Potassium Carbonate (K₂CO₃)
Potassium carbonate is a white crystalline, highly water-soluble inorganic compound with the chemical formula K₂CO₃ and CAS No: 584-08-7. With a purity of 99% and a K₂O content of 64%, it serves as a strong alkaline agent widely used in agriculture, food production, cleaning, cosmetics, and industrial manufacturing.
Known as food additive E 501, potassium carbonate acts as a pH regulator and buffering agent. It is soluble in alcohol and glycerin, but insoluble in ether and liquid ammonia. Thanks to its high melting point (891 °C) and boiling point (1458 °C), it offers excellent thermal stability in demanding applications.
Chemical and Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| CAS No | 584-08-7 |
| Molecular Formula | K₂CO₃ |
| Chemical Name | Potassium Carbonate |
| Food Code | E 501 |
| Purity | 99% |
| K₂O Content | 64% |
| Melting Point | 891 °C |
| Boiling Point | 1458 °C |
| Water Solubility | 105 g / 100 ml (at 25 °C) |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol and glycerin. Insoluble in ether and liquid ammonia. |
| Storage Conditions | Store in sealed packaging in a cool, ventilated, and dry environment. Avoid contact with acidic substances, phosphors, organic peroxides, explosives, and halogenated hydrocarbons. |
Application Areas
🌿 Use in Plant Nutrition and Protection Formulations
Thanks to its water solubility and alkaline nature, potassium carbonate is widely used in SL formulations in crop protection. It enables acid-base reactions and stabilizes pH levels. In addition, it serves as an essential potassium source in liquid and powder NPK fertilizers, as well as in macro and micro-element formulations for plant nutrition.
For detailed technical assistance and formulation support in agricultural applications, you may contact our technical team.
🏭 Industrial Applications
- Used in the food industry as an additive (E 501) and in the production of soft soaps and cleaning agents.
- Applied in cosmetics and personal care products such as perfumes, bath items, and hair dyes as a pH regulator and buffering compound.
- Functions as an electrolyte in batteries.
- Used in the production of recycled paper as a processing aid.
Advantages and Recommendations
- Provides high alkalinity and efficient pH control.
- Highly soluble in water and alcohol-based systems.
- Environmentally safe and industrially versatile.
Potassium Carbonate by Obafer Chemicals
Obafer Chemicals offers high-purity potassium carbonate for use in plant nutrition, food production, and industrial manufacturing. Our expert team is available to assist with bulk orders, formulation questions, and product support. Contact us now to learn more.
