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Element with atomic number and standard atomic weight

Key facts

What buyers check first

Appearance
Soft, silvery-white metal, body centered cubic structure
Melting point
63.5 °C
Boiling point
759 °C
Density
0.856 g/cm³
Flash point
Not Applicable. Combustible solid.
HS code
280519
Category
Metals, alloys and elements
UN number
UN 2257
Illustrative photo, metallic grey powder in a glass bottle on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Potassium?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Potassium atom is an alkali metal atom. It has a role as a macronutrient and a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite.

Potassium is a chemical element with symbol K and atomic number 19.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
potassium
CAS number
7440-09-7 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
231-119-8
Molecular formula
K
UNII
RWP5GA015D
MDL number
MFCD00133776
InChIKey
ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/K
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
[K]

Synonyms

  • Kalium
  • Potassium, metal
  • Potassium metal
  • Potassium, elemental
  • Potassium (NOS)
  • Potassium(1+) ion
  • potassium atom
  • potasio
  • Kalium,
  • ICP standard potassium 2-5% HNO3 1000 microg/mL
  • Potassium - K @ 1000 microg/g in Hydrocarbon Oil
  • Potassium - K @ 5000 microg/g in Hydrocarbon Oil
  • Potassium Standard: K+ @ 1000 microg/mL in H2O
  • Potassium Standard: K @ 1000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3
  • Potassium Standard: K @ 10000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3
  • monopotassium
  • Potassium AA Standard: K @ 1000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3
  • mono-potassium
  • Sulfur-Free Boron Concentrate: B @ approx. 3 wt% in Hydrocarbons
  • Atomic Potassium
  • Potassium element
  • Element-K
  • Element:K
  • Sulfur-Free Potassium Concentrate: K @ approx. 4 wt% in Hydrocarbons
  • Element Potassium
Show all 38 synonyms
  • Element:Potassium
  • Potassium40
  • K (element)
  • Potassium (atomic)
  • Potassium, 2N+
  • K Standard Solution
  • Potassium (element)
  • Potassium, SAJ first grade
  • Potassium hydride, in paraffin
  • Potassium, chunks, in mineral oil
  • Potassium standard solution (100 ppm K)
  • AA standard potassium 1M HNO3 1000 ppm
  • AA standard potassium 1M HNO3 10000 ppm

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Soft, silvery-white metal, body centered cubic structureexp.
Melting point
63.5 °Cexp.
Boiling point
759 °Cexp.
Density
0.856 g/cm³exp.
Flash point
Not Applicable. Combustible solid.exp.
Solubility
Solubility in water: reactionexp.
Vapour pressure
8 mm Hg at 432 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
39.10 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
38.9637 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-0.38calc.
Topological polar surface area
0 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
0calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
1calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS02: Flammable
Flammable
GHS05: Corrosive
Corrosive
132WNFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H260In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously.
  • H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Precautionary statements (17)
  • P223Do not allow contact with water.
  • P231 + P232Handle and store contents under inert gas. Protect from moisture.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P330 + P331If swallowed: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting.
  • P302 + P335 + P334If on skin: Brush off loose particles from skin. Immerse in cool water or wrap in wet bandages.
  • P302 + P361 + P354If on skin: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
  • P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
  • P402 + P404Store in a dry place. Store in a closed container.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 2257
Transport hazard class
4.3
Packing group
I

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Potassium suppliers

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All 53 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

53 suppliers in 12 countries

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Potassium price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

In synthesis of inorganic potassium compds, inorganic syntheses involving condensation, dehalogenation, reduction, and polymerization reactions.

Laboratory reagent, seeding of combustion gases in magnetohydrodynamic generators.

Use of the vaporized metal in turbines has been reported.

Roles

  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite
  • anti-arrhythmia drug
  • antihypertensive agent
  • cardiovascular drug
  • eukaryotic metabolite
  • food component
  • fungal metabolite
  • macronutrient
  • metabolite
  • nutrient
  • pharmaceutical
  • physiological role

Pharmacology

Potassium is an element with atomic symbol K, atomic number 19, and atomic weight 39.10.

How it is made

A continuous process currently in use depends upon the equilibrium that is rapidly established at high temperatures between sodium and potassium metals and sodium and potassium chlorides. The potassium is removed by distillation and, with a constant feed of molten potassium chloride, a continuous process results

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 019-001-00-2

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Potassium is traded under.

HS 2805.19Indicative HS code

Alkali or alkaline-earth metals, other

World exports in 2024
$574M
−11.1% vs 2023, imports $558M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. France * partner reported58.4%
  2. China19.1%
  3. Germany13.1%
Top importers
  1. Germany59.4%
  2. United States7.9%
  3. France * partner reported4.7%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Potassium is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Potassium, based on the data on this page

What is Potassium?

Potassium atom is an alkali metal atom. It has a role as a macronutrient and a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite.

What is the CAS number of Potassium?

The CAS registry number of Potassium is 7440-09-7.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Potassium?

The molecular formula of Potassium is K and its molar mass is 39.10 g/mol.

What is Potassium used for?

In synthesis of inorganic potassium compds, inorganic syntheses involving condensation, dehalogenation, reduction, and polymerization reactions. Laboratory reagent, seeding of combustion gases in magnetohydrodynamic generators. Use of the vaporized metal in turbines has been reported.

Is Potassium hazardous?

Potassium carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: in contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously, causes severe skin burns and eye damage. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Potassium?

Potassium is usually classified under HS code 280519 (Alkali or alkaline-earth metals, other). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Potassium?

CompoundList lists 53 suppliers of Potassium in United States, India, China, Germany and 8 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Potassium in India?

9 suppliers in India list Potassium on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Potassium?

Suppliers quote Potassium on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Potassium

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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