Potassium sulfate

chemical compound

Potassium sulfate, also known as arcanite, is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is K2SO4. It contains potassium and sulfate ions.

Potassium sulfate

Properties

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It is a white crystalline solid. It dissolves in water easily. It does not dissolve in potassium hydroxide or concentrated ethanol. It can react with additional sulfuric acid to make potassium bisulfate.

Preparation

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It is made by reacting potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. It can also be made by reacting potassium chloride with sulfuric acid. It can also be made by reacting sulfur dioxide, oxygen, and potassium chloride with some water.

Potassium sulphate is an important salt in everyday life. It is primarily used:

  • As a plant/crop fertilizer
  • In the synthesis of glass
  • As a component of gunpowder
  • For medicinal purposes

Occurrence

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Arcanite is the mineral form of potassium sulfate.

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