Potassium carbonate formula

Chemical Formula

Formula: K ₂CO₃

Physical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline solid

Molar Mass: 138.21 g/mol

Solubility: Highly soluble in water (about 112 g/L at 20°C)

Melting Point: 891 °C (1,634 °F)

Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling

Density: About 2.43 g/cm³

pH of 1% solution: Alkaline, about 11.5

Chemical properties

Reactions with Acids:

Potassium carbonate reacts with acids to give potassium salts, carbon dioxide, and water.

Decomposition:

Potassium carbonate decomposes on heating to give potassium oxide and carbon dioxide. The decomposition is highly temperature-dependent.

Hydrolysis:

In aq solution, potassium carbonate also undergoes hydrolysis to give potassium hydroxide which confers an alkaline character.

Reaction with Water:

It is very soluble in water and solution acts as a basic solution making a pH rise significantly.

Reaction with Other Salts:

In addition, several metal carbonates precipitate when potassium carbonate is mixed with solutions of metal salts.

Application

Fertilizers:

Potassium carbonate is a source of potassium for fertilizers, that enhances healthy development of plants and improves the quality of fruits.

Manufacturing Glass:

It is used as a flux in the manufacture of glass; this lowers the melting point of silica and improves the transparency of the glass also increases its workability.

Food Industry:

It is used as a food additive (E501) in baking and as leavening agent in specific recipes.

Chemical production:

Potassium carbonate is also used for the preparation of other potassium salts, which are potassium hydroxide and potassium bicarbonate. 

pH Regulation:

Used in adjustment of pH concentration in swimming pools, aquariums, and wastewater treatment plants.

Dyes and Textiles:

It serves as a dye fixative in the textile industry in the fixing of color to the fabrics.

Cleaning Products:

It can be found in some cleaning products because of its ability to soften water and remove dirt and stains from surfaces. 

Pharmaceuticals:

Used in some medicinal preparations and as a buffering agent.

Conclusion

Potassium carbonate, K₂CO₃, is just one of the most versatile compounds in terms of application. Starting from agriculture to glass production, it somehow ends up being applied in the food processing and pharmaceutical industries. So, the improvement of plant growth and manufacturing process becomes imperative for kernel input for the assortment of products. Studying the properties and applications of potassium carbonate helps attract attention to the fact that potassium carbonate is an extremely important component in real everyday life as well as in industrial conditions.

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