Potassium carbonate | Solubility of Things

Identification

Molecular formula

K₂CO₃

CAS number

584-08-7

IUPAC name

dipotassium;carbonate

State

At room temperature, potassium carbonate exists as a solid. It is known to absorb moisture from the air, which can cause it to form a damp solid over time.

Melting point (Celsius)

891.00

Melting point (Kelvin)

1 164.15

Boiling point (Celsius)

1 289.00

Boiling point (Kelvin)

1 562.15

General information

Molecular weight

138.21g/mol

Molar mass

138.2050g/mol

Density

2.4280g/cm³

Appearence

Potassium carbonate appears as a white, hygroscopic solid that is often found in granular or crystalline powder form. It is not very soluble in organic solvents but dissolves in water, where it forms an alkaline solution.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Dipotassium Carbonate

Dipotassium carbonate (K₂CO₃), also known as potash, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics that are essential to its applications in agriculture, food production, and industry. When considering its solubility profile, the following points are noteworthy:

Water Solubility: Dipotassium carbonate is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of approximately 112 g per 100 mL at 20°C. This high solubility is primarily due to its ionic nature, which allows for efficient dissociation into potassium ions (K⁺) and carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻) in solution.
Temperature Dependence: The solubility of dipotassium carbonate increases with temperature. For example, at 60°C, its solubility can rise significantly, making it more effective in various thermal applications.
Effect of pH: The solubility of dipotassium carbonate can be influenced by the pH of the solution, as it reacts with acids to form carbon dioxide and dissolve effectively, enhancing its utility in buffer solutions.
Applications: Due to its excellent solubility, K₂CO₃ is often utilized in nutrient solutions in hydroponics and as a buffering agent in various chemical processes.

In summary, dipotassium carbonate's remarkable solubility in water, along with its temperature and pH dependence, make it a versatile compound with wide-reaching applications. The quote "Solubility is a gateway to chemical reactivity" aptly describes its significance in many fields.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Dipotassium Carbonate

Dipotassium carbonate is a fascinating compound known for its versatility and usefulness across various industries. Here are some compelling facts about this intriguing compound:

Common Applications: Dipotassium carbonate is widely used in agriculture as a fertilizer due to its potassium content, which is essential for plant growth. It helps strengthen the plants' resistance to diseases and enhances their overall quality.
Food Industry Role: In the food industry, it acts as a food additive (known as E501) to regulate acidity and enhance flavors.
Culinary Uses: It is particularly valued in the production of certain types of noodles and other products that require a specific texture, such as in making traditional Asian dishes.
Glass Production: Dipotassium carbonate plays an important role in the glass industry, where it serves as a flux to lower the melting temperature of silica.
Environmental Considerations: Being less harmful compared to other potassium salts, dipotassium carbonate is seen as a more environmentally friendly alternative in various applications, leading to reduced ecological impact.

In the words of chemist Dr. Ellen M. Albright, "The dual nature of dipotassium carbonate as both a nutrient and an industrial ingredient showcases the beautiful intersection of chemistry and agriculture."

Overall, dipotassium carbonate stands out as a prime example of how a single compound can impact multiple fields, from agriculture to food production and industrial applications.

Synonyms

POTASSIUM CARBONATE

584-08-7

Dipotassium carbonate

Potassium carbonate, anhydrous

Carbonate of potash

Pearl ash

Salt of tartar

Kaliumcarbonat

Kalium carbonicum

Potassium carbonate (K2CO3)

CCRIS 7320

Kali carbonicum

HSDB 1262

Potassium carbonate (K2(CO3))

Dcad plus

UNII-BQN1B9B9HA

BQN1B9B9HA

EINECS 209-529-3

K2CO3

EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 073504

Potassium carbonate [USP]

DTXSID2036245

CHEBI:131526

EC 209-529-3

INS-501(I)

E-501(I)

Potassium carbonate (USP)

POTASSIUM CARBONATE (MART.)

POTASSIUM CARBONATE [MART.]

POTASSIUM CARBONATE (USP-RS)

POTASSIUM CARBONATE [USP-RS]

POTASSIUM CARBONATE (EP MONOGRAPH)

POTASSIUM CARBONATE [EP MONOGRAPH]

POTASSIUM CARBONATE (USP MONOGRAPH)

POTASSIUM CARBONATE [USP MONOGRAPH]

Racol

Kali Carb

ZEROQ

CLEANING-S

Greenfish, Cleaning-S

NARO AMOR

NARO COMO

NARO QUINN

NARO TIAMO

ZEROQ FOOD

ZEROQ PET

Kali carbonicum 200C

FOOD-S

MOONSTAR HAIR MIST

Kali Carbonicum Kit Refill

DTXCID0016245

Kalium carbonicum 12 Special Order

SANITALK-SANITIZER(COVID-19)

POTASSIUM CARBONATE (ANHYDROUS)

USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 073504

SANITALK COMY-ANIMAL SANITIZER(COVID-19)

209-529-3

Carbonic acid, dipotassium salt

dipotassium;carbonate

potassiumcarbonate

MFCD00011382

K-Gran

Caswell No. 685

Kaliumcarbonat [German]

Potassium carbonate (2:1)

CK2O3

potasiumcarbonate

potassiumcarbonat

potasium cabonate

potasium carbonate

potassium cabonate

potassium carbonat

potassium-carbonate

potassium carbon ate

potassium carbon-ate

potassium carbonate-

Racol (TN)

potassium carbon- ate

SCHEMBL852

potassium potassium carbonate

Potassium Carbonate Nanopowder

Potassium carbonate - granular

KALI CARBONICUM [HPUS]

CHEMBL2105894

INS NO.501(I)

POTASSIUM CARBONATE [II]

POTASSIUM CARBONATE [MI]

POTASSIUM CARBONATE [JAN]

Potassium carbonate (JP17/USP)

POTASSIUM CARBONATE [HSDB]

POTASSIUM CARBONATE [VANDF]

Potassium carbonate, AR, >=99%

Potassium carbonate, LR, >=99%

POTASSIUM CARBONATE [WHO-DD]

AKOS009031298

AKOS015903268

Carbonic acid, potassium salt (1:2)

DB13977

FP33438

Potassium carbonate granular, ACS reagent

Potassium carbonate, BioXtra, >=99.0%

Potassium carbonate, ReagentPlus(R), 99%

NS00093575

P1748

Potassium carbonate, ACS reagent, >=99.0%

Potassium Carbonate,anhydrous powder 325 mesh

D02038

Potassium carbonate, SAJ first grade, >=99.5%

Potassium carbonate, 99.995% trace metals basis

Potassium carbonate, JIS special grade, >=99.5%

Potassium carbonate, p.a., ACS reagent, 99.0%

Q379885

Potassium carbonate, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 98%

Potassium carbonate, meets USP testing specifications

Potassium carbonate, BioUltra, anhydrous, >=99.0% (T)

Potassium carbonate, reagent grade, >=98%, powder, -325 mesh

Potassium carbonate, anhydrous, powder, 99.99% trace metals basis

Potassium carbonate, granular, anhydrous Trace metals grade, 99.99%

Potassium carbonate, puriss. p.a., ACS reagent, anhydrous, >=99.0% (T)

Potassium carbonate, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard

Potassium carbonate, anhydrous, free-flowing, Redi-Dri(TM), ACS reagent, >=99%

Potassium carbonate, anhydrous, free-flowing, Redi-Dri(TM), ReagentPlus(R), 99%

Potassium carbonate, p.a., ACS reagent, reag. ISO, reag. Ph. Eur., 99.0%

Potassium carbonate, anhydrous, free-flowing, -325 mesh, Redi-Dri(TM), reagent grade, >=98%