Potassium Sulfate
WHAT IS POTASSIUM SULFATE?
Potassium sulfate is an ionic compound made of two potassium atoms, one sulfur atom, and four oxygen atoms. It has the chemical formula K2SO4. Potassium sulfate is considered an inorganic compound because it does not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds. Potassium sulfate (K2SO4) is one of the mineral compounds. This substance is soluble in water and is usually used as a chemical fertilizer to supply potassium and sulfur needed by the soil. It is known by the commercial name of Sol Potash and is very effective in the growth of plants and fruits. Potassium sulfate has been known since the beginning of the 14th century, and its natural sources exist in the form of arcanite in nature and are relatively rare. Potassium sulfate is produced as a white, odorless, powdery or crystalline solid. Among the reactions of potassium sulfate, we can mention the acidification reaction, which is easily formed by the reaction of potassium sulfate with sulfuric acid. Potassium sulfate is also known by other names such as potassium sulfate, arcanite, dipotassium sulfate and dipotassium sulfuric acid salt.
- Product Name: Potassium Sulphate
- Chemical formula: K2SO4
- Chemical formula: K2SO4
- Packaging: 25 kg bag
Other names for potassium sulfate include:
- dipotassium sulfate
- sulfate of potash
- sulfuric acid dipotassium salt
- arcanum duplicatum
- sal polychrestum.
Potassium sulfate has been used since the 14th century. Several chemists such as Johann Glauber, Robert Boyle, and Otto Tachenius studied this compound and its behaviors. Potassium sulfate occurs naturally in some salt lakes. The Great Salt Lake in Utah provides a rich source of sulfate of potash. sulfate of potash is also found in some volcanic lavas. In nature, it is commonly combined with salts containing magnesium, sodium, and chloride. For example, sulfate of potash occurs naturally in the mineral langbeinite K2Mg2(SO4)3. Langbeinite can be reacted with potassium chloride to remove magnesium leaving sulfate of potash. The most common method of obtaining potassium sulfate uses naturally occurring potassium minerals such as kainite (KMg(SO4)Cl. 3H2O) and schoenite (K2Mg(SO4)2 6H2O) These minerals are mined, then rinsed with water and salt solutions to remove by products producing sulfate of potash.
HOW TO PRODUCE POTASSIUM SULFATE
The formula for producing potassium sulfate is based on a two-step reaction. With the explanation that potassium sulfate is synthesized from the combination of potassium chloride with sulfuric acid during a process similar to Mannheim. In the initial stage, according to the following reaction, potassium bisulfate compound is formed at room temperature and a lot of heat is released:
KCl + H2SO4 → HCl + KHSO4
The second stage of this reaction is an endothermic stage that requires energy input and the reaction proceeds according to the following formula and potassium sulfate is produced:
KCl + KHSO4 → HCl + K2SO4
HOW K2SO4 FORMED?
Potassium sulfate occurs naturally in some salt lakes like the Great Salt Lake in Utah. It is also found in some volcanic lavas. In nature, it is commonly combined with salts containing magnesium, sodium, and chloride. The most common method of obtaining sulfate of potash uses naturally occurring potassium minerals such as kainite and schoenite. These minerals are mined, then rinsed with water and salt solutions to remove byproducts producing sulfate of potash.
THE CONSUMPTION OF POTASSIUM SULFATE FERTILIZER
It is noteworthy that farmers and gardeners should determine and use the quantity and dosage according to their crops. Potassium sulfate fertilizer is used in liquid, powder or granular form for organic agriculture, arboriculture and horticulture. To enrich the soil, organic materials such as compost are added to potash fertilizer, which releases potassium as a result of decomposition.
WHAT IS POTASSIUM USED FOR FOR ?
About 8% of the sulfate of potash produced in the United States is added as a supplement in animal feeds. The remainder of sulfate of potash produced in the United States is used in the production of gypsum board and cement, synthesis of potassium aluminum sulfate, manufacturing of glass and ceramics, mixed with other compounds, and used as abrasives, production of dyes and lubricants. It is also used as a flash suppressant in explosives and pyrotechnics.
APPLICATION OF POTASSIUM SULFATE
Potassium sulfate is one of the most important chemical substances in agricultural industries, which is very effective in plant growth and soil strengthening. This product supplies the potassium required by the soil, which is one of the main elements (NPK) for growing and improving the quality of crops. The use of this product in drip irrigation systems and alkaline soils causes easy absorption of phosphate and other micronutrients due to the acidification of the soil around the roots.
Wheat, corn, alfalfa, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables and summer crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, peppers, etc. are among the products that need this substance. This compound is widely used in hydroponic cultivation. Potassium sulfate is used in a wide range of industries except agriculture, some of which are mentioned below:
- Lubricating agent
- Application in explosion propellants and blowing agents in rocket industries
- as a catalyst
- To accelerate the formation of hardness in plaster
- In dyeing and pigment production industries
- Glasswork
- As a raw material in the production of potassium persulfate
- Chemical applications and biotechnology uses
- Application in building materials for anhydrite gypsum and special gypsum
- Fillers
- As flavoring in the food industry
- Substitute table salt (sodium chloride)
- In the fire industry, in combination with potassium nitrate to create a purple flame
APPLICATION OF GRANULATED POTASSIUM SULFATE FERTILIZER
Based on the type of plant, the stage of growth it is in, as well as the specific needs and conditions of each plant, the time to use potassium sulphate fertilizer is different. The best time to use this chemical fertilizer to get the best results is to use it in the initial stages of growth and when planting the crop. But in order to absorb the potassium required by trees, it is better to apply fertilizers during the flowering or fruit growth stage, but the important point is that applying fertilizers in the autumn season is not suitable for sandy loam, sandy or organic soils because the possibility of fertilizer washing by a lot of rain.
BENEFITS OF POTASSIUM SULFATE IN AGRICULTURE
- Fertilization of saline soils, increase of potassium required by the soil and replacement of potassium chloride
- Reduction of soil chloride for fruits and vegetables sensitive to chloride ions
- Increasing sulfur in the soil
- Reducing the level of soil salinity
- It causes nutrient reserves in the roots of plants such as beets and carrots.
- It regulates plant transpiration.
- It leads to osmotic regulation, protein synthesis and enzyme activation in the plant.
- Resistant to drought, cold and fungal diseases in plants
- Improving the taste and appearance of fruits
POTASSIUM SULFATE FORMULA
The potassium atoms in sulfate of potash form ionic bonds with the polyatomic ion called sulfate. A polyatomic ion is a group of two or more atoms covalently bonded together carrying a positive or negative net charge. The sulfate ion (SO2)4 is made of one atom of sulfur covalently bonded to four atoms of oxygen. Sulfate carries a net charge of 2-. It is referred to as an anion since it carries a negative charge.
Potassium is located in group one of the periodic table. This means potassium has one valence electron. When potassium forms a bond, it will lose this valence electron and form a 1+.ion. In order to write the formula for sulfate of potash (K2SO4) the charges on potassium and sulfate are crossed as shown below. This produces the neutral compound K2SO4. In the formula forsulfate of potash K2SO4 there are two atoms of potassium, one sulfur atom, and four oxygen atoms.
POTASSIUM SULFATE PROPERTIES
The image below is a 3-D picture of potassium sulfate. Note there are two blue spheres representing the two potassium atoms in the compound. The red spheres represent oxygen atoms and the yellow sphere represents the sulfur atom.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- Colorless or white granular, crystalline, or powdery solid
- Odorless
- Bitter and salty taste
- Solid at room temperature
- Melting Point: 1069 degrees Celsius
- Vaporizes at 1689 degrees Celsius
- Molecular Weight: 174.26 g/mol
- Soluble in water
- Slightly soluble (able to be mixed) in glycerol
- Insoluble (does not mix) in ethyl alcohol, acetone, and many organic solvents
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
- Moderately toxic to humans when ingested
- Can be used to increase pH in soil
POTASSIUM SULFATE USES
FERTILIZER
Over 90% of the potassium sulphate produced in the United States is used in fertilizers. Plants need both potassium and sulfur in order to yield a maximum number of healthy crops. Potassium aids plants in activating enzyme reactions, synthesizing proteins, forming starch and sugars, and regulating the flow of water in both cells and leaves. When these nutrients are lacking in the soil, fertilizers must be used. sulphate of potash provides potassium for the plants. The sulfur found in sulfate of potash is also used as a nutrient by plants which is required for protein synthesis and proper enzyme function to occur.
Most conventional fertilizers use potassium chloride (KCl). Potassium chloride is much less expensive to produce and more soluble in water. This makes it a suitable fertilizer for irrigation and foliar spray (fertilizer sprayed on plants). Some crops such as coffee, tea, tobacco, citrus fruits, grapes, and potatoes are sensitive to chloride making sulfate of potash a more suitable fertilizer.
ANIMAL FEED
About 8% of the sulfate of potash produced in the United States is added as a supplement in animal feeds.
OTHER USES
The remainder of sulfate of potash produced in the United States is used for the following:
- Production of gypsum board and cement
- Synthesis of potassium aluminum sulphate
- Manufacturing of glass and ceramics
- Mixed with other compounds and used as abrasives
- Production of dyes and lubricants
- Used as a flash suppressant in explosives.
Potassium sulfate is widely used to reduce muzzle flash. Muzzle flash is a bright light produced from the muzzle of the gun when hydrogen in the propellant mixes with oxygen in the air. This flash can be undesirable if you are shooting in the dark and want to be hidden. Adding sulfate of potash to gunpowder can help reduce muzzle flash. sulfate of potash reduces the reactivity between hydrogen in the propellant gases and oxygen in the air.
The potassium element in sulphate of potash is used in pyrotechnics as it helps oxidize firework mixtures. Potassium compounds containing oxygen can increase oxygen levels providing a large explosion.
IS POTASSIUM SULFATE A SALT?
Potassium sulfate can be referred to as a salt. It s also known as potash, sulfuric acid dipotassium salt, arcanum duplicatum, and sal polychrestum.
IS POTASSIUM SULPHATE TOXIC?
Potassium sulfate has been shown to cause toxicity to animals when injected. However, sulfate of potash is used as a fertilizer in plants.
STORAGE CONDITIONS OF POTASSIUM SULFATE
- Store potassium sulphate in a cool, dry, dust-free place away from incompatible materials.
- When using this material, observe the necessary safety measures, such as wearing gloves and masks.
- This substance can cause irritation in contact with skin or eyes. Therefore, in this case, immediately wash the contact area with plenty of water.
- Avoid inhaling its particles, as it can irritate the respiratory system and lungs.
- Store potassium sulphate away from sunlight and in an air-conditioned environment.
- This mineral compound is found in a wide variety of organic foods, but not in baby food.
- You should pay attention to use potash fertilizer in the allowed amounts. Because in case of consuming unauthorized amounts, it can lead to plant damage and wilting.
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF POTASSIUM SULFATE
Product Name | POTASSIUM SULFATE |
---|---|
Molecular weight | 174.259 g/mol |
Appearance | White solid and odorless |
density | 2.66 grams per cubic centimeter |
melting point | 1069 degrees Celsius |
boiling point | 1689 degrees Celsius |
Solubility in water (grams per liter) | 111 (temperature 20 degrees Celsius) 120 (temperature 25 degrees Celsius) 240 (temperature 100 degrees Celsius) |
Dissolvability | Slightly soluble in glycerol Insoluble in acetone, alcohol and carbon disulfide |
Refractive index | 1.495 |
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