The carbonate of potassium is better known as potash. This substance was highly appreciated in days of old. To learn to receive it, many years of work were required. Than the potassium carbonate is so useful?
Physical and chemical properties of a carbonate of potassium
The potassium carbonate (potash, E501 additive) is the white crystal powder having pronounced alkaline taste. It is very well dissolved in water, but is almost insoluble in ethanol. Being dissolved in water, the carbonate of potassium emits a lot of thermal energy. Than solution temperature is higher, especially its alkaline properties are expressed.
The carbonate of potassium is capable to react with oxides of carbon and sulfur with formation of crystalline hydrates. Similar reactions are possible only in water solution of this salt.
Receiving carbonate of potassium
In the ancient time potash was received from trees which contain a lot of potassium (maple, a birch, a pine). For this purpose wood was burned. From one cubic meter it was possible to receive about 500 grams of a carbonate of potassium. There was also other way: wood ashes were filled in with hot water and poured out the received mix on the burning firewood in the center. This procedure needed to be carried out so that the fire did not go out, then at the bottom of the center potash will be laid. Today potash is received by potassium chloride electrolysis, is more rare by means of ashes from seaweed. Both that and other way allows to receive this substance in industrial volumes.
Application of a carbonate of potassium
The carbonate of potassium is known to the person from time immemorial. Initially it was used when washing clothes as in the alkaline environment which he creates fats easily collapse. Any spots disappear after the first washing. Soap-producing factories use it at production of the products. The carbonate of potassium is also known as E501 nutritional supplement. He acts as emulsifier and the regulator of acidity which gives to bakery products splendor. Numerous disputes about harm of this additive for a human body were conducted. It turned out that the carbonate of calcium is harmful to the person only in suspension. At hit on skin local allergic reactions are possible. In agriculture the carbonate of calcium is used as disinfecting substance against various fungal diseases of plants and also as fertilizer. It well influences the soil, sharply reducing its acidity as itself is alkali. The soil becomes more fertile. Solution of potash process hen houses and pigsties. The alkaline nature of a carbonate of potassium allows to apply it in medicine. Quite often it meets in antiscabby ointments and creams for strengthening of medical effect. Medicines with this additive against parasites in a human body are very effective.