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| IUPACName = Potassium carbonate
| IUPACName = Potassium carbonate
| OtherNames = Carbonate of potash, dipotassium carbonate, sub-carbonate of potash, pearl ash, potash, salt of tartar, salt of wormwood.
| OtherNames = Carbonate of potash, dipotassium carbonate, sub-carbonate of potash, pot carb (laboratory slang), pearl ash, potash, salt of tartar, salt of wormwood.
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==History==
==History==
{{About|2=a longer section on a related group of chemicals with much common history|3=Potash#History}}
{{About|2=a longer section on a related group of chemicals with much common history|3=Potash#History}}
Potassium carbonate is the primary component of [[potash]] and the more refined '''pearl ash''' or salts of tartar. The first [[patent]] issued by the [[United States Patent and Trademark Office|US Patent Office]] was awarded to [[Samuel Hopkins (inventor)|Samuel Hopkins]] in 1790 for an improved method of making potash and pearl ash.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Milestones in U.S. patenting |url=https://www.uspto.gov/patents/milestones |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=www.uspto.gov |language=en-US}}</ref>
Potassium carbonate is the primary component of [[potash]] and the more refined '''pearl ash''' or salts of tartar. Historically, pearl ash was created by baking potash in a [[kiln]] to remove impurities. The fine, white powder remaining was the pearl ash. The first [[patent]] issued by the [[United States Patent and Trademark Office|US Patent Office]] was awarded to [[Samuel Hopkins (inventor)|Samuel Hopkins]] in 1790 for an improved method of making potash and pearl ash.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Milestones in U.S. patenting |url=https://www.uspto.gov/patents/milestones |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=www.uspto.gov |language=en-US}}</ref>


In late 18th-century [[North America]], before the development of [[baking powder]], pearl ash was used as a [[leavening agent]] for [[quick bread]]s.<ref>See references to "pearl ash" in "American Cookery" by Amelia Simmons, printed by Hudson & Goodwin, Hartford, 1796.</ref><ref name="Civitello">{{cite book |last1=Civitello |first1=Linda |title=Baking powder wars: the cutthroat food fight that revolutionized cooking |date=2017 |publisher=University of Illinois Press |location=Urbana, Illinois |isbn=978-0-252-04108-2 |pages=18–22}}</ref>
In late 18th-century [[North America]], before the development of [[baking powder]], pearl ash was used as a [[leavening agent]] for [[quick bread]]s.<ref>See references to "pearl ash" in "American Cookery" by Amelia Simmons, printed by Hudson & Goodwin, Hartford, 1796.</ref><ref name="Civitello">{{cite book |last1=Civitello |first1=Linda |title=Baking powder wars: the cutthroat food fight that revolutionized cooking |date=2017 |publisher=University of Illinois Press |location=Urbana, Illinois |isbn=978-0-252-04108-2 |pages=18–22}}</ref>


==Production==
==Production==
The modern commercial production of potassium carbonate is by reaction of [[potassium hydroxide]] with [[carbon dioxide]]:<ref name="Ullmann" />
[[Lye|Potassium lye]] (which in this case can alternatively be called [[potash]]), a substance which contains potassium carbonate, [[potassium bicarbonate]], and [[potassium hydroxide]],<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Potassium carbonate - Sciencemadness Wiki |url=https://www.sciencemadness.org/smwiki/index.php?title=Potassium_carbonate&oldid=14431#Preperation |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=www.sciencemadness.org}}</ref> was historically produced by dissolving the [[lye]] found in the wooden ashes inside of [[water]] for at least 24 hours, disposing of the undissolved ashes, and then drying/evaporating the remaining liquid.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Jess |date=24 April 2017 |title=How to Make Potassium Carbonate |url=https://sciencing.com/make-potassium-carbonate-7480553.html |access-date=3 August 2023 |website=sciencing.com}}</ref>

As previously mentioned, [[Samuel Hopkins (inventor)|Samuel Hopkins]] created an improved method of making pearl ash. One of those procedures was putting the [[lye]]/[[potash]] in a [[kiln]] to remove impurities.

