Potassium Carbonate

Potassium Carbonate is the main component of Potash, Pearl Ash, or Salts of Tartar. The chemical formula of Potassium Carbonate is K2CO3. It appears as a white salt and is soluble in water but insoluble in alcohol. A solution of Potassium Carbonate and water is strongly alkaline. Potassium Carbonate is known as a 'deliquescent' substance, which means that it often appears as a damp or wet solid. It is widely used in glass and soap production.

Potassium Carbonate was first discovered in the mid 1700's by Antonia Campanella. In the late 1700's Pearl Ash was used in bread-making as a leavening agent, before Baking Powder was available. Synonyms of Potassium Carbonate include Potash, Salt of Tartar, Salt of Wormwood, Pearl Ash, Di-potassium Salt, Di-potassium Carbonate and Carbonate of Potash.

Potassium Carbonate has many and varied applications. It is used in the manufacture of soap, glass and china. Pearl Ash is added to hard water in order to soften it. In the laboratory, Potassium Carbonate is used as a drying agent, although it is unsuitable for acidic compounds. When mixed with water, Potassium Carbonate produces an exothermic reaction, which means that it produces heat. An aqueous solution of Potassium Carbonate is used in the manufacture of fertilisers and also as a fire suppressant to extinguish deep fat fryers and other B class fires. It is also used in the flux coating on arc welding rods.

Potassium Carbonate also has culinary uses such as in Grass Jelly, a delicacy eaten in Chinese and Southeast Asian recipes. German gingerbread also requires the addition of Potassium Carbonate as a baking agent. The production of wine requires a buffering agent and potassium Carbonate is sometimes used for this purpose.

As when handling any chemical materials care should be taken when working with Potassium Carbonate. Always read the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) provided by your Potassium Carbonate supplier before uses the material. Keep away from children and animals. Potassium Carbonate should only be handled by competent persons.

Potassium Carbonate presents a potentially serious hazard to the eyes as it is severely irritating to eye tissue, which can result in permanent eye injury. Always use appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) including approved eye protection, safety clothing, safety footwear and appropriate safety gloves.