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.

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.

Projects

  • Make potassium nitrate
  • Grow crystals

Handling

Safety

Potassium sulfate has little toxicity, though it be irritant.

Storage

In closed bottles.

Disposal

Can be safely dumped in soil.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads