Is Potassium Acetate Harmful in Water?

Potassium acetate is an ionic compound with the chemical formula KCH3CO2. It's produced by combining potassium hydroxide with acetic acid, or vinegar. It's used as a de-icing compound for roads and runways, as an additive to dialysis fluids, in the manufacture of fire extinguishers and in the petroleum industry.

Function

• As the salt of a strong base and a weak acid, potassium acetate is a weak base in water. When infused directly into the bloodstream, potassium acetate can be extremely harmful. It can elevate the level of potassium in the blood and cause an emergency condition called hyperkalemia. Although it is an eye irritant and mild skin irritant, it is not corrosive.

Benefits

• In its capacity as a de-icer, scientists believe potassium acetate is easier on the environment than most of the alternatives. However, it is more expensive. The threat posed by potassium acetate to the environment by its use in the petroleum industry is also minimal compared to other chemicals in common use.

Effects

• Potassium acetate can react violently with strong oxidizing agents like peroxides, nitrates and chlorates, and should always be stored separately from these chemicals. Its level of toxicity via oral administration is fairly low. The LD50, or amount required to kill 50 percent of a given population of animals, is 3.273 pounds per pound of body weight, meaning that it would be necessary to consume a large amount of the chemical before it would become lethal.