Bromide, hydroxide, carbonate, nitrate, sulfate and potassium cyanide

Have you decided to thoroughly study all the chemical elements and their compounds? A good desire, I suggest starting with potassium. His data as a substance, you can find out by checking the periodic system of DI Mendeleyev with your eye. But have you heard anything about its connections? I'm sure many people just shake their heads in response. Today we will examine the five most well-known compounds of this metal: bromide, hydroxide, carbonate, nitrate, sulfate and potassium cyanide.

1. Potassium bromide

Its formula is KBr. It has the appearance of a colorless crystalline substance. Also in some sources this potassium salt, the source of the residue (Br) of which is hydrobromic acid, can be called potassium bromide. It is used as a source of bromide ions to form a silver compound with the same acidic residue. Potassium bromide can also alleviate allergies that are caused by fruit flies. Still using it, IR spectra are studied.

2. Potassium hydroxide

His formula is KOH. In different sources it can be called potassium hydroxide, caustic potash, caustic potash. It has the appearance of colorless crystals with a high level of hygroscopicity. Thanks to him, you can get potassium cyanide. This alkali is known as a food supplement E525 and electrolyte in an alkaline battery. Still with the help of this compound , methane, various potassium salts and desulfurized zirconium hydroxide are obtained.

3. Potassium carbonate

Its formula is K ₂ CO ₃ . This substance can also be called caustic potassium or potash. Under normal conditions, it is presented as a white crystalline substance. With the help of it, liquid soap, crystal or refractory glass is made. It is also a good fertilizer for agricultural crops. It is known as an anti-freezing additive in concrete, and also as a preservative of E501.

4. Potassium nitrate

His formula is KNO ₃ . In different sources can occur under the name of potassium, potassium or Indian nitrate. Usually it is distributed in the form of small, non-volatile and slightly hygroscopic crystals that do not have an odor. It is known as a valuable fertilizer, an important ingredient in pyrotechnic substances and devices, a strong oxidizer and food additive Е252.

5. Potassium sulphate

Its formula is K2SO4. Presented as colorless crystals. This is a perfect chlorine free fertilizer. When glass is produced, various alums and flux, this potassium salt is an indispensable ingredient.

6. Potassium cyanide

Its formula is KCN, and this, perhaps, is one of the most dangerous substances. It can not explode or spontaneously ignite, but the acid residue of cyanide and potassium in one compound is, without exaggeration, a "killer mixture" for humans, plants and animals. Instant death occurs when ingested from 1.7 mg / kg of this substance. But without his participation, the extraction of silver and gold from ores, electroplating of many noble metals, as well as jewelry, are not complete.

Conclusion

It's not all compounds of this metal. Bromide, hydroxide, carbonate, nitrate, sulfate and potassium cyanide are only a small fraction in the giant list of inorganic substances containing this element. But there are also its organic compounds - for example, lactate, sorbate, fulminate, etc. etc. But this is a completely different topic.