Potassium Sulphate

Description:

Potassium Sulphate (K₂SO₄) is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. It is a key source of potassium and sulfur, making it an essential fertilizer in agriculture. The compound is widely used where soils are deficient in these nutrients and in crops that are sensitive to chlorine, as it is chloride-free. Apart from agriculture, Potassium Sulphate is also used in industrial applications such as glass manufacturing and as a reagent in laboratories.

Key Properties:

• Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water (11.1 g/100 mL at 20°C)
• Molar Mass: 174.26 g/mol
• Density: 2.66 g/cm³
• Melting Point: 1067°C
• Odor: Odorless
• pH: 5.5 to 8.5 (in a 5% aqueous solution)

Applications:

1. Agriculture:
   • Fertilizer: Known as Sulfate of Potash (SOP), Potassium Sulphate is widely used as a fertilizer to provide potassium and sulfur. It is especially important for crops that are sensitive to chloride, such as tobacco, potatoes, and some fruits and vegetables.
   • Nutrient Content: Contains about 50% potassium (as K2O) and 18% sulfur, which makes it highly effective for promoting root development, improving drought tolerance, and enhancing crop quality.
2. Food Processing:
   • Food Additive (E515): Used as a food additive in some processed foods, primarily as a source of potassium or to regulate acidity.
3. Industrial Applications:
   • Glass Manufacturing: Potassium Sulphate is used in the production of specialty glass, including optical lenses and cathode ray tubes, to improve quality and clarity.
   • Laboratory Reagent: It is often used as a reagent in analytical chemistry for standardizing solutions and in various other chemical reactions.
4. Pharmaceuticals:
   • Used in the formulation of various medications as a potassium supplement or as an excipient in drug formulations.
5. Water Treatment:
   • Sometimes used in water treatment processes to balance potassium levels in treated water or to act as a flocculant.

Advantages:

• Chloride-Free: Ideal for crops sensitive to chloride, making it preferable to Potassium Chloride (Muriate of Potash) in certain agricultural applications.
• Dual Nutrient Source: Provides both potassium and sulfur, which are essential nutrients for plant growth and development.
• High Solubility: Easily dissolves in water, making it suitable for liquid fertilizers or drip irrigation systems.

Handling and Storage:

• Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Keep the container tightly sealed and protected from moisture.
• Shelf Life: Stable under recommended storage conditions.
• Handling Precautions: Avoid inhaling dust. Use protective gear such as gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask when handling in large quantities. In case of skin or eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water.