Today, potassium carbonate is prepared commercially by the reaction of [[potassium hydroxide]] with [[carbon dioxide]]:<ref name="Ullmann" />
: 2 KOH + CO<sub>2</sub> → K<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O
: 2 KOH + CO<sub>2</sub> → K<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O
From the solution crystallizes the sequestrate K<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>·{{frac|3|2}}H<sub>2</sub>O ("potash hydrate"). Heating this solid above {{Convert|200|°C|°F|abbr=on}} gives the [[anhydrous]] salt. In an alternative method, potassium chloride is treated with carbon dioxide in the presence of an [[Organic amines|organic amine]] to give [[potassium bicarbonate]], which is then [[calcined]]:
From the solution crystallizes the [[sesquihydrate]] K<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>·{{frac|3|2}}H<sub>2</sub>O ("potash hydrate"). Heating this solid above {{Convert|200|°C|°F|abbr=on}} gives the [[anhydrous]] salt. In an alternative method, potassium chloride is treated with carbon dioxide in the presence of an [[Organic amines|organic amine]] to give [[potassium bicarbonate]], which is then [[calcined]]:
: 2 KHCO<sub>3</sub> → K<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O + CO<sub>2</sub>
: 2 KHCO<sub>3</sub> → K<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O + CO<sub>2</sub>


==Applications==
==Applications==
* (historically) for [[soap]], [[glass]], and [[dishware]] production
* (historically) for [[soap]], [[glass]], and [[dishware]] production
* as a mild [[desiccant|drying agent]] where other drying agents, such as [[calcium chloride]] and [[magnesium sulfate]], may be incompatible. It is not suitable for [[Acid|acidic compounds]], but can be useful for drying an organic phase if one has a small amount of acidic impurity. It may also be used to dry some [[Ketone|ketones]], [[Alcohol (chemistry)|alcohols]], and [[Amine|amines]] prior to distillation.<ref>Leonard, J.; Lygo, B.; Procter, G. "Advanced Practical Organic Chemistry" 1998, Stanley Thomas Publishers Ltd</ref>
* as a mild [[desiccant|drying agent]] where other drying agents, such as [[calcium chloride]] and [[magnesium sulfate]], may be incompatible. It is not suitable for [[Acid|acidic compounds]], but can be useful for drying an organic phase if one has a small amount of acidic impurity. It may also be used to dry some [[ketone]]s, [[Alcohol (chemistry)|alcohols]], and [[amine]]s prior to distillation.<ref>Leonard, J.; Lygo, B.; Procter, G. "Advanced Practical Organic Chemistry" 1998, Stanley Thomas Publishers Ltd</ref>
* in [[cuisine]], where it has many traditional uses. It is used in some types of [[Chinese noodles]] and [[Mooncake|mooncakes]], as well as Asian [[grass jelly]] and Japanese [[ramen]]. German [[gingerbread]] recipes often use potassium carbonate as a baking agent, although in combination with [[Salt of hartshorn|hartshorn]].
* in [[cuisine]], where it has many traditional uses. It is used in some types of [[Chinese noodles]] and [[mooncake]]s, as well as Asian [[grass jelly]] and Japanese [[ramen]]. German [[gingerbread]] recipes often use potassium carbonate as a baking agent, although in combination with [[Salt of hartshorn|hartshorn]].
* in the [[Alkalinity|alkalization]] of [[Cocoa Powder|cocoa powder]] to produce [[Dutch process chocolate]] by balancing the [[pH]] (i.e., reduce the acidity) of natural [[Cocoa bean|cocoa beans]]; it also enhances [[aroma]]. The process of adding potassium carbonate to cocoa powder is usually called "Dutching" (and the products referred to as Dutch-processed cocoa powder), as the process was first developed in 1828 by [[Dutch people|Dutchman]] [[Coenraad Johannes van Houten]].
* in the [[Alkalinity|alkalization]] of [[Cocoa Powder|cocoa powder]] to produce [[Dutch process chocolate]] by balancing the [[pH]] (i.e., reduce the acidity) of natural [[cocoa bean]]s; it also enhances [[aroma]]. The process of adding potassium carbonate to cocoa powder is usually called "Dutching" (and the products referred to as Dutch-processed cocoa powder), as the process was first developed in 1828 by [[Dutch people|Dutchman]] [[Coenraad Johannes van Houten]].
* as a [[buffering agent]] in the production of [[mead]] or [[wine]].
* as a [[buffering agent]] in the production of [[mead]] or [[wine]].
* in antique documents, it is reported to have been used to [[Water softener|soften]] [[hard water]].<ref>Child, Lydia M. "The American Frugal Housewife" 1832</ref>
* in antique documents, it is reported to have been used to [[Water softener|soften]] [[hard water]].<ref>Child, Lydia M. "The American Frugal Housewife" 1832</ref>

