Lithium SpringCAS #: 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, denoted by the chemical symbol K and CAS number 7439-93-2, is a highly reactive alkali metal that holds a crucial position in the global industrial landscape. This soft, silvery-white element, a member of Group 1 in the periodic table, is characterized by its extraordinary chemical activity, low density, and ability to facilitate reactions that are beyond the capability of less reactive substances. Despite its inability to be used in an unprocessed state in most consumer applications due to its reactivity, potassium metal is an indispensable raw material in various high-tech and industrial processes, driving innovation in sectors from aerospace to energy.

Key Chemical and Physical Characteristics

The unique properties of potassium metal determine its behavior and applications:

Mechanical Properties: It is extremely soft, with a Mohs hardness of 0.4, allowing it to be easily cut with a simple knife. When freshly cut, it displays a brilliant metallic sheen, but this quickly fades within seconds as it reacts with atmospheric oxygen, forming a protective oxide layer consisting of K₂O, K₂O₂, and KO₂, which slows down further oxidation.

Thermal and Density Traits: It has a relatively low melting point of 63.5°C (146.3°F) and a boiling point of 759°C (1,398°F). With a density of 0.862 g/cm³ at 20°C, it is less dense than water, causing it to float when in contact with water, which adds to the hazards of its reactive nature.

Reactivity: One of its most notable features is its violent reaction with water, producing potassium hydroxide (KOH) and hydrogen gas (H₂). This exothermic reaction generates enough heat to ignite the hydrogen gas, resulting in a flame with a temperature of approximately 1,900°C. It also reacts vigorously with oxygen, halogens such as chlorine (Cl₂) and bromine (Br₂), and many organic compounds, requiring strict isolation from these substances to prevent accidents.

Electrical Conductivity: It is a good conductor of electricity, with a conductivity of around 14 × 10⁶ S/m, similar to other alkali metals. This property is due to its delocalized electron structure, making it useful in the production of specialized conductive alloys.

Current Market Applications

Potassium metal finds extensive use in various industrial sectors, contributing to the production of numerous essential products:

Aerospace and Defense

In the aerospace industry, potassium metal is used in the extraction of high-purity titanium and zirconium, which are vital for manufacturing aircraft components and missile systems. These metals offer high strength-to-weight ratios and excellent corrosion resistance, making them ideal for aerospace applications. For instance, the production of zirconium using potassium metal ensures the purity required for its use in nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines.

Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries

It plays a key role in organic synthesis, particularly in the Wurtz reaction, which is used to produce long-chain alkanes. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is employed as a strong base in the synthesis of various drugs, including antihistamines and cardiovascular medications. Its ability to facilitate precise chemical reactions makes it a valuable tool in the production of high-purity pharmaceuticals.

Energy Sector

Sodium-potassium alloys (NaK) containing potassium are used as heat transfer fluids in nuclear power plants, especially in fast-neutron reactors. These alloys have excellent thermal conductivity and a wide liquid range, making them efficient at transferring heat in high-temperature environments. Additionally, research is underway to explore the potential of potassium metal in next-generation batteries, where its abundance could offer a cost-effective alternative to lithium.

Research and Development

In laboratories, potassium metal is used as a reference material for calibrating analytical instruments such as atomic absorption spectrometers. It is also used in various research projects, including studies on chemical reactivity and the development of new materials.

Future Development Potential

The future of potassium metal looks promising, with several emerging applications on the horizon:

Energy Storage

As the demand for renewable energy sources grows, the need for efficient energy storage systems increases. Potassium-based batteries are being researched as a potential alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to the abundance and low cost of potassium. Potassium metal's high theoretical capacity makes it an attractive candidate for use in these batteries, although challenges such as dendrite formation need to be addressed.

Advanced Materials

Potassium metal is being explored in the development of advanced materials, such as high-performance alloys and superconductors. Its unique properties could lead to the creation of materials with enhanced mechanical and electrical properties, opening up new possibilities in various industries.

Sustainable Chemistry

In the pursuit of more sustainable chemical processes, potassium metal is being investigated as a reducing agent in green chemistry reactions. Its ability to drive reactions under milder conditions could reduce energy consumption and minimize the environmental impact of chemical synthesis.

Safety Management and Regulatory Standards

Given the extreme reactivity of potassium metal, strict safety management and compliance with regulatory standards are essential:

Storage Requirements

It must be stored in airtight containers filled with dry mineral oil, kerosene, or under an inert gas such as argon. This prevents contact with air and moisture, which can cause spontaneous combustion. Small quantities are often stored in sealed glass ampoules for added safety.

Handling Procedures

Handling potassium metal requires specialized training and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including flame-resistant gloves, goggles, and a lab coat. It should only be handled in a well-ventilated fume hood, and non-sparking tools made of brass or Teflon should be used to avoid igniting hydrogen gas.

Emergency Response

In case of a spill or fire involving potassium metal, water should never be used. Instead, Class D fire extinguishers containing graphite or sand, or dry soda ash (Na₂CO₃), should be used to smother the fire. In the event of skin contact, the affected area should be immediately flushed with mineral oil to stop the reaction, and medical attention should be sought promptly.

Regulatory Compliance

The production, storage, and transportation of potassium metal are subject to strict regulations imposed by various authorities, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in the European Union. These regulations ensure that potassium metal is handled safely to protect workers and the environment.

Packaging and Availability

Potassium metal is available in a variety of packaging options to meet the needs of different industries:

Ingots: Available in sizes ranging from 10g to 50kg, packaged in oil-filled steel cans or sealed drums for industrial use.

Shavings and Powder: Provided in argon-sealed bags, with quantities ranging from 100g to 5kg, suitable for chemical synthesis and research applications.

NaK Alloys: Offered in 1–20L sealed containers with pressure relief valves, available in 50/50 or 78/22 K/Na ratios for use in heat transfer systems.

High-purity grades of potassium metal (99.99%) are available for specialized applications in the semiconductor and research industries, with a certificate of analysis (CoA) provided to ensure quality.

For more information on technical specifications, safety data, or to place an order, please contact our dedicated sales team, which has extensive experience in supplying reactive metals and alkali metal derivatives.

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.