Potassium chloride: specifications and applications

Potassium chloride is an inorganic potassium salt with the chemical formula KCl. It is made up of potassium cations and chloride anions in a 1:1 ratio. Potassium chloride dissolves readily in water and its solution has a salt-like taste. It is not used in fireworks. However, it is used to manufacture potassium chlorate and potassium perchlorate which are used in pyrotechnics.

Potassium chloride has various applications in different industries. The main application of this product is in the agriculture industry, where it is used in the production of crop fertilizers. Additionally, Potassium chloride is used in medicine, food industry, and water treatment.

Characterization of Potassium chloride

Potassium chloride is completely ionized into K⁺ and Cl^– ions in water. Some properties of this product include:

• Its molar mass is 55 g. mol-1.
• Its melting point is 770 °C.
• Its boiling point is 1420 °C.
• Its density is 1.98 gcm–3

Applications of Potassium chloride

Potassium chloride, due to its properties has a wide range of applications in various industries. Some of the primary applications of potassium chloride include:

Agriculture

Potassium chloride is used as a fertilizer in agriculture. It is a major source of potassium, one of the primary nutrients essential for plant growth.

Food industry

Potassium chloride is used as a salt substitute in food processing. Plus, it is used as a preservative in food products.

Medicine

Potassium chloride is used to treat and prevent potassium deficiency in people. It is administered orally or intravenously.

Chemical manufacturing

Potassium chloride is used in the production of other potassium compounds, such as potassium hydroxide and potassium carbonate. Plus, it is used in water softening to replace calcium and magnesium ions with potassium ions.

Laboratory use

Potassium chloride is used as a standard solution in various laboratory procedures, like titration and calibration of equipment.

Potassium chloride production

Potassium chloride is naturally occurring and can be extracted from minerals such as sylvite. In laboratory, it is produced by reacting potassium hydroxide with hydrochloric acid. It is an acid-base neutralization reaction. The resulting product then be purified by recrystallization.

KOH+HCl→KCl+H₂O

Potassium chloride storage

Potassium chloride should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Recommended storage temperature for this product is 15 – 25 °C. In case of fire, it may liberate hydrogen chloride (HCl). So, do not breathe fumes. Fight fire with normal precautions from a reasonable distance. Some precautions for safe handling include:

• Wash hands with soap and water before eating, drinking, and when leaving work.
• Provide good ventilation in process area.
• For disposal, place Potassium chloride in appropriate containers.

Potassium chloride health hazards

Potassium chloride is generally safe, but excessive ingestion or improper handling can lead to health issues.

• Contact with Potassium chloride may cause skin and eye irritation. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothes. In case of eye contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
• Ingestion of Potassium chloride may irritate of the digestive tract. In case of ingestion, do not induce vomiting. Get medical aid if irritation occurs.
• Inhalation of Potassium chloride may cause respiratory tract irritation. In case of inhalation, move the patient to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration.

FAQ

How much does Potassium chloride cost per kg?

ArChem Potassium chloride can be purchased in a variety of volumes. Depending on your orders, Prices are different. For more information about Potassium chloride price, please contact our technical sales team in ArChem.

What is Potassium chloride?

Potassium chloride (also known as potassium salt) is an odourless crystalline powder with a slightly sour taste. It is readily soluble in water, but insoluble in ethanol. Potassium chloride is used in agriculture as a fertilizer, in food processing, and preparation of other potassium compounds.

What is the most important application of Potassium chloride?

Potassium chloride is used as a fertilizer in agriculture. It is a major source of potassium, one of the primary nutrients essential for plant growth. The vast majority of potassium chloride is produced as agricultural and industrial grade in Canada and Russia.

Is Potassium chloride harmful?

Potassium chloride is generally safe, but excessive ingestion or improper handling can lead to health issues. Contact with Potassium chloride may cause skin and eye irritation. In case of skin or eye contact, immediately flush face and eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.

What is the CAS number of Potassium chloride?

The CAS number of Potassium chloride is 7447-40-7.

What is the HS code for Potassium chloride?

310420