POTASSIUM OSMATE(VI) DIHYDRATE

purple powder(s); hygroscopic rhomb crystal(s); slowly decomposes in aqueous solution, forming tetroxide [STR93] [MER06] [KIR82]

It forms hygroscopic POISONOUS crystals which are soluble in H2O but insoluble in EtOH and Et2O. It decomposes slowly in H2O to form the tetroxide which attacks the eyes. The solid should be kept dry and in this form it is relatively safe. [Lloyd et al. Synthesis 610 1972, Grube in Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry (Ed. Brauer) Academic Press Vol II p 1604 1965.]