Káliumkarbonát

Káliumkarbonát, also known as potassium carbonate, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula K2CO3. It is a white salt, soluble in water, and typically appears as a crystalline powder or granules. Historically, it was produced by leaching ashes from burnt wood or other plant material, leading to its common name "potash."

The primary uses of potassium carbonate are in the production of glass, soaps, and fertilizers. In glassmaking, it acts as a flux, lowering the melting point of silica and producing a clearer, stronger glass compared to that made with sodium carbonate. For soaps, it is used to create soft soaps, which are often liquid or semi-solid. In agriculture, it serves as a source of potassium, an essential nutrient for plant growth, and can also help to increase the pH of acidic soils.

Potassium carbonate also finds application in the food industry as a food additive, often labeled as E501. It can be used as a drying agent, a pH regulator, and a stabilizer in certain food products. In photography, it has been used as a developing agent. Industrially, it is employed in the manufacturing of other potassium compounds and as a component in fire extinguishers. Its hygroscopic nature means it readily absorbs moisture from the air, necessitating storage in sealed containers.