Have you decided to thoroughly study all the chemical elements and their compounds? Good desire, I propose to start with potassium. You can find out his data as substances by looking over the periodic system of D. I. Mendeleev with a trained eye. But have you heard anything about his connections? I'm sure many in return only shake their heads. Today we look at the five most famous compounds of this metal: bromide, hydroxide, carbonate, nitrate, sulfate and potassium cyanide.
1. Potassium bromide
Its formula is KBr. It has the appearance of a colorless crystalline substance. Also, in some sources, this potassium salt, the source of the residue (Br) of which is hydrobromic acid, may be called potassium bromide. It is used as a source of bromide ions to form a silver compound with the same acid residue. Potassium bromide can also alleviate the allergy caused by Drosophila. Even with the help of it, IR spectra are studied.
2. Potassium Hydroxide
His formula is KOH. In various sources it can be called potassium liquor, caustic potash, caustic potash. It has the appearance of colorless crystals with a high level of hygroscopicity. Thanks to it, you can get potassium cyanide. This alkali is known as a food supplement E525 and an electrolyte in an
alkaline battery. Using this compound
, methane, various potassium salts and defluorinated zirconium hydroxide are also obtained.
3. Potassium carbonate
Its formula is K
2 CO
3 . Also, this substance can be called caustic potassium or potash. Under ordinary conditions, it is presented as a white crystalline substance. Using it, liquid soap, crystal or refractory glass are made. It is also a good fertilizer for agricultural crops. It is known as an antifreeze additive in concrete, as well as as an E501 preservative.
4. Potassium nitrate
Its formula is KNO 3 . In various sources, it can be found under the name potassium, potash or Indian nitrate. Usually it is distributed in the form of small, non-volatile and slightly hygroscopic crystals that are odorless. Known as a valuable fertilizer, an important ingredient in pyrotechnic substances and devices, a strong oxidizing agent and food supplement E252.
5. Potassium sulfate
Its formula is K2SO4. Presented as colorless crystals. This is a wonderful chlorine-free fertilizer. When glass, various alum and flux are produced, this potassium salt is an indispensable ingredient.
6. Potassium cyanide
Its formula is KCN, and this is perhaps one of the most dangerous substances. It cannot explode or self-ignite, however, the acid residue cyanide and potassium in one compound is, without exaggeration, a “killer mixture” for humans, plants and animals. Instant death occurs when ingested from 1.7 mg / kg of this substance. But without his participation, the extraction of silver and gold from ores, the electroplating of many noble metals, and also jewelry are not complete.
Conclusion
This is not all compounds of this metal. Potassium bromide, hydroxide, carbonate, nitrate, sulfate and cyanide are only a fraction of the gigantic list of inorganic substances containing this element. But there are also its organic compounds - for example, lactate, sorbate, fulminate, etc. etc. But this is a completely different topic.