Potassium Chloride
Introduction
Potassium chloride is a metal halide salt comprising of potassium (K) and chlorine (Cl). The chemical formula is KCl. It is also known by other names such as Sylvite, Muriate of Potash.
Properties
Potassium Chloride is a colorless, odorless, white crystalline solid. It is highly soluble in water. The density of KCl is 1.98 g/ml . It has high melting point (770 °C )and boiling point (1420 °C).
CAS number : 7447 – 40 – 7
Chemical formula : KCl
Molecular Weight : 74.55 g/ml
IUPAC name : Potassium Chloride
Packaging : 25/50 kg bags , HDPE polyliner inside
Storage : Tightly packed containers
Uses and Applications
Fertilizer Industry
As the growth of plants is restricted by availability of potassium, major production of KCl is used for making fertilizer called Potash.
Medical Use
Potassium is a vital element in human body and its salt i.e. KCl is used to treat low blood pressure. KCl is listed as safe and essential medicine by WHO needed in health systems.
Culinary Use
It can be used salt substitute for food but due to its bitter taste, it is mixed with ordinary salt (Sodium Chloride) to improve taste and form low sodium salt.
other industrial uses
It is used in food processing, scientific applications, soap manufacturing. It is used as a supplement in animal feed to boost nutrient in the feed. It is also used as flux in Glass industries.