Skip to main content

Potassium thiocyanate

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
KSCN
CAS number
333-20-0
IUPAC name
potassium;thiocyanate
State
State

At room temperature, potassium thiocyanate is typically in a solid state. It is stable under normal conditions but must be handled with care as it can be harmful if ingested or inhaled.

Melting point (Celsius)
173.20
Melting point (Kelvin)
446.40
Boiling point (Celsius)
500.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
773.00
General information
Molecular weight
97.18g/mol
Molar mass
97.1810g/mol
Density
1.8860g/cm3
Appearence

Potassium thiocyanate is a colorless crystalline solid. It is highly soluble in water and can form colorless solutions. In its solid form, it appears as white crystalline needles or powder.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Potassium Thiocyanate

Potassium thiocyanate, with the chemical formula KSCN, is known for its high solubility in water. This characteristic makes it an interesting compound to study in various chemical processes. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Solubility in Water: Potassium thiocyanate is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of approximately 220 g per 100 mL at 20°C.
  • Temperature Dependency: The solubility of KSCN increases with temperature, meaning that it can dissolve to a greater extent in warmer solutions.
  • Influence of pH: The solubility remains relatively stable within a wide pH range, making it versatile in different chemical environments.

Due to its solubility, potassium thiocyanate is frequently used in laboratories and industrial applications. As stated in various resources, “With high solubility, potassium thiocyanate can easily participate in chemical reactions and solutions.” This compound demonstrates how the solubility characteristics significantly affect its usability in various fields, from analytical chemistry to manufacturing processes.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Potassium Thiocyanate

Potassium thiocyanate, a fascinating compound with unique properties and applications, is an important subject of study in chemistry. Here are some intriguing facts:

  • Versatile Applications: Potassium thiocyanate is widely used in various fields, including agriculture, medicine, and analytical chemistry. It serves as a reagent in laboratory tests and is involved in the synthesis of other chemicals.
  • Biological Role: In biological systems, thiocyanate ions play significant roles. They are produced from the metabolism of thiocyanate-rich foods and can influence thyroid function, highlighting the compound's biological importance.
  • Reactivity: Potassium thiocyanate is known for its ability to form complex ions, particularly with transition metals. This property makes it a useful tool in coordination chemistry.
  • Colorimetric Studies: Due to its capacity to form colored complexes with metal ions, potassium thiocyanate is often utilized in colorimetric assays, enabling the quantitative analysis of metal concentrations in various samples.
  • Inhalation Effects: Interestingly, potassium thiocyanate is also noted for its potential biological effects. Inhalation of thiocyanate can lead to a sensation of bitterness, making it relevant in sensory studies and applications.

This compound continues to be a subject of interest due to its diverse applications and the essential roles that thiocyanate plays in both chemistry and biology. As we further investigate potassium thiocyanate, we enhance our understanding of its multifaceted characteristics and implications in various scientific domains.