© 2026 Sinochem Nanjing Corporation,
All Right Reserved
Chemical Name: Potassium 4-Methoxysalicylate
Synonyms: Potassium 4-Methoxy-2-hydroxybenzoate, 4-MSK
CAS Number: 874357-62-3
Recommended Use: Cosmetic ingredient, skin care formulations
Supplier Info: See label or package for manufacturer details
Emergency Contact: Local emergency services or poison control center
GHS Classification: Irritant, Mild Hazard
Signal Word: Warning
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Hazard Statements: Causes mild skin and eye irritation; may cause respiratory irritation if dust is inhaled
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing; avoid breathing dust; wash thoroughly after handling
Potential Environmental Effects: May be hazardous to aquatic environments
Route of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Chemical Identity: Potassium 4-Methoxysalicylate
Purity: Typically >98% by weight
Impurities: Residual organic solvents and related compounds below 2%
Molecular Formula: C8H7KO4
Molecular Weight: 206.24 g/mol
Physical State: White to off-white crystalline powder
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; keep warm and at rest; seek medical advice if symptoms persist
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; seek medical attention if large amounts are swallowed or symptoms develop
Symptoms: Redness, irritation, coughing, headache, or nausea possible
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Strong water jet
Special Hazards: Emits irritating fumes and gases when heated to decomposition
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Specific Methods: Cool containers exposed to flames with water spray
Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, potassium oxides
Personal Precautions: Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection; avoid dust generation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, waterways, or soil
Methods for Clean Up: Carefully collect spill using non-sparking tools and place in container for disposal; avoid creating dust clouds
Decontamination: Wash spill site after material pick-up is complete
Handling: Use only with adequate ventilation; avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; minimize dust generation
Storage: Store in tightly closed container in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances; keep container upright to prevent leakage
Incompatibles: Strong oxidizers, acids, and strong bases
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and face after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke during use
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or process enclosure to control dust
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE):
Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene recommended), safety goggles, and protective clothing;
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved dust mask or respirator if exposure limits are exceeded or if ventilation is inadequate
Hand Protection: Impervious gloves to prevent skin contact
Eye Protection: Safety goggles conforming to EN166 or equivalent
Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limit established specifically for 4-MSK; follow general nuisance dust standards (OSHA PEL, ACGIH TLV)
Appearance: White to off-white powder or crystalline material
Odor: Odorless or faint characteristic odor
pH: 7.0–8.5 (1% solution in water)
Melting Point: 134–137°C
Boiling Point: Not determined (decomposes)
Flash Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Soluble in water, sparingly soluble in ethanol
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Density: 1.42 g/cm³ at 20°C
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Not available
Stability: Stable under normal handling and storage conditions
Reactivity: No hazardous reactivity observed under standard conditions
Decomposition Products: Decomposes on heating to produce potassium oxides and organic vapors
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, and bases
Polymerization: Not expected to occur
Acute Toxicity: Low acute toxicity expected; limited data for oral, dermal, or inhalation exposure
Skin Contact: May cause mild irritation; not classified as a skin sensitizer
Eye Contact: May cause slight irritation upon direct contact
Inhalation: High concentrations may cause respiratory irritation, coughing or discomfort
Ingestion: Low toxicity; large doses may result in gastrointestinal discomfort
Chronic Effects: No known long-term hazards reported in available literature
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Ecotoxicity: Limited data available; chemical may be moderately toxic to aquatic organisms
Persistence and Degradability: Expected to be biodegradable under environmental conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low potential for bioaccumulation due to water solubility and molecular properties
Mobility in Soil: Readily mobile and dissolved in water; possible leaching to groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: High concentrations may temporarily affect microbial processes in soil or water
Waste Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; incinerate or landfill solid waste as appropriate
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse containers thoroughly before recycling or disposal
Precautions: Prevent release to the environment; avoid landfill disposal where possible; do not dispose of with household waste
Disposal Methods: Use licensed waste contractor for bulk quantities; follow all environmental protection laws and guidelines
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as a hazardous material
Transport Hazard Class: Not assigned
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: Not designated as marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Protect from moisture and physical damage during transit; keep container securely closed
US Federal Regulations: Not listed under SARA Title III Sections 302, 304, 313; not subject to TSCA notification
OSHA Status: Not considered hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
EU REACH Status: Substance registered or pre-registered under REACH regulation
Canada WHMIS Classification: Not classified as hazardous
International Inventories: Listed or compliant with inventories in multiple jurisdictions including United States, Europe, Japan, and Australia
Labeling Requirements: No additional hazard labeling mandated under GHS for consumer products
Other Standards: Follow specific cosmetic restrictions if incorporated into finished products as described by FDA, EU, or relevant local bodies
