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Potassium carbonate

IUPAC: dipotassium;carbonate

K2CO3 Bases & Alkalis CAS 584-08-7
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationK2CO3
CAS Number584-08-7
Molecular Weight138.205
Melting Point899 °C
Boiling PointDecomposes
Density2.29 g/cu cm
SolubilityVery soluble in water. Insoluble in ethanol
AppearanceNKRA; Dry Powder, Liquid; Pellets or Large Crystals; Liquid; Dry Powder; Water or Solvent Wet Solid; Other Solid
Also Known Asdipotassium;carbonate; 584-08-7; Dipotassium carbonate; Carbonate of potash; Potassium carbonate, anhydrous; Carbonic acid, dipotassium salt; Pearl ash; Salt of tartar; Kaliumcarbonat; Kalium carbonicum
CategoryBases & Alkalis

What is Potassium carbonate?

Potassium carbonate is a potassium salt that is the dipotassium salt of carbonic acid. It has a role as a fertilizer, a catalyst and a flame retardant. It is a potassium salt and a carbonate salt.

Formula & Notation

K2CO3

IUPAC Name: dipotassium;carbonate

Other Names / Synonyms: dipotassium;carbonate; 584-08-7; Dipotassium carbonate; Carbonate of potash; Potassium carbonate, anhydrous; Carbonic acid, dipotassium salt; Pearl ash; Salt of tartar; Kaliumcarbonat; Kalium carbonicum

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: NKRA; Dry Powder, Liquid; Pellets or Large Crystals; Liquid; Dry Powder; Water or Solvent Wet Solid; Other Solid. Molecular formula: CK2O3. Molecular weight: 138.205 g/mol. Boiling point: Decomposes. Melting point: 899 °C. Density: 2.29 g/cu cm. Solubility: Very soluble in water. Insoluble in ethanol.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point899 °C
Boiling PointDecomposes
Density2.29 g/cu cm
Molecular Weight138.205
SolubilityVery soluble in water. Insoluble in ethanol
AppearanceNKRA; Dry Powder, Liquid; Pellets or Large Crystals; Liquid; Dry Powder; Water or Solvent Wet Solid; Other Solid

Uses & Applications

Used in chemical manufacturing, pH adjustment, saponification, water treatment, and as a laboratory reagent.

Safety Information

Corrosive or irritant. Causes burns to skin and eyes. Store away from acids. Wear protective gloves and goggles. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Potassium carbonate
Formula K2CO3
CAS Number 584-08-7
Molecular Weight 138.205
Category Bases & Alkalis
Synonyms dipotassium;carbonate; 584-08-7; Dipotassium carbonate; Carbonate of potash; Potassium carbonate, anhydrous; Carbonic acid, dipotassium salt; Pearl ash; Salt of tartar; Kaliumcarbonat; Kalium carbonicum

Frequently Asked Questions

Potassium carbonate is a potassium salt that is the dipotassium salt of carbonic acid. It has a role as a fertilizer, a catalyst and a flame retardant. It is a potassium salt and a carbonate salt.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.