kaliumkloridin

Kaliumkloridin, commonly known as potassium chloride (KCl), is an inorganic salt composed of potassium ions (K+) and chloride ions (Cl−). It occurs as a white, odorless crystalline solid with a characteristic salty taste and is highly soluble in water. The compound has a melting point near 770°C and a density around 1.98 g/cm3.

In nature and production, kaliumkloridin occurs naturally as the mineral sylvite and is a major component of potash brines and evaporite deposits. Industrially, it is produced or refined from potash ore or recovered from brines by evaporation. It can also be prepared by reacting potassium hydroxide with hydrochloric acid: KOH + HCl → KCl + H2O.

Applications of kaliumkloridin are diverse. In the food industry, it is used as a salt substitute and food additive, listed as E508 in some regulatory systems. In medicine, potassium chloride solutions are used to replenish electrolytes in patients under medical supervision, such as to treat or prevent hypokalemia. In agriculture, it serves as a fertilizer (muriate of potash), providing essential potassium to crops.

Safety and regulatory considerations are important. Kaliumkloridin can cause irritation in high concentrations and, when administered medically, must be given under professional guidance to avoid hyperkalemia, especially in individuals with kidney impairment or other health conditions. It is not flammable and, in general, handled as a chemical salt with standard safety precautions, kept away from children and used according to applicable food, medical, and agricultural regulations.