Revision as of 02:05, 27 August 2024

Potassium carbonate
Names
IUPAC name
Potassium carbonate
Other names
Carbonate of potash, dipotassium carbonate, sub-carbonate of potash, pot carb (laboratory slang), pearl ash, potash, salt of tartar, salt of wormwood.
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChEBI
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.008.665 Edit this at Wikidata
E number E501(i) (acidity regulators, ...)
RTECS number
  • TS7750000
UNII
  • InChI=1S/CH2O3.2K/c2-1(3)4;;/h(H2,2,3,4);;/q;2*+1/p-2 checkY
    Key: BWHMMNNQKKPAPP-UHFFFAOYSA-L checkY
  • InChI=1/CH2O3.2K/c2-1(3)4;;/h(H2,2,3,4);;/q;2*+1/p-2
    Key: BWHMMNNQKKPAPP-NUQVWONBAS
  • C(=O)([O-])[O-].[K+].[K+]
Properties
K
2
CO
3
Molar mass 138.205 g/mol
Appearance White, hygroscopic solid
Density 2.43 g/cm3
Melting point 891 °C (1,636 °F; 1,164 K)
Boiling point Decomposes
110.3 g/100 mL (20 °C)
149.2 g/100 mL (100 °C)
Solubility
Acidity (pKa) 10.25
−59.0·10−6 cm3/mol
Thermochemistry[1]
114.4 J·mol−1·K−1
155.5 J·mol−1·K−1
−1151.0 kJ·mol−1
−1063.5 kJ·mol−1
Enthalpy of fusion fHfus)
27.6 kJ·mol−1
Hazards
GHS labelling:
GHS07: Exclamation mark
Warning
H302, H315, H319, H335
P261, P305+P351+P338
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)
NFPA 704 four-colored diamondHealth 2: Intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury. E.g. chloroformFlammability 0: Will not burn. E.g. waterInstability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogenSpecial hazards (white): no code
2
0
0
Flash point Non-flammable
Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC):
1870 mg/kg (oral, rat)[2]
Safety data sheet (SDS) ICSC 1588
Related compounds
Other anions
Potassium bicarbonate
Other cations
Lithium carbonate
Sodium carbonate
Rubidium carbonate
Caesium carbonate
Related compounds
Ammonium carbonate
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
☒N verify (what is checkY☒N ?)

Potassium carbonate is the inorganic compound with the formula K2CO3. It is a white salt, which is soluble in water and forms a strongly alkaline solution. It is deliquescent, often appearing as a damp or wet solid. Potassium carbonate is mainly used in the production of soap and glass.[3] Commonly, it can be found as the result of leakage of alkaline batteries.[4]

History

Potassium carbonate is the primary component of potash and the more refined pearl ash or salts of tartar. Historically, pearl ash was created by baking potash in a kiln to remove impurities. The fine, white powder remaining was the pearl ash. The first patent issued by the US Patent Office was awarded to Samuel Hopkins in 1790 for an improved method of making potash and pearl ash.[5]

In late 18th-century North America, before the development of baking powder, pearl ash was used as a leavening agent for quick breads.[6][7]

Production

The modern commercial production of potassium carbonate is by reaction of potassium hydroxide with carbon dioxide:[3]

2 KOH + CO2 → K2CO3 + H2O

From the solution crystallizes the sesquihydrate K2CO3·32H2O ("potash hydrate"). Heating this solid above 200 °C (392 °F) gives the anhydrous salt. In an alternative method, potassium chloride is treated with carbon dioxide in the presence of an organic amine to give potassium bicarbonate, which is then calcined:

2 KHCO3 → K2CO3 + H2O + CO2

Applications

References

  1. ^ CRC handbook of chemistry and physics: a ready-reference book of chemical and physical data. William M. Haynes, David R. Lide, Thomas J. Bruno (2016-2017, 97th ed.). Boca Raton, Florida. 2016. ISBN 978-1-4987-5428-6. OCLC 930681942.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: others (link)
  2. ^ Chambers, Michael. "ChemIDplus - 584-08-7 - BWHMMNNQKKPAPP-UHFFFAOYSA-L - Potassium carbonate [USP] - Similar structures search, synonyms, formulas, resource links, and other chemical information". chem.sis.nlm.nih.gov. Archived from the original on 2014-08-12.
  3. ^ a b H. Schultz; G. Bauer; E. Schachl; F. Hagedorn; P. Schmittinger (2005). "Potassium Compounds". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.a22_039. ISBN 3-527-30673-0.
  4. ^ List, Jenny (October 19, 2022). "Crusty Leaking Cells Kill Your Tech. Just What's Going On?". Hackaday. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023.
  5. ^ "Milestones in U.S. patenting". www.uspto.gov. Retrieved 2023-08-04.
  6. ^ See references to "pearl ash" in "American Cookery" by Amelia Simmons, printed by Hudson & Goodwin, Hartford, 1796.
  7. ^ Civitello, Linda (2017). Baking powder wars: the cutthroat food fight that revolutionized cooking. Urbana, Illinois: University of Illinois Press. pp. 18–22. ISBN 978-0-252-04108-2.
  8. ^ Leonard, J.; Lygo, B.; Procter, G. "Advanced Practical Organic Chemistry" 1998, Stanley Thomas Publishers Ltd
  9. ^ Child, Lydia M. "The American Frugal Housewife" 1832

Bibliography