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Potassium cyanate

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Identification
Molecular formula
KOCN
CAS number
590-28-3
IUPAC name
potassium;cyanate
State
State

At room temperature, potassium cyanate is typically a solid. It is stable and usually found in its crystalline form.

Melting point (Celsius)
315.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
588.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
0.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
0.00
General information
Molecular weight
81.12g/mol
Molar mass
81.1150g/mol
Density
2.0560g/cm3
Appearence

Potassium cyanate typically appears as a white crystalline solid. It is odorless and forms needle-like crystals.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Potassium Cyanate

Potassium cyanate (KOCN) is known for its relatively high solubility in water. This characteristic is primarily due to the ionic nature of the compound, which allows it to dissociate into its constituent ions in an aqueous solution. Here are some key points regarding the solubility of potassium cyanate:

  • Solubility in Water: Potassium cyanate is highly soluble in water, with solubility increasing with temperature.
  • Interactions: The solubility is influenced by the strong ion-dipole interactions between the K+ ions and water molecules, which effectively stabilize the ions in solution.
  • Temperature Dependence: As with many salts, the solubility of KOCN tends to increase when the temperature of the solvent rises, making it easier to dissolve.
  • General Characteristics: As a general rule, salts composed of alkali metal ions (like potassium) and anions that can stabilize hydration (like cyanate) exhibit good solubility in polar solvents.

In conclusion, potassium cyanate's robust solubility profile makes it a compound of interest in various chemical applications. The ease with which it dissolves in water underscores its utility in laboratory settings and chemical reactions.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Potassium Cyanate

Potassium cyanate is a fascinating compound with a variety of applications and properties that make it noteworthy in the field of chemistry. Here are some intriguing insights:

  • Preparation: Potassium cyanate can be synthesized through the reaction of potassium hydroxide with urea, a process that highlights its connection to both inorganic and organic chemistry.
  • Reactivity: This compound is known for its reactivity with other compounds. For example, it can hydrolyze to form potassium carbonate and ammonia, showcasing its utility in synthetic routes.
  • Applications: Potassium cyanate finds use in organic synthesis and in the production of various pharmaceuticals. It acts as a reagent in several reactions, including the conversion of amines to carbamates.
  • Cyanate Ion: The cyanate ion (CNO−) is interesting in its own right, often participating in biochemistry and environmental chemistry. Its role in ecological cycles, especially in nitrogen cycling, is significant.
  • Historical Context: The study of cyanate and its derivatives has historical importance, as it has provided insights into the chemistry of nitrogen-containing compounds and their biological significance.

As noted in various chemical literature, potassium cyanate plays an essential role in the development of certain polymers and can be a key component in *green chemistry* initiatives due to its reactivity and relatively simple synthesis.

Overall, potassium cyanate serves as a reminder of the intricate connections between different fields of chemistry, from *inorganic synthesis* to *environmental science*. Its study not only enhances our understanding of chemical reactivity but also its broader implications in life sciences.