Products
Potassium hydrogen carbonate is available as a pure substance in pharmacies and drugstores. It is found in pharmaceuticals as an active ingredient and as an excipient. It is used less frequently than sodium hydrogen carbonate (baking soda).
Structure and properties
Potassium hydrogen carbonate (KHCO3, Mr = 100.1 g/mol) is a potassium salt of carbonic acid. It exists as a white crystalline powder or as colorless crystals and is readily soluble in water. Potassium carbonate is formed when heated:
- 2 KHCO3 (potassium hydrogen carbonate) K2CO3 (potassium carbonate) + CO2 (carbon dioxide) + H2O (water)
With acids, carbon dioxide is formed:
- KHCO3 (potassium hydrogen carbonate) + HCl (hydrochloric acid) KCl (potassium chloride) + H2O (water) + CO2 (carbon dioxide)
It can be produced by introducing carbon dioxide into a saturated solution of potassium carbonate:
- K2CO3 (potassium carbonate) + H2O (water) + CO2 (carbon dioxide) 2 KHCO3 (potassium hydrogen carbonate)
Fields of application
- For the prevention and treatment of potassium deficiency, in potassium effervescent tablets.
- In base powders.
- As an antacid for the treatment of stomach burns and acid regurgitation.
- As a pharmaceutical excipient, as an acidity regulator.
- As a reagent.
- Potassium hydrogen carbonate is used as a leavening agent, like potassium carbonate.
