Potassium is the seventh abundant metallic element on Earth. It is a member of the alkali metals group that is located in the first group of the periodic table. Its chemical symbol is K. Potassium has a white silver metallic appearance. Pure potassium is highly oxidizable and it can react with air quickly leading to losing its metallic appearance. That is why it should be preserved using oil grease. Potassium compounds are used in various chemical reactions, preparation of chemicals and medications, etc.
Potassium Ion Formula
Abundance of Potassium in Nature: Potassium is abundant in nature as potassium ions in mineral salts such as potassium chloride. It is commonly found as a constituent in Earth's crust.
Potassium Preparation: Potassium can be prepared from some of potassium containing compounds such as potassium carbonate, potassium chloride and potassium nitride.
K2CO3+2C⟶3CO+2K
2KCl+CaC2⟶CaCl2+2C+K
2KN3⟶3N2+2K
However, all of the previous reactions require high energy input and are considered to be highly expensive, so cheaper procedures are commonly followed to obtain pure potassium through reduction of some potassium salts such as potassium chloride.
KCl + Na ⟶ K + NaCl
Properties and Uses of Potassium: Potassium as a metal has a boiling point of 63.65⁰C. Therefore, its molten form can be used as a cooling agent for nuclear reactors. In addition, it is being used in the research of pharmaceutical industries as well as some energy applications. It is used as the basic radical for preparation of various chemicals that include potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, potassium permanganate, etc.
Potassium Salts: Potassium containing compounds are used in different applications such as potassium hydroxide that is used in manufacturing of soaps and detergents, potassium carbonate that is used in glass manufacturing, and potassium chloride that is used in pharmaceutical preparations, baking, photography, tanning leathers and food additives. Potassium chloride whose chemical formula is KCl, is considered to be the most abundant potassium salt. It is composed of potassium and chloride ions in the ratio of 1:1.
Abundance of Natural Potassium Chloride: Potassium chloride is existent in nature as the mineral sylvite. It is easily and cheaply prepared as it can be prepared through treating any potassium base such as potassium hydroxide with hydrochloric acid.
KOH + HCl → KCl + H2O
Potassium Chloride uses and Properties:
- Potassium chloride is a white crystalline salt that is highly soluble in water producing colorless aqueous solutions.
- Potassium chloride has the chemical formula of KCl with molecular weight of 74.55 g/mol.
- Potassium chloride salt possesses a melting point and boiling point of 770 ⁰C and 1420 ⁰C, respectively.
- Potassium chloride plays an important role in manufacture of fertilizers.
- Like sodium chloride, potassium chloride regulates the muscle contractions, nerve impulses and represents a part of the body fluids.
- Potassium chloride is used in preparation of some medications and food additives.