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Platinum salts

Potassium tetrachloroplatinate(II) , CAS 10025-99-7

K2PtCl4MW 415.09 g/mol47% PtMade in Dublin, Ireland

Synonyms: Potassium platinum(II) chloride; Dipotassium tetrachloroplatinate; Potassium chloroplatinite; Potassium platinochloride; K2PtCl4

Also known as: Kaliumtetrachloroplatinat(II) (German); Tetracloroplatinato(II) de potasio (Spanish); Tétrachloroplatinate(II) de potassium (French); Tetracloroplatinato(II) di potassio (Italian); Kaliumtetrachloroplatinaat(II) (Dutch)

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

Potassium tetrachloroplatinate(II) 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 universal platinum(II) starting material: every square-planar platinum complex, from cisplatin to PtCl₂(COD), begins with the tetrachloroplatinate(II) ion.

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.

Application areas

Typical applications of potassium tetrachloroplatinate(ii)

Potassium tetrachloroplatinate is the precursor of platinum(II) coordination and organometallic chemistry. Treatment with potassium iodide followed by ammonia and silver nitrate (the Dhara synthesis) gives cisplatin; reaction with 1,5-cyclooctadiene in acetic acid gives dichloro(1,5-cyclooctadiene)platinum(II), the usual entry to organoplatinum chemistry; with ethylene it gives Zeise's salt; with phosphines, diimines, amines and thioethers it gives the corresponding cis- and trans-PtCl₂L₂ complexes; and with ammonia it gives Magnus' green salt and the tetraammine salts used in catalyst preparation and plating.

In materials chemistry it is the platinum source for shape-controlled platinum nanocrystals (nanocubes with PVP and bromide, nanodendrites, Pt–Pd and Pt–Ni alloys), for platinum deposited on carbon and metal oxides by reduction, and for platinum electrodeposition. It is also the sensitiser, with ferric oxalate, of traditional platinum and platinum–palladium photographic prints (platinotypes), where it is used as a 20% solution.

Potassium tetrachloroplatinate is used in biochemistry to introduce platinum into proteins and nucleic acids for X-ray crystallography heavy-atom derivatives, and in medicinal-chemistry research as the starting point for new platinum anticancer complexes.

Specification

Product namePotassium tetrachloroplatinate(II)
SynonymsPotassium platinum(II) chloride; Dipotassium tetrachloroplatinate; Potassium chloroplatinite; Potassium platinochloride; K2PtCl4
Molecular formulaK2PtCl4
CAS number10025-99-7
Molecular weight415.09 g/mol
MetalPlatinum (Pt)
Metal content47% Pt by mass (nominal; lot assay on the CoA)
Purity / grade≥99.9% (metals basis); Pt ≈ 47%
AppearanceRuby-red to red-brown crystalline powder
SolubilitySoluble in water (about 0.9 g per 100 mL at 16 °C, rising with temperature), giving a deep red solution; insoluble in ethanol, acetone and diethyl ether. Aqueous solutions slowly aquate ([PtCl₄]²⁻ to [PtCl₃(H₂O)]⁻) over hours to days, so prepare them fresh or add potassium chloride.
Melting pointDecomposes above about 500 °C to potassium chloride and platinum.
Density3.38 g/cm³
HygroscopicityNot hygroscopic; stable in air.
Crystal formRed to red-brown tetragonal crystals.
Light sensitivitySolutions are light-sensitive; store in the dark.
StorageStore tightly closed in a cool, dry place protected from light. 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). Weigh in a fume hood; wear goggles and nitrile gloves; never raise dust.
  • Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place in the dark, away from reducing agents. The solid is stable for years; solutions should be used within a day unless stabilised with chloride.
  • Because [PtCl₄]²⁻ aquates in water, syntheses that depend on the tetrachloro complex (cisplatin, PtCl₂(COD)) should use freshly prepared solutions or add potassium chloride.
  • Keep away from strong oxidisers and reducing agents outside the intended reaction; platinum solutions stain skin and surfaces.
  • 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.
  • H315 Causes skin irritation.
  • 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.
  • P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P332+P313 If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
  • 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.
  • 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 tetrachloroplatinate(II) 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

How soluble is potassium tetrachloroplatinate, and how do I make a stock solution?

About 0.9 g per 100 mL at 16 °C, which corresponds to a saturated solution of roughly 22 mM; solubility rises with temperature. For a 10 mM stock, dissolve 415 mg of K₂PtCl₄ (415.09 g/mol) in water and make up to 100.0 mL, stirring for 10–20 minutes. Use the same day, or add potassium chloride (0.1 M) to suppress aquation and store in the dark.

Why do syntheses with K₂PtCl₄ sometimes fail or give green or black by-products?

Three common causes. Aquation: solutions left standing contain [PtCl₃(H₂O)]⁻ and hydroxo-bridged species that react differently, so use fresh solutions. Over-reduction: excess reductant or heating with alcohols gives platinum black. Disproportionation in ammonia chemistry: adding ammonia too quickly to [PtCl₄]²⁻ gives Magnus' green salt, [Pt(NH₃)₄][PtCl₄], which is why cisplatin is made via the tetraiodo complex. Controlling temperature, order of addition and chloride concentration solves most problems.

What is the platinum content of potassium tetrachloroplatinate?

K₂PtCl₄ is 47.0% platinum by mass, and because the salt is not hygroscopic the formula value is reliable; each lot is nevertheless assayed and the result printed on the certificate of analysis.

Can I use potassium tetrachloroplatinate for platinum printing?

Yes. The traditional platinotype sensitiser is a 20% (w/v) solution of potassium tetrachloroplatinate, about 1 g dissolved in 5 mL of warm water, mixed with ferric oxalate solution before coating; the platinum is reduced to the metal on development in potassium oxalate. A pure, dust-free grade like ours is what the process needs.

How is it shipped?

As a toxic solid, UN3288, Class 6.1, Packing Group III, by dangerous-goods courier in UN-approved packaging; the surcharge is per consignment.

Ordering, shipping and documentation
What is the CAS number of potassium tetrachloroplatinate(ii)?

Potassium tetrachloroplatinate(II) has CAS Registry Number 10025-99-7. Its formula is K2PtCl4 (415.09 g/mol) and it contains about 47% platinum by mass.

How is potassium tetrachloroplatinate(ii) 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 tetrachloroplatinate(ii) classed as dangerous goods for shipping?

Yes. Potassium tetrachloroplatinate(II) 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 tetrachloroplatinate(ii)?

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 tetrachloroplatinate(ii) as a respiratory sensitiser?

Potassium tetrachloroplatinate(II) 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 tetrachloroplatinate(ii)?

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.

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Respiratory sensitiser (H334)

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Respiratory sensitiser (H334)

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1 g, 5 g, 25 g
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