Potassium Carbonate

Brief Overview 

Potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) is a white salt, soluble in water (insoluble in ethanol) which forms a strongly alkaline solution. It can be made as the product of potassium hydroxide,s absorbent reaction with carbon dioxide. It presents a large capacity to absorb moisture.

Manufacturing Process

Potassium carbonate is produced by reacting potassium hydroxide with carbon dioxide. As it crystallizes the solution forms potash hydrate, which when heated to more than 200°C creates K₂CO₃. It is an anhydrous salt and it does taste salty.

Agriculture Industry

It is used for synthetic ammonia decarbonylation.

Chemical Industry

It is used to prepare food additives such as potassium sorbate, monopotassium phosphate.

Detergent

Potassium carbonate is commonly used in the production of soap.

Electronics

It is used as a raw material to manufacture electro tube, TV kinescope, computer display.

Food Industry

It is used as a leavening agent in the food industry.

Glass

It is applied in optical glass to improve clarity, strength and refractive index.

Others

It is used in the manufacturing of print ink, polyesters and explosives.