CAS 584-08-7: Potassium carbonate

Potassium carbonate, anhydrous FCC grade

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Potassium carbonate

Potassium carbonate is a white crystalline salt that is soluble in water. It has the chemical formula K2CO3 and its molecular weight is 98.0 g/mol. Potassium carbonate has been used as a buffering agent, in the manufacture of glass, soap, and fertilizer. It also has been used to treat infectious diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis. Potassium carbonate can be used to stop the growth of bacteria by inhibiting their DNA replication due to its ability to bind potassium ions. This results in the inhibition of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA synthesis by complex enzymes such as DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. The phase transition temperature for potassium carbonate is around 40°C, which means it will decompose at this temperature or above. When exposed to CO2 flow, potassium carbonate will react with CO2 to form water vapor (H2O) and anhydrous sodium carbonate (Na2CO3).