Lithium SpheresCAS #: 7439-93-2

Synonyms

 N/A

Molecular Weight: 6.941 

Appearance: Silvery 

White Melting Point: 180.54 °C 

Boiling Point: 1342 °C 

Density: 0.534 g/cm3 

Solubility in H2O: N/A 

Poisson's Ratio: N/A 

Young's Modulus: 4.9 

GPa Vickers Hardness: N/A 

Tensile Strength: N/A 

Thermal Conductivity: 0.848 W/cm/K @ 298-C.2 K 

Thermal Expansion: (25 °C) 46 µm·m-1·K-1 

Electrical Resistivity: 8.55 microhm-cm @ 0 °C 

Electronegativity: 1.0 

Paulings Specific Heat: 0.85 Cal/g/K @ 25 °C 

Heat of Fusion: 1.10 Cal/gm mole 

Heat of Vaporization: 32.48 K-Cal/gm atom at 1342 °C

Product Introduction: Potassium Metal (K, CAS #: 7439-93-2)

Potassium metal, with the elemental symbol K and CAS registry number 7439-93-2, stands as one of the most reactive alkali metals, playing an irreplaceable role in advanced industrial processes and cutting-edge research. This silvery-white, soft metal, belonging to Group 1 of the periodic table, is defined by its extraordinary chemical activity, which, while posing handling challenges, enables transformative applications across metallurgy, energy, and chemical synthesis. Its unique combination of low density, high reactivity, and abundance positions it as a cornerstone material in technologies driving modern industry.

Defining Properties

Potassium’s behavior is shaped by a set of distinctive characteristics:

Physical Traits: Exceptionally malleable (Mohs hardness 0.4), allowing it to be sliced with a blade. Freshly exposed surfaces exhibit a bright metallic luster that rapidly dulls within seconds due to oxidation, forming a mixed oxide layer (K₂O, K₂O₂, KO₂) that provides limited protection against further reaction.

Thermal & Density Profile: Melts at 63.5°C (146.3°F) and boils at 759°C (1,398°F), with a density of 0.862 g/cm³ at 20°C—less than water, causing it to float during aqueous reactions, amplifying the risk of splashing and ignition.

Chemical Reactivity: Undergoes a violently exothermic reaction with water, producing potassium hydroxide (KOH) and hydrogen gas (H₂) at temperatures sufficient to ignite the hydrogen (flame ~1,900°C). It reacts readily with oxygen, halogens (Cl₂, Br₂), and organic compounds, requiring strict isolation from these substances.

Electrical Conductivity: Conducts electricity at ~14 × 10⁶ S/m, comparable to other alkali metals, due to its delocalized electron structure, enabling its use in specialized conductive alloys.

Emerging Applications in Advanced Technologies

Beyond traditional uses, potassium metal is driving innovation in niche and emerging fields:

Potassium-Ion Battery Research

As a potential anode material in next-generation potassium-ion batteries (PIBs), potassium metal offers a theoretical capacity (687 mAh/g) surpassing that of graphite. Researchers are exploring its use in high-energy-density PIBs, leveraging its natural abundance to reduce reliance on lithium. Challenges like dendrite formation are being addressed with electrolyte additives and protective coatings, aiming to unlock its potential for grid storage and low-cost EVs.

Catalytic Reactions for Green Chemistry

In sustainable chemical synthesis, potassium metal acts as a catalyst in dehalogenation reactions, breaking down toxic halogenated compounds (e.g., PCBs) into harmless byproducts. Its strong reducing power enables these reactions under milder conditions than traditional methods, reducing energy use and waste in environmental remediation.

Thermoelectric Materials

When alloyed with antimony and tellurium, potassium enhances the thermoelectric performance of materials used in waste heat recovery systems. These alloys convert industrial waste heat into electricity, improving energy efficiency in manufacturing plants and power generation facilities.

Synergistic Use with Other Metals

Potassium’s reactivity complements other metals, enabling specialized applications:

Sodium-Potassium (NaK) Alloys: These liquid alloys (e.g., 78% K/22% Na) remain fluid from -12.6°C to 785°C, serving as heat transfer fluids in nuclear reactors and aerospace thermal management systems. Their low vapor pressure and high thermal conductivity make them ideal for extreme-temperature environments, such as satellite propulsion systems.

Potassium-Gallium Alloys: Used in liquid metal cooling for high-performance electronics, these alloys dissipate heat from microchips more efficiently than conventional coolants, enabling faster processing speeds in data centers and supercomputers.

Safety Protocols and Handling Standards

Due to its extreme reactivity, potassium metal requires adherence to strict safety guidelines:

Storage: Must be submerged in dry mineral oil or sealed under argon in corrosion-resistant containers (e.g., stainless steel or Teflon-lined drums). Small quantities are stored in glass ampoules to prevent punctures and moisture ingress.

Handling: Mandates a Class IIB fume hood, flame-resistant clothing (Nomex), chemical splash goggles, and nitrile gloves. Tools must be non-sparking (brass or ceramic) to avoid igniting hydrogen gas.

Emergency Response: Fires require Class D extinguishers (graphite or copper powder); water or CO₂ extinguishers will exacerbate reactions. Skin contact demands immediate removal of contaminated clothing and flushing with mineral oil (not water) to halt caustic KOH formation.

Disposal: Neutralization via controlled reaction with isopropanol (2K + 2C₃H₇OH → 2KC₃H₇O + H₂) under inert gas, followed by disposal of residues as hazardous waste per local regulations (e.g., EPA 40 CFR in the U.S.).

Packaging and Sourcing

Potassium metal is available in formats tailored to application needs:

Ingots: 10g–1kg in oil-filled steel cans for laboratory use; 5–50kg sealed drums for industrial-scale reductions.

Shavings/Pellets: 100g–5kg in argon-purged bags, optimized for catalytic and synthetic reactions requiring high surface area.

Alloys: NaK blends in 1–20L pressure-relief containers; custom potassium-metal alloys (e.g., with Ga, Sb) available for research.

High-purity grades (99.99%) with trace metal impurities <10 ppm are offered for semiconductor and battery research, accompanied by a certificate of analysis (CoA).

For technical data, safety training, or bulk inquiries, contact our team specializing in reactive metals and advanced material solutions.

Health & Safety Information

 Signal Word: Danger 

Hazard Statements: H260-H314 

Hazard Codes: F,C 

Precautionary Statements: P231+P232-P260-P303+P361+P353-P305+P351+P338-P501 

Flash Point: Not applicable 

Risk Codes: 14/15-34 

Safety Statements: 8-43-45 

RTECS Number: OJ5540000 

Transport Information: UN 1415 4.3/PG 1 

WGK Germany: 2 

GHS Pictogram: Image,Image

Chemical Identifiers

 Linear Formula: Li 

Pubchem CID: 3028194 

MDL Number: MFCD00134051 

EC No.: 231-102-5 

Beilstein/Reaxys No.: N/A 

SMILES: [Li] 

InchI Identifier: InChI=1S/Li 

InchI Key: WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Packing of Standard Packing: 

Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 735 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.