What is Potassium carbonate?
[[File:Potassium carbonate.jpg|thumb|Potassium carbonate]] '''Potassium carbonate''', also known as '''[[potash]]''' or '''pearl ash''', is a [[chemical compound]]. It is made of [[potassium]] and [[carbonate]] [[ion]]s. Its chemical formula is K<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>. ==Properties== Potassium carbonate is a white solid. It dissolves in water. It is similar to [[sodium carbonate]]. It reacts with [[acid]]s to make [[carbon dioxide]] and a potassium [[salt]]. It does not dissolve in [[alcohol]]. It is [[base (chemistry)|basic]]. It is a mild drying agent. ==Preparation== It is made by the reaction of [[carbon dioxide]] with [[potassium hydroxide]]. ==Uses== It is used to soften water (remove some of the ions from water) and make [[soap]]. It is used to put out fires. It can be used as an [[electrolyte]] to [[electrolysis|electrolyze]] water. ==Related pages== *[[Sodium carbonate]] *[[Sodium bicarbonate]] *[[Sodium hydroxide]] [[Category:Potassium compounds]] [[Category:Carbonates]]