Potassium Bicarbonate

Introduction

$\mathrm{KHCO_3}$ have an IUPAC name and it is potassium hydrogen carbonate. In a condition of standard, the compound exists as a solid and it is white in colour. It is also called a mono-potassium salt of the acid of carbon or carbonic acid having the formula of $\mathrm{H_2CO_3}$. It has the same nature as sodium bicarbonate and is called alkaline in nature.

Definition: Potassium Bicarbonate

Potassium is a chemical element and potassium bicarbonate is one of its compounds. Bicarbonate of potassium is an inorganic compound having a specific chemical formula. It is a salty substance and slightly alkaline as well as crystalline in nature. The bicarbonate anion and potassium cation mainly made this compound of potassium bicarbonate.

It is also called a mineral that is alkaline in nature and it is easily available in the form of supplements. It helps in treating the deficiency of potassium and is applied for preventing low blood potassium. Other names of it are potassium acid carbonate and potassium hydrogen carbonate.

Structure of Potassium Bicarbonate

The most common feature of the molecules of this bicarbonate is the ionic bond and it is between $\mathrm{K^+}$ and $\mathrm{HCO_3^{–}}$ ions. The structure is described below

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Figure 1: Structure of Potassium bicarbonate

The ions of bicarbonate are created when the acid of carbon undergoes the process of deprotonation. It is a polyatomic ion and it is prepared from an atom of central carbon. It is bonded chemically to three atoms of oxygen and among them; one is bonded to the atom of hydrogen. The resonance here helps in localising the magnitude’s charge.

Preparation of Potassium Carbonate

The solution of the aqueous of the potassium carbonate when came into reaction with the carbon dioxide formed $\mathrm{KHCO_3}$. It bears the chemical equation:

$\mathrm{CO_2 + K_2CO_3 + H_2O\:\rightarrow\:2KHCO_3}$

This compound is made with the standard enthalpy of -963.2 kilojoules per mole. It is heated at a temperature of 120°C and it then undergoes a process of decomposition reaction to produce water, potassium carbonate, as well as carbon dioxide.

Properties of Potassium Bicarbonate $\mathrm{(KHCO_3)}$

Chemical properties

Some important properties that are chemical in nature are described below

• The compound created salt of potassium when reacts with acid. An example of this factor is that the reaction of this compound with hydrochloric acid produces potassium chloride.

• It creates a chemical reaction and it is

$\mathrm{HCl + KHCO_3\:\rightarrow\:KCl + CO_2 + H_2O}$

• It cannot be soluble in alcohols and other organic solvents.

Physical properties

• It remains in the form of crystals at room temperature and it is white in colour.

• It is called an odourless compound.

• It is soluble in water at 20°C temperature having the solubility of 22.4g/100mL.

• This compound’s acidity mainly corresponds to 10.329.

Benefits Of Potassium Bicarbonate

Some benefits of this compound are that it has wide use in controlling powdery mildew. Some benefits are included below:

• It is a component most of the chemical fire extinguishers.

• It is also called the baking process's leavening agent because it can liberate $\mathrm{CO_2}$.

• $\mathrm{KHCO_3}$ has several applications in the regulations of pH.

• $\mathrm{KHCO_3}$ is mainly used as an agent of buffering for controlling the pH level in different medications.

• In the process of winemaking, it is applied as an additive as it is able in regulating the level of pH.

• This compound can also be applied for improving the taste of club soda.

• It assists in neutralising the acidic soils for the promotion of agriculture.

Side Effects of Potassium Bicarbonate

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Figure 2: Side effects of Potassium bicarbonate

Potassium bicarbonate also has some adverse effects and it can be serious sometimes. This compound shows some side effects and if the effects are serious then there are some risk factors including it.

• It is seen that potassium bicarbonate increases the levels of potassium and can be unsafe also. It can be harmful when taken with some products that contain potassium. It can be the reason for several symptoms and they include nausea, anxiety, rashes, diarrhoea, vomiting, as well as tingling in the feet.

• $\mathrm{KHCO_3}$ can also create some other side effects and including confusion, chest pain, black-coloured stool, severe weakness in the body.

• There is also a problem with the regulation of the heartbeat as well as cramps in the abdomen, and difficulty in breathing.

• A person can experience side effects of this bicarbonate.

Therefore, it is seen that although $\mathrm{KHCO_3}$ have different applications, it also has some adverse effects.

Conclusion

This tutorial shows that $\mathrm{KHCO_3}$ is a kind of salty substance and it is alkaline in nature. This compound is crystalline as well as white in colour. It is made through the passage of carbon dioxide by a solution that is aqueous in nature. This compound has different uses and it is applied in medicines as a form of an antacid. It presents that Potassium bicarbonate is a salt of potassium having different properties.

(FAQs)

Q1. Which compound is better- potassium bicarbonate or potassium citrate?

Ans. Here potassium bicarbonate helps in reducing Ca excretion for the therapy of the long-term problem. On the other hand, Potassium citrate gives an alkali load that is short compared to potassium bicarbonate.

Q2. How does potassium bicarbonate differ from potassium?

Ans. Potassium is called a macro-element and it falls under the category of the seven essential macro-minerals. It assists in nerve as well as muscle contract whereas potassium bicarbonate helps in treating the low potassium level.

Q3. How do potassium carbonate and potassium bicarbonate differ?

Ans. The difference between these two factors is that the molecules of potassium bicarbonate consist of one atom of hydrogen. On the other hand, the molecules of potassium carbonate do not have any hydrogen atoms.