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Pearlash

Potassium carbonate
Potassium Carbonate 2D structure.png
Potassium-carbonate-xtal-3D-SF.png
Potassium carbonate.jpg
Names
IUPAC name
Potassium carbonate
Other names
Carbonate of potash, Dipotassium carbonate, Sub-carbonate of potash, Pearl ash, Potash, Salt of tartar, Salt of wormwood.
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChEBI
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.008.665
E number E501 (acidity regulators, ...)
PubChem CID
RTECS number TS7750000
UNII
Properties
K2CO3
Molar mass 138.205 g/mol
Appearance white, hygroscopic solid
Density 2.43 g/cm3
Melting point 891 °C (1,636 °F; 1,164 K)
Boiling point decomposes
112 g/100 mL (20 °C)
156 g/100 mL (100 °C)
Solubility 3.11 g/100 mL (25 °C) Methanol
insoluble in alcohol, acetone
−59.0·10−6 cm3/mol
Hazards
Safety data sheet ICSC 1588
GHS pictograms The exclamation-mark pictogram in the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)
GHS signal word Warning
H302, H315, H319, H335
P261, P305+351+338
NFPA 704
Flammability code 0: Will not burn. E.g., water Health code 1: Exposure would cause irritation but only minor residual injury. E.g., turpentine Reactivity code 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g., liquid nitrogen Special hazards (white): no codeNFPA 704 four-colored diamond
Flash point Non-flammable
Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC):
LD50 (median dose)
 1870 mg/kg (oral, rat)
Related compounds
Other anions
Potassium bicarbonate
Other cations
Lithium carbonate
Sodium carbonate
Rubidium carbonate
Caesium carbonate
Related compounds
 Ammonium carbonate
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references

Potassium carbonate (K2CO3) is a white salt, soluble in water (insoluble in ethanol) which forms a strongly alkaline solution. It can be made as the product of potassium hydroxide's absorbent reaction with carbon dioxide. It is deliquescent, often appearing a damp or wet solid. Potassium carbonate is used in the production of soap and glass.

Potassium carbonate is the primary component of potash and the more refined pearl ash or salts of tartar. Historically, pearl ash was created by baking potash in a kiln to remove impurities. The fine, white powder remaining was the pearl ash. The first patent issued by the US Patent Office was awarded to Samuel Hopkins in 1790 for an improved method of making potash and pearl ash.

In late 18th century North America, before the development of baking powder, pearl ash was used as a leavening agent in quick breads.

Today, potassium carbonate is prepared commercially by the electrolysis of potassium chloride. The resulting potassium hydroxide is then carbonated using carbon dioxide to form potassium carbonate, which is often used to produce other Potassium compounds.


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