Nomenclature
CAS number: 584-08-7
Carbonic acid potassium salt (1:2); salt of tartar; pearl ash; potash.
CK
2O
3; mol wt 138.21.
C 8.69%, K 56.58%, O 34.73%.
K
2CO
3.
Properties
Hygroscopic, odorless granules or granular powder.
d 2.29; mp 891°. Sol in 1 part cold, 0.7
part boiling water. Practically insol in alcohol. Its aq soln is
strongly alkaline. pH 11.6. Keep tightly closed. LD50 orally in rats: 1.87 g/kg, H. F. Smyth et al., Am. Ind.
Hyg. Assoc. J. 30, 470 (1969).Derivative
Sesquihydrate.
Nomenclature
CAS number: 6381-79-9
CK
2O
3.1 1/2 H
2O; mol wt 147.21.
C 8.16%, K 53.12%, O 38.04%, H 0.68%.
Properties
Small granular crystals. When it contains the
full amount of water (16.36%) it is not hygroscopic. Sol in less
than 1 part water. Practically insol in alcohol. The aq soln is
strongly alkaline.Caution
Irritant, caustic.Use
Manuf soap, glass, pottery, smalts and many potassium
salts; in process engraving and lithography; tanning and finishing
leather; liq shampoos. Base. Anhydrous form as drying agent for
organic solvents. Sesquihydrate used in invert sugar test, in buffers.
Pharmaceutic aid (alkalizer).