Salts & Minerals
REACH
Potassium polysulfide
CAS Number
37199-66-9
EC Number
253-390-1
What is Potassium polysulfide?
Potassium polysulfide (CAS 37199-66-9) is an inorganic sulfur-potassium salt used industrially as a biocide and chemical treatment agent.
Where is Potassium polysulfide used?
- Water treatment: precipitates heavy metals from industrial effluent streams
- Mining: selective sulfidization of oxidized copper and gold ores ahead of flotation, improving mineral recovery from refractory feed materials
- Agriculture: registered pesticide for controlling fungal pathogens and mite populations on crops
- Industrial pH buffering: alkaline sulfide chemistry to condition process streams before downstream treatment
- It is typically applied as a foliar spray in approved programs.
Good to know: Agricultural and pesticide-grade material is formulated to meet EPA registration requirements, while technical-grade solution is available for mining.
Commercial specifications
- Concentration and polysulfide chain length vary by grade and intended use
- Packaging typically ranges from drums to intermediate bulk containers (IBCs)
Other Names (Synonyms)
Caswell No. 701|EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 076703|RefChem:175584|potassium;sulfane|Potassium sulfide (K2(Sx))
What are the physical properties of Potassium polysulfide?
Melting Point 400 °C
Flash Point >200 °C
Appearance Ochre to brown lumps
Form solid
How is Potassium polysulfide classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS05· Corrosive GHS09· Environmental Hazard GHS02· Flammable
Hazard Statements
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Potassium polysulfide?
HS Code 28309085
Storage Class 4.2 - Pyrophoric and self-heating hazardous materials
WGK (Germany) 2