Potassium superoxide

Химические свойства

light yellow powder or chunks

Использование

Reagent and intermediate.
One use of potassium superoxide,KO2, is for generating oxygen. It has the ability to absorb carbon dioxide, while giving out oxygen at the same time:
4KO2(s)+ 2CO2(g)--->2K2CO3(s)+ 3O2(g)
This property has been made use of in breathing equipment,e.g.for mountaineers, in submarines and in spacecraft.

Общее описание

A yellowish to white solid. Melting point 948°F. Mixtures with combustible material readily ignite by friction, heat, or contact with moisture. Prolonged exposure to fire or heat may cause vigorous decomposition of the material and rupturing of the container.

Реакции воздуха и воды

Reacts explosively with water [Mellor 2, Supp. 3: 1631. 1963].

Профиль реактивности

Potassium superoxide is a powerful oxidizer. Forms on the surface of potassium metal, solid or molten, that is exposed to the air. Attempts to extinguish burning potassium with powdered graphite has resulted in violent explosions [Chem. Abstr. 63:424. 1965]. Highly oxidized potassium metal was dropped into a dish of ethyl alcohol, an immediate explosion shattered the dish. Potassium superoxide was considered the cause of the reaction [Health and Safety Inf. 251. 1967]. Potassium superoxide should not be added to pure organic materials (hydrocarbons), as ignition and violent explosion may occur. Oxidation of arsenic, antimony, copper, potassium, tin, or zinc proceeds with incandescence, [Mellor, 1941, Vol. 2, 493]. Interaction between the superoxide and diselenium dichloride is violent, [Mellor, 1947, Vol. 10, 897].

Опасность

Corrosive to tissue.

Угроза здоровью

TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. Toxic fumes or dust may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars, etc.). Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

Пожароопасность

May explode from friction, heat or contamination. These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire. May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels). Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.

Профиль безопасности

Explosive reaction when heated with carbon, 2-aminophenol + tetrahydrofuran (at 65°C). Forms a friction- sensitive explosive mixture with hydrocarbons. Violent reaction with lselenium dichloride, ethanol, potassium- sodium alloy. May ignite on contact with organic compounds. Incandescent reaction with metals (e.g., arsenic, antimony, copper, potassium, tin, and zinc). When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of K2O. See also PEROXIDES.