Potassium carbonate

· Potassium carbonate is an inorganic substance with a chemical formula of K2CO3 and a molecular weight of 138.206. It is a white crystalline powder with a density of 2.428g/cm3 and a melting point of 891°C. Soluble in water, the aqueous solution is alkaline, insoluble in ethanol and ether. Strong hygroscopicity, it can absorb carbon dioxide and moisture when exposed to the air, and turn into potassium bicarbonate, so it should be sealed and packaged.

In industry: potassium carbonate is used as raw material in manufacturing electro tube, TV kinescope, computer display. It is applied in optical glass improving clarity, strength and refractive index. It is also used in electrode avoiding electric arc breaking-off during welding. In dyeing industry, it is used to produce vat dyestuff and discharge of ice dyeing, etc.

In food industry, potassium carbonate can serve as an effective alkaline agent and dough conditioner and is capable of hindering the fermentation process in noodles. It can be applied to pasta food.

Potassium carbonate is also used in detergents, pesticides, feeds, and fertilizer industry.