In this article, we try to introduce you to the properties of potassium carbonate. Potassium carbonate is known as potash, pearl ash, tartar salt, potash carbonate and wormwood salt. A white, translucent, odorless substance is a granular or crystalline powder that tends to absorb water from the air. Its formula is K2CO3.
Potassium carbonate is a white solid, moist and has a beautiful appearance. Its density is 2.43 grams per milliliter. The melting point of potassium carbonate is 891 ° C. Potassium carbonate boiling point is not applicable above the melting point decomposes. Soluble in water. Insoluble in methanol, ethanol or toluene. The molar mass of this article is 138.20. The pH of potassium carbonate is 11.6.
Potassium carbonate forms strong alkaline solutions in water. The carbonate anion, which forms potassium carbonate, is the second anion to be formed from the de-proteinization of carbonic acid H 2 CO 3.
Potash is easily produced by pouring water on the ashes of burnt plants and then evaporating the solution formed in large pots. The main applications of potassium carbonate are in the production of fertilizers, soaps and heat-resistant glass. Potassium chloride is first converted to potassium hydroxide (KOH) by electrolysis. Potassium hydroxide is then treated with carbon dioxide (CO 2) to obtain potassium bicarbonate (KHCO 3). Finally, potassium bicarbonate decomposes on heating, producing water, carbon dioxide, and potassium carbonate. Another method of preparation, called the Engel-Precht process, is to modify this method. A mixture of potassium chloride, magnesium carbonate or magnesium oxide, and carbon dioxide is pressurized to 30 atmospheres, forming a double heat to give potassium carbonate. The traditional method of extracting potash from wood and vegetable ash is now obsolete. The cost of producing potassium carbonate is four to five times higher than the cost of producing sodium carbonate. Therefore, sodium carbonate is almost always used for applications in which the two carbonates are chemically equal this is a Benefits and harms of potassium carbonate.
Potassium carbonate in agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, basic mineral chemicals, carbon black production, construction, electrical equipment, home appliances and parts manufacturing, food production, beverages and tobacco, mining activities (excluding oil and Gas) and is used in the production of metals. Approximately 90% of the potassium carbonate produced is used to make fertilizers. Potash provides the potassium needed by plants to stay healthy and grow, and is one of the three main nutrients needed by plants, the other two being nitrogen and phosphorus. The next largest use for potassium carbonate is in the chemical industry, where potassium silicate is the most common raw material used to make other chemical compounds. Potassium carbonate is used for many organic compounds. Many inorganic and organic potassium salts are produced from potassium carbonate. In addition it is a raw material for drying, neutralizing and condensing agents. Its solution is used as a fire retardant and as a cooling brine. It is used as a processing agent in cooked products, as a cocoa bean inhibitor and as an additive in drying raisins. Used in the pharmaceutical industry as a raw material and auxiliary. It is added to skin ointments and lotions to help contact the affected areas or the skin to penetrate the active ingredients by dissolving creatine, lipids or skin oils.
Potassium carbonate is not toxic or flammable, but it can be harmful to health. It is harmful if swallowed and can cause severe eye, skin and respiratory irritation. In case of skin contact, remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin with plenty of water or shower. If it gets into your eyes, first rinse your eyes with plenty of water for a few minutes (remove contact lenses if possible), then go to a medical center. And if it enters the mouth, rinse the mouth, do not vomit. Drink one or two glasses of water. See a medical care center.
Keep it in tightly closed containers. Ventilation air should be dry. Recycle any unused material for approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. For the final disposal of the chemical, you should consider the following: The effect of materials on air quality, its possible entry into soil or water, its effects on the lives of animals and plants and compliance with environmental and public health regulations.