káliumszulfát

Káliumszulfát, also known as potassium sulfate, is a white crystalline salt with the chemical formula K2SO4. It is an ionic compound composed of potassium cations (K+) and sulfate anions (SO42-). It occurs naturally in minerals like glaserite and syngenite.

Káliumszulfát is highly soluble in water and has a characteristic slightly bitter taste. It is not hygroscopic, meaning it does not readily absorb moisture from the air. This property makes it useful for applications where clumping is undesirable.

The primary use of káliumszulfát is as a fertilizer. It is a valuable source of both potassium and sulfur, two essential nutrients for plant growth. Unlike potassium chloride, another common potassium fertilizer, káliumszulfát is suitable for plants that are sensitive to chloride, such as tobacco, citrus, and potatoes. The sulfur it provides is also crucial for protein synthesis and enzyme activity in plants.

Industrially, káliumszulfát can be produced through various methods, including the reaction of potassium chloride with sulfuric acid or by processing naturally occurring sulfate deposits. It has limited applications beyond agriculture, though it can be found in some glass manufacturing processes and as a component in certain pharmaceuticals.

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