Potassium bicarbonate
General Product Information
| Article | Potassium bicarbonate |
| Synonyms | E501(ii), Potassium hydrogencarbonate, Potassium acid carbonate |
| CAS No. | 298-14-6 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 206-059-0 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 28364000 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Potassium bicarbonate is a white, crystalline powder used in numerous industrial and commercial Applications. It acts as a mild alkaline agent and is highly soluble in water. This compound is often used as a buffer, acidity regulator or source of potassium. Its low toxicity and environmentally friendly profile make it a popular alternative to sodium bicarbonate in Applications where a reduced sodium content is desired.
Characteristics
- Odor: –
- Hygroscopic: Yes.
- Color: White.
- Grade: Food.
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water; insoluble in ethanol.
- Taste: –
- Shape: Crystalline powder.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | KHCO3 |
| Molar Weight | 100.12 g/mol |
| Melting Point | Decomposes at Approx. 292°C (no melting point) |
| Boiling Point | – |
| Density | 2.17 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | Approx. 8.2 (on 1% solution) |
Interessing Links
- Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) – Guidelines and standards for food additives and ingredients.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – For chemical information and regulations.
- European Food Information Council (EFIC)
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Information on the safety and uses of food additives and ingredients.
- PubChem – Potassium Bicarbonate – Chemical information by the National Library of Medicine der National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH-NCBI).
- Wikipedia – Potassium bicarbonate
Applications
Potassium bicarbonate is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Food Industry
Used as a raising agent, acidity regulator and stabilizer in bakery products. In food products, it is referred to as food additive E501(ii).
2. Pharmaceutical Industry
Potassium bicarbonate is used as an antacid and potassium supplement, especially at patients with potassium deficiency or as an acidity regulator in acidifying blood.
3. Agriculture
In organic Agriculture, it is used as a fungicide to control powdery mildew on grapes, vegetables and fruits. The product is approved for use in organic cultivation under EU regulations.
4. Chemical Industry
Applied as a pH buffer in laboratories, in production processes and as a raw material for the synthesis of other potassium compounds.
5. Fire Extinguishers
In some dry-chemistry fire extinguishers, potassium bicarbonate is used as an extinguishing agent because of its ability to chemically interrupt the combustion reaction.