What is Potassium Used For?

Potassium is a metallic element that belongs to the group of alkali metals in the periodic table. It is denoted by the letter K. Physically, it is a soft substance with a silvery-white color. Chemically, it is a highly reactive element and readily undergoes oxidation when it comes in contact with air and changes into gray color. It reacts vigorously with water to form hydrogen gas and releases a large amount of energy.

Uses of Potassium and its Compounds

Potassium cannot be kept in free elemental state due to its high reactivity. Hence, we find that the compounds of potassium are being used more commonly. Following are some of the uses of potassium and its compounds:

• Potassium in its vaporous state is used in magnetometers, an instrument meant for measuring the direction and the strength of magnetic fields. It is used in the making of an alloy with sodium called NaK (or "nack"). At room temperature, this alloy is found in the liquid form and are being used as a medium of heat-transfer. It is a good drying agent and helps in the production of moisture-free and air-free solvents.
• Potassium chloride is widely used in making fertilizers. It acts as a raw material in the preparation of potassium metal. It has medicinal values and is used for the treatment of hypokalemia. It can be used as an alternative for table salt by patients of hypertension.
• Potassium permanganate has strong oxidizing properties. Therefore, it is used for removal of iron from water. It is a good disinfectant and is used for the treatment of various fungal infections of the hands and feet. It acts as a reagent in the synthesis process of organic compounds like ascorbic acid, saccharine, etc.
• Potassium hydroxide is often used for the purpose of controlling pH value of acidic substances in several industries. Potassium hydroxide reacts with fats and oils to give soap. It has been used for the preparation of various potassium salts.
• When potassium reacts with elements of the halogen group, then it leads to the formation of halides like potassium chloride, potassium iodide, etc. These ionic salts, when used in photographic emulsion help in making of the photosensitive compound, silver halides.
• Potassium nitrate is commonly known as saltpeter. The most vital use of this chemical compound is as a fertilizer. It is also present in gunpowder.
• Potassium cyanide has the ability to dissolve metals like gold, silver and copper. Hence, it is used in gold mining or during the electroplating process of these metals.
• Potassium chromate has a number of uses. It includes making of inks, dyes, matches, fireworks and also for tanning of leather.
• The common name of potassium carbonate is potash, which is useful in the production of glass and soap.
• Potassium chlorate is used in agriculture as a weedkiller. It is also used in safety matches.
• Potassium nitrate is useful in the glass industry. It aids in making the glass tougher than normal.
• Silvering of mirrors are done with the help of sodium tartrate, also called Rochelle salt.

As seen above, potassium has numerous uses. Reaction of elemental potassium and water gives out so much of heat, that it can ignite the hydrogen gas produced during the reaction. Also, a potassium fire cannot be extinguished with the help of water. There are only some dry chemicals that can be used for putting out the fire. Hence, it is very essential to handle potassium with great care.