Potassium carbonate
High Solubility in Water: Potassium carbonate demonstrates ready solubility in aqueous media, producing a strongly alkaline solution suitable for diverse industrial and chemical applications.
Hygroscopic Nature: Exhibiting hygroscopic properties, the compound absorbs atmospheric moisture, a characteristic utilized in applications requiring controlled humidity or drying functions.
Broad Industrial Utility: It finds extensive application across multiple sectors, including glass manufacturing, soap production, and agricultural fertilization.
Organic Solvent Insolubility: The material remains insoluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, enabling selective use in water-based systems and formulations.
Potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃), commonly referred to as potash or pearl ash, presents as a white, hygroscopic powder or colorless crystalline solid with a characteristic salty taste. It is readily soluble in water, forming a strongly alkaline solution, while remaining insoluble in organic solvents such as ethanol.
Parameters
Melting point | 891 °C (lit.) |
Boiling point | decomposes [STR93] |
bulk density | 750kg/m3 |
density | 2.43 g/mL at 25 °C |
storage temp | Store at +5°C to +30°C. |
solubility | H2O: 1 M at 20 °C, clear, colorless |
pka | 10.33[at 20 ℃] |
form | powder |
color | Yellow |
Specific Gravity | 2.29 |
Odor | at 100.00?%. odorless |
PH | 10.52(1 mM solution);11(10 mM solution);11.36(100 mM solution); |
Water Solubility | 1120 g/L (20 ºC) |
λmax | λ: 260 nm Amax: 0.03 |
Sensitive | Hygroscopic |
Merck | 14,7619 |
BRN | 4267587 |
Dielectric constant | 5.6（16.0℃） |
Stability | Stable. Incompatible with moisture, acids, magnesium bromine trifluoride and magnesium bromine trichloride. |
CAS DataBase Reference | 584-08-7(CAS DataBase Reference) |
NIST Chemistry Reference | Dipotassium carbonate(584-08-7) |
EPA Substance Registry System | Potassium carbonate (584-08-7) |
Safety Information
Hazard Codes | Xn |
Risk Statements | 22-36/37/38-20/21/22 |
Safety Statements | 26-36-37/39 |
RIDADR | 3262 |
WGK Germany | 1 |
RTECS | TS7750000 |
F | 3 |
TSCA | Yes |
PackingGroup | III |
HS Code | 28364000 |
Hazardous Substances Data | 584-08-7(Hazardous Substances Data) |
Toxicity | LD50 orally in rats: 1.87 g/kg, H. F. Smyth et al., Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J. 30, 470 (1969) |
Potassium carbonate serves as a key additive in optical glass manufacturing, enhancing transparency, mechanical strength, and refractive properties. It functions as a flux in welding electrodes to maintain arc stability during welding operations. The compound acts as a reducing agent in vat dyeing processes and as an anti-whitening agent in ice dyeing applications. Additionally, it demonstrates effective absorption capabilities for carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide removal. When combined with sodium carbonate, it forms an active component in dry-powder fire extinguishing agents.
