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Intro to Potassium sulfate


Potassium sulfate (K2SO4) (in British English potassium sulphate, also called sulphate of potash, arcanite, or archaically known as potash of sulfur) is a non-flammable white crystalline salt which is soluble in water. The chemical is commonly used in fertilizers, providing both potassium and sulfur. Potassium sulfate (K2SO4) has been known since early in the 14th century, and it was studied by Glauber, Boyle and Tachenius. In the 17th century, it was named arcanuni or sal duplicatum, as it was a combination of an acid salt with an alkaline salt. It was also known as vitriolic tartar and Glaser's salt or sal polychrestum Glaseri after the pharmaceutical chemist Christopher Glaser who prepared it and used medicinally. The principal use of potassium sulfate is as a fertilizer. K2SO4 does not contain chloride, which can be harmful to some crops. Potassium sulfate is preferred for these crops, which include tobacco and some fruits and vegetables. Crops that are less sensitive may still require potassium sulfate for optimal growth if the soil accumulates chloride from irrigation water. The crude salt is also used occasionally in the manufacture of glass. Potassium sulfate is also used as a flash reducer in artillery propellant charges. It reduces muzzle flash, flareback and blast overpressure. Potassium sulfate, the anhydrous crystals form a double six-sided pyramid, but are in fact classified as rhombic. They are transparent, very hard and have a bitter, salty taste. The salt is soluble in water, but insoluble in solutions of potassium hydroxide (sp. gr. 1.35), or in absolute ethanol. It melts at 1067 C.

1. Potential Health Effects

Eye: Dust may cause mechanical irritation. Skin: May cause skin irritation. Ingestion: Ingestion of large amounts may cause gastrointestinal irritation. Inhalation: May cause respiratory tract irritation.

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Chronic: Potassium poisoning may occur in rare cases of long exposure or ingestion.

2. Properties

Name:Potassium sulfate EINECS:231-915-5 Molecular Formula:K2SO4 CAS Registry Number:7778-80-5 InChI:InChI=1/2K.H2O4S/c;;1-5(2,3)4/h;;(H2,1,2,3,4)/q2*+1;/p-2 HS Code:31043000 Appearance:white crystalline powder Molecular Weight:174.24 Density:2.662 Boiling Point:1689C Melting Point:1067C Flash Point:1689 C Storage Temperature:Store at RT. Solubility:110 g/L (20 oC) in water Stability:Stable. Usage:Reagent in analytical chemistry, medicine, gypsum cements, alum mfr, food additive.

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