Potassium carbonate

Potassium carbonate, also known as potash or pearl ash, is a chemical compound. It is made of potassium and carbonate ions. Its chemical formula is K2CO3.

Properties

Potassium carbonate is a white solid. It dissolves in water. It is similar to sodium carbonate. It reacts with acids to make carbon dioxide and a potassium salt. It does not dissolve in alcohol. It is basic. It is a mild drying agent.

Preparation

It is made by the reaction of potassium hydroxide with carbon dioxide. Water is also a byproduct during this reaction.

The balanced chemical equation is:

2 KOH + CO2 —> K2CO3 + H2O

Uses

It is used to soften water (remove some of the ions from water) and make soap. It is used to put out fires. It can be used as an electrolyte to electrolyze water.

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