Potassium sulfate

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Potassium sulfate
K2 SO4.jpg
Names
IUPAC name
Potassium sulfate
Other names
Arcanite
Potash of sulfur
Potassium sulphate
Sulphate of potash
Properties
K2SO4
Molar mass 174.259 g/mol
Odor Odorless
Density 2.66 g/cm3
Melting point 1,069 °C (1,956 °F; 1,342 K)
Boiling point 1,689 °C (3,072 °F; 1,962 K)
111 g/L (20 °C)
120 g/L (25 °C)
240 g/L (100 °C)
Solubility Slightly soluble in glycerol
Insoluble in acetone, carbon disulfide, ethanol
Hazards
Safety data sheet Fisher Scientific
Flash point Non-flammable
Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC):
6600 mg/kg (oral, rat)
Related compounds
Related compounds
Potassium bisulfate
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Potassium sulfate (K2SO4) or potassium sulphate, also known as arcanite, sulphate of potash or potash of sulfur is a soluble potassium salt of sulfuric acid.

Properties

Chemical

Potassium salt will react with sulfuric acid to form potassium bisulfate.

K2SO4 + H2SO4 → 2 KHSO4

Reduction of potassium sulfate with carbon yields potassium sulfide.

K2SO4 + 4 C → K2S + 4 CO

Physical

Potassium sulfate is a white odorless solid, with a bitter taste. It is soluble in water, slightly soluble in glycerol, but insoluble in acetone, carbon disulfide, ethanol.

Availability

Potassium sulfate is available as a fertilizer, either pure or mixed with other materials.

Preparation

Can be prepared by reacting potassium carbonate with sulfuric acid.

K2CO3 + H2SO4 → K2SO4 + H2O + CO2

Projects

  • Make potassium nitrate
  • Grow crystals

Handling

Safety

Potassium sulfate has little toxicity, though it be irritant.

Storage

Potassium carbonate must be kept in closed bottles.

Disposal

Can be safely dumped in soil.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads