Potassium carbonate

Potassium carbonate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula K₂CO₃. It appears as a white, water-soluble salt and is commonly used in the manufacture of glass, soaps, and as a drying agent in laboratories and industry.

🏭⚗️ Production
Potassium carbonate is typically produced by reacting potassium hydroxide (KOH) with carbon dioxide (CO₂). Historically, it was obtained by leaching wood ashes and evaporating the solution, a process that produced what was known as “potash.”

🔬 Properties
Potassium carbonate is a white, odorless, hygroscopic solid. It is highly soluble in water, forming a strongly alkaline solution (pH ~11.5). It is insoluble in alcohol and decomposes upon strong heating. It readily absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from the air, which is why it must be stored in airtight containers.

🧪 Applications
• Glass manufacturing: Used in specialty glasses, such as optical or heat-resistant glass.
• Soap and detergent production: Acts as a softening and pH-adjusting agent.
• Food industry: Used as a food additive (E501) for pH control, especially in German pretzels and ramen noodles.
• Laboratory use: Functions as a mild drying agent and base in various chemical reactions.
• Textile and dyeing: Employed in fabric treatments and dye fixation processes.