alkali. 

Potassium biduoride crystals may break down to a fine white powder that is readily airborne. In this form, the salt is quite irritating to the nasal passages, eyes, and skin. Therefore, the hands and eyes should be protected and acid dust masks should be worn while handling, as an acid duoride KHF2 can cause superficial hydroduoric acid-type bums. Areas of skin that have been in contact with potassium biduoride should be washed as soon as possible with mildly alkaline soaps or borax-containing hand cleaners. If there has been contact with the eyes, they should be washed well with water and a physician should be consulted. 

Potassium bicarbonate is used in foods and medicine. It is approximately twice as effective as NaHC03 in dry-powder fire extinguishers, perhaps because the potassium affects the free-radical mechanism of flame propagation. However, the material does not have good handling characteristics. 

Sodium alum occurs naturally as the mineral mendo2ite. Commercially, it is produced by the addition of a sodium sulfate solution to aluminum sulfate. Small amounts of potassium sulfate, sodium siUcate, and soda ash can be added to improve product handling and performance. After adjustment of the ratio of aluminum sulfate to sodium sulfate, water is evaporated to give a hard cake ia the cooling pans. This cake is further heated ia roasters and ground to a fineness of 99% through a 100-mesh (- 150 fiva) sieve. 

Occupational Safety and Health. OSHA has set no specific limits for sodium and potassium sibcates (88). A pmdent industrial exposure standard could range from the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for inert or nuisance particulates to the PEL for sodium hydroxide, depending on the rate of dissolution and the concentration of airborne material. Material safety data sheets issued by siUcate producers should be consulted for specific handling precautions, recommended personal protective equipment, and other important safety information. 

Reactivity. Bromine is nonflammable but may ignite combustibles, such as dry grass, on contact. Handling bromine in a wet atmosphere, extreme heat, and temperatures low enough to cause bromine to soHdify (—6° C) should be avoided. Bromine should be stored in a cool, dry area away from heat. Materials that should not be permitted to contact bromine include combustibles, Hquid ammonia, aluminum, titanium, mercury, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Bromine attacks some forms of plastics, mbber, and coatings (62). 

Although not as corrosive as the acid, the sodium and potassium salts of citric acid should be handled in the same type of equipment as the acid to avoid corrosion problems. 

Sodium and Potassium Hydroxides. Sodium hydroxide [1310-73-2] and potassium hydroxide [1310-58-3] (Class 1, nonregenerative) are commonly used when moisture and carbon dioxide or hydrogen sulfide must be removed simultaneously (4). Fused sticks or solutions of the alkah hydroxides are frequentiy used. These materials must be handled with care to prevent serious skin bums. 

Potassium (metal). Properties and applications are similar to those for sodium but as the reactivity is greater than that of sodium, the hazards are greater than that of sodium. Handle with extreme care. 

Potassium cyanide KCN On exposure to air, gradually decomposes to release HCN Poisonous by ingestion, inhalation or skin absorption Do not handle with bare hands. Strong solutions may be corrosive to the skin Nonflammable white lumps or crystals Eaint odour of bitter almonds Completely water soluble... 

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