Káliumhidrogén

Káliumhidrogén is the Hungarian name for potassium bicarbonate. Potassium bicarbonate is a chemical compound with the formula KHCO₃. It is an acid salt of potassium and carbonic acid. In its pure form, it is a white crystalline solid. It is soluble in water, where it undergoes hydrolysis, producing a slightly alkaline solution. Potassium bicarbonate is naturally occurring and can be found in mineral springs.

It is used in various applications. In the food industry, it serves as a food additive, commonly designated as E239, acting as a leavening agent in baking and as a pH regulator. It is also used in some beverages to adjust acidity. In medicine, potassium bicarbonate is sometimes used to treat conditions related to excess stomach acid, such as heartburn and indigestion, often as part of a combination therapy. It can also be used to treat metabolic acidosis.

Industrially, potassium bicarbonate finds application in fire extinguishers, particularly those designed for Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (electrical) fires, as it releases carbon dioxide when heated, which smothers flames. It is also used in some agricultural contexts as a potassium fertilizer and as a fungicide to control certain plant diseases. The production of potassium bicarbonate typically involves reacting potassium carbonate with carbon dioxide and water.