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Platinum salts

Potassium hexachloroplatinate(IV) , CAS 16921-30-5

K2PtCl6MW 486 g/mol40.1% PtMade in Dublin, Ireland

Synonyms: Potassium platinum(IV) chloride; Dipotassium hexachloroplatinate; Potassium chloroplatinate; Potassium platinichloride; K2PtCl6

Also known as: Kaliumhexachloroplatinat(IV) (German); Hexacloroplatinato(IV) de potasio (Spanish); Hexachloroplatinate(IV) de potassium (French); Esacloroplatinato(IV) di potassio (Italian); Kaliumhexachloroplatinaat(IV) (Dutch)

GHS05
Corrosive
GHS06
Toxic
GHS08
Health hazard
Respiratory sensitiser (H334)

Potassium hexachloroplatinate(IV) may cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled. Handle only in a fume hood or with equivalent dust containment, wear respiratory protection where dust or aerosol can form, and read the safety data sheet before use. Supplied to trained professional users only.

Overview

The stable, non-hygroscopic platinum(IV) salt: the easy-to-weigh alternative to chloroplatinic acid for catalyst preparation and the classical analytical form of platinum and potassium.

Potassium hexachloroplatinate(IV) is a yellow to orange crystalline platinum(IV) salt, sparingly soluble in water, used as a stable platinum precursor for supported Pt catalysts and fuel-cell electrocatalysts (Pt/C by reduction), platinum nanoparticles and sols, and as a defined platinum standard. It is the classical gravimetric form for potassium and a key intermediate in platinum refining. A respiratory and skin sensitiser: handle only with dust containment. Approximately 40% platinum by mass; each lot is assayed and ships with a certificate of analysis.

Application areas

Typical applications of potassium hexachloroplatinate(iv)

Potassium hexachloroplatinate is used where chloroplatinic acid would be but a dry, weighable, non-corrosive solid is wanted. Dissolved in hot water it is adsorbed onto carbon, alumina or silica and reduced to give supported platinum catalysts, and it is reduced in solution by citrate, borohydride, hydrazine or ethylene glycol to give platinum nanoparticles and platinum black. Its low solubility can be exploited to deposit it uniformly onto a support before reduction.

It is the starting material for platinum(IV) coordination chemistry: ammonolysis gives the ammine chloroplatinates, substitution gives mixed halide and hydroxo species, and reduction with hydrazine dihydrochloride or sulfur dioxide gives potassium tetrachloroplatinate(II), the precursor of cisplatin and most platinum(II) chemistry. In analytical chemistry, K₂PtCl₆ is the insoluble precipitate of the classical gravimetric determination of potassium, and it is a convenient primary-grade platinum standard.

Potassium hexachloroplatinate is also used in platinum plating baths (hexachloroplatinate-based baths for thin decorative and electronic deposits), in photographic platinum toners, and as the platinum source in ceramic lustres and glass decoration.

Specification

Product namePotassium hexachloroplatinate(IV)
SynonymsPotassium platinum(IV) chloride; Dipotassium hexachloroplatinate; Potassium chloroplatinate; Potassium platinichloride; K2PtCl6
Molecular formulaK2PtCl6
CAS number16921-30-5
Molecular weight486 g/mol
MetalPlatinum (Pt)
Metal content40.1% Pt by mass (nominal; lot assay on the CoA)
Purity / grade≥99.9% (metals basis); Pt ≈ 40%
AppearanceYellow to orange-yellow crystalline powder
SolubilitySparingly soluble in cold water (about 0.5 g per 100 mL at 20 °C, rising to about 5 g per 100 mL at 100 °C), giving a yellow solution. Insoluble in ethanol, acetone and diethyl ether, and in concentrated potassium chloride solution, which is the basis of its use as a gravimetric precipitate.
Melting pointDecomposes above about 250 °C, losing chlorine to give potassium tetrachloroplatinate(II), potassium chloride and finally platinum.
Density3.50 g/cm³
HygroscopicityNot hygroscopic; stable in air indefinitely.
Crystal formYellow cubic crystals (antifluorite structure).
StorageStore tightly closed in a cool, dry place. Keep away from reducing agents.
Pack sizes1 g, 5 g, 25 g
Country of originIreland (manufactured in Dublin)

Solubility, melting point and density are literature values for the pure compound and are given for guidance; purity, platinum assay and appearance are measured on each lot and reported on its certificate of analysis.

Handling and storage

  • Harmful if swallowed (H302), causes serious eye damage (H318) and skin irritation (H315), and is a respiratory and skin sensitiser (H334, H317). Avoid all dust: weigh in a fume hood and wear goggles and nitrile gloves.
  • Chloroplatinate dust is one of the most potent occupational allergens known; once sensitised, a person reacts to minute quantities. Keep containers closed and clean up spills wet, never by sweeping.
  • Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from light and reducing agents. The solid is stable for years.
  • Dissolve in hot water (near-boiling for concentrated solutions); solutions are stable in the dark for weeks.
  • Dangerous goods for transport: UN3288, Class 6.1, Packing Group III.

Hazard classification (CLP / GHS)

GHS05
Corrosive
GHS06
Toxic
GHS08
Health hazard
Signal wordDanger
Hazard statements
  • H301 Toxic if swallowed.
  • H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction.
  • H318 Causes serious eye damage.
  • H334 May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.
Precautionary statements
  • P264 Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
  • P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P301+P310 IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTRE or doctor.
  • P321 Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instruction on this label).
  • P330 Rinse mouth.
  • P405 Store locked up.
  • P501 Dispose of contents/container to an approved waste disposal plant.
  • P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P310 Immediately call a POISON CENTRE or doctor.
  • P261 Avoid breathing dust.
  • P284 Wear respiratory protection.
  • P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P342+P311 If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Call a POISON CENTRE or doctor.
  • P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
  • P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P333+P313 If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
TransportUN3288, Class 6.1, PG III. Dangerous goods: ships by regulated courier with a handling surcharge of €25.00 per consignment.

Classification per Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP). The safety data sheet issued with each lot is the authoritative source; where this page and the SDS differ, follow the SDS. For research and industrial use only. Not for human, veterinary, food or cosmetic use.

Documents

Safety data sheet (SDS)

The current SDS for Potassium hexachloroplatinate(IV) is supplied with every quotation and shipment. Request a copy.

Certificate of analysis (CoA)

Issued per lot with platinum assay. Enter the lot number from your label.

Find a CoA

Frequently asked questions

When should I use potassium hexachloroplatinate instead of chloroplatinic acid?

Use the potassium salt when you need to weigh an exact amount of platinum (it is not hygroscopic and the 40.1% platinum formula value is reliable), when you want to avoid introducing free acid, or when you are preparing platinum(II) salts or platinum(IV) complexes. Use chloroplatinic acid when you need a concentrated solution (the potassium salt dissolves only to about 0.5% at room temperature), for Speier's catalyst, for platinising and for most impregnations.

How do I dissolve potassium hexachloroplatinate?

It dissolves slowly in cold water (about 5 g/L at 20 °C) and readily in hot water (about 50 g/L near 100 °C). Heat the water to 80–100 °C, add the salt with stirring, and keep hot until clear; solutions can be allowed to cool if the concentration stays below the cold solubility, otherwise use them hot. Do not add potassium chloride, which precipitates it.

How do I convert it to potassium tetrachloroplatinate(II)?

Reduce a hot aqueous suspension with a stoichiometric amount of hydrazine dihydrochloride (0.5 mol per mol Pt) or with sulfur dioxide, until the yellow solid dissolves and the solution turns deep red; cool and crystallise, then wash with ethanol. Overshooting the reductant gives platinum metal, so add it slowly. If you need K₂PtCl₄ routinely, buying it directly is cheaper than the conversion.

What is the platinum content and how is it shipped?

K₂PtCl₆ is 40.1% platinum by mass (specification about 40%), confirmed by assay on each lot's certificate of analysis. It is classified as a toxic solid for transport, UN3288, Class 6.1, Packing Group III, and travels by dangerous-goods courier.

Ordering, shipping and documentation
What is the CAS number of potassium hexachloroplatinate(iv)?

Potassium hexachloroplatinate(IV) has CAS Registry Number 16921-30-5. Its formula is K2PtCl6 (486 g/mol) and it contains about 40.1% platinum by mass.

How is potassium hexachloroplatinate(iv) priced?

Pack prices are linked to the live platinum spot price: platinum content × spot €/g, plus a fixed fee per pack for manufacture, packaging and the certificate of analysis. The price shown is indicative and confirmed on your quotation; it excludes VAT and shipping.

Is potassium hexachloroplatinate(iv) classed as dangerous goods for shipping?

Yes. Potassium hexachloroplatinate(IV) ships as UN3288, class 6.1, packing group III, by dangerous-goods courier with a surcharge of €25.00 per consignment.

Do you supply a certificate of analysis and SDS for potassium hexachloroplatinate(iv)?

Yes. Every lot ships with a lot-specific certificate of analysis including platinum assay, and the current safety data sheet is available on this page and on request. Lot certificates can also be retrieved by lot number from our CoA lookup.

What precautions apply to potassium hexachloroplatinate(iv) as a respiratory sensitiser?

Potassium hexachloroplatinate(IV) may cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled (H334). Handle only in a fume hood or with equivalent dust containment, wear respiratory protection where dust or aerosol can form, and follow the SDS. It is supplied to trained professional users only.

Where do you ship potassium hexachloroplatinate(iv)?

We ship from Dublin to Ireland (from €12.00) and to all EU member states (from €25.00), plus Northern Ireland. For research and industrial use only; business customers only.

Related platinum and precious-metal compounds

All platinum compounds →
Platinum43.95% Pt

Ammonium hexachloroplatinate(IV)

(NH4)2PtCl6 · CAS 16919-58-7
Respiratory sensitiser (H334)

Ammonium hexachloroplatinate(IV) is a yellow to orange crystalline platinum(IV) salt, sparingly soluble in water, that decomposes cleanly on heating to platinum sponge, the classical route to high-purity platinum and platinum black. It is used to prepare supported platinum catalysts, fuel-cell electrocatalysts, platinum nanoparticles and platinum coatings, and as the platinum intermediate in refining and recovery. A respiratory and skin sensitiser: handle only with dust containment. Approximately 44% platinum by mass; each lot is assayed and released with a certificate of analysis.

Grade
≥99.9% (metals basis); Pt ≈ 44%
Pack sizes
1 g, 5 g, 25 g
from €62.00 excl. VAT
View / request quote
Platinum37.7% Pt

Chloroplatinic acid hexahydrate

H2PtCl6·6H2O · CAS 18497-13-7
Respiratory sensitiser (H334)

Chloroplatinic acid hexahydrate is the standard platinum precursor for platinum catalysts (Adams' catalyst PtO2, Pt/C, Speier's and Karstedt's hydrosilylation catalysts), electroplating and platinising of electrodes, platinum nanoparticles and fuel-cell electrocatalysts. Like all soluble chloroplatinates it is a potent respiratory and skin sensitiser and must be handled in a fume hood with full containment of dust and aerosols. Each lot is supplied with a platinum assay and full certificate of analysis.

Grade
≥99.9% (metals basis); Pt ≈ 38%
Pack sizes
1 g, 5 g, 25 g
from €57.00 excl. VAT
View / request quote
Platinum47% Pt

Potassium tetrachloroplatinate(II)

K2PtCl4 · CAS 10025-99-7
Respiratory sensitiser (H334)

Potassium tetrachloroplatinate(II) is a ruby-red, water-soluble platinum(II) salt and the standard starting material for platinum(II) coordination chemistry: cisplatin and other platinum anticancer complexes, Zeise's salt, platinum phosphine and diimine complexes, platinum porphyrins and phosphorescent emitters. It is also used for platinum nanoparticles and shape-controlled nanocrystals, Pt/C catalysts and platinum plating baths. A respiratory and skin sensitiser: handle only with dust containment. Approximately 47% platinum by mass; supplied with a lot-specific assay.

Grade
≥99.9% (metals basis); Pt ≈ 47%
Pack sizes
1 g, 5 g, 25 g
from €65.00 excl. VAT
View / request quote
Palladium39.94% Pd

Palladium(II) nitrate dihydrate

Pd(NO3)2·2H2O · CAS 32916-07-7

Palladium(II) nitrate dihydrate is a water-soluble, brown, hygroscopic palladium salt used to prepare supported palladium catalysts by impregnation (automotive three-way and diesel oxidation catalysts, Pd/Al2O3, Pd/C), as a chemical matrix modifier in graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, as a halide-free palladium source for palladium nanoparticles and electrocatalysts, and in palladium plating. Approximately 40% palladium by mass; supplied with a lot-specific palladium assay.

Grade
≥99.9% (metals basis); Pd ≈ 40%
Pack sizes
5 g, 25 g, 100 g
from €155.50 excl. VAT
View / request quote